Etain O'Carroll
Travel Writer
Etain O’Carroll is a freelance travel writer and photographer based in Oxford with a passion for wild places, human stories and how travel affects the world
Hotel Review
Tower House, Oxford
WHAT WE LOVE...
Set into Oxford's old city walls on a quiet street just a few footsteps from the action, Tower House couldn't be more central. A 17th-century former townhouse, its drunken floors and lopsided door frames add a bit of quirky charm to the tasteful contemporary styling. Pale colour schemes, pared-back design and a scattering of antiques among the upcycled and reclaimed furniture give the hotel a homely feel, and its social enterprise business model adds a feel-good factor to your stay. The building's thick walls and higgledy-piggledy layout mean the eight rooms vary a lot, and some share bathrooms, but the central location more than makes up for this.
Your expert reviewer
THE DETAILS
Location
We love the proximity of all the sights, shops, bars and restaurants - there's no need for taxis, buses or even practical shoes here!
Tower House is on a quiet backstreet, right in the heart of Oxford's historical centre. As well as shops and restaurants, nearby attractions include the Weston Library and the Radcliffe Camera.
By car: The hotel is 1 hour 30 mins from London, 1 hour 20 mins from Birmingham and 3 hours from Manchester. The Westgate multi-storey carpark is around 10 minutes' walk away and there are two other city centre car parks nearby.
By train: London Paddington or Marylebone to Oxford takes around 1 hour. The hotel is a 10-minute walk from the station. thetrainline.com
Style & Character
Short, tolerant types (there are some low ceilings!) who prefer a homely charm and central location to 24-hour service and extensive facilities. The sense of history, and the feeling of being part of the student hub with colleges and academics all around, is lovely.
Service & Facilities
We love the little touches, such as fresh flowers and homemade cookies, that you might expect in a more expensive hotel.
- Lounge
- Free Wi-Fi
- Daily housekeeping
Rooms
For its charm and college views, the bright, spacious Deluxe Double built into the semi-circular bastion of the original city walls is our favourite room. We love the quirky nature of the building as a whole - it's about as far removed from a chain hotel as you could possibly imagine.
Double Shared Bathroom, Standard Ensuite, Double Deluxe Ensuite
Facilities include: wash basin, toiletries, towels, hairdryer, flatscreen TV, free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee facilities
Food & Drink
Breakfast: Tower House is currently not offering breakfast in its room rates, but is close to a number of cafés and restaurants.
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Rooms available from £110 per night
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