6 Best Hotels in Oxford, The Thames Valley

Standards are high at this 15th-century stone manor house, the ultimate place for a gourmet getaway, where master-chef Raymond Blanc's epicurean touch shows at every turn, including in one of the country's finest kitchens. The idyllic, 30-acre retreat has a kitchen garden, where vegetables are grown for the restaurant. There's also a valley of wild mushrooms, an herb bed with 70 varieties as well as micro-herbs, an orchard stocked with more than 80 varieties of British apple trees, and a wildflower meadow. Although Let's Cook experiences and garden tours (weekdays only) are popular, and the impeccable dining experience is a big draw for many, the hotel—part of the Belmond collection—stands on its own, whether you're a foodie or not. The accommodations are separated into seven categories and spread out between the main house and garden courtyards. The layout of each room and suite is vastly different; one might be in a dovecote, another might have an Asian-inspired feel with bamboo wood and a scented steam room, and another a private terrace and marble bath. Dogs have their own heated kennels.

From the impressive collection of modern artwork throughout the hotel to the sleek furnishings in the guest rooms, this stately converted bank building displays contemporary style in a city that favors the traditional. Oxford's most centrally located hotel also holds the busy Quod Restaurant & Bar, serving creative salads and pizzas, as well as heartier dishes like duck confit.

Housed in what was a 19th-century prison, this high-concept boutique hotel remains true to its unusual history by showing off the original metal doors and exposed-brick walls. In the main guest wing, past the chic reception area, it is undeniably an old prison, albeit a stylishly lit one. Truth be told, this does take some getting used to; you half expect guests to bang their spoons on the white metal railings if breakfast isn't served on time. But fear not, the accommodations in the old cell block are quite luxurious and have modern bathrooms. Guest rooms in converted outbuildings on the other side of the old exercise yard (ominously called "The House of Correction") are smaller and a little plainer, although still modern and perfectly pleasant.

A 17th-century gabled stone house in a small garden next to St. Giles Church, the Old Parsonage is a dignified retreat. Dark red walls, eclectic art, and a crackling wood fire give the lobby a distinguished look. The guest rooms favor plum, purple, and gray with wool, linen, and velvet materials; bathrooms are rich with marble. Memorable meals by the fire (or in the walled garden terrace in summer) keep people coming back. Afternoon teas with scones and clotted cream are excellent.

The Graduate Hotels group took a 19th-century neo-Gothic landmark and gave it a top-down makeover, beautifully amplifying its Oxford heritage and incorporating such stylish guest-rooms touches as William Morris–esque wallpaper, quirky artwork, and nods to the likes of Oscar Wilde and Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. Some of the hip yet elegant, chic yet traditional accommodations have views of Oxford's spires. A tiled, vaulted spa offers pampering treatments designed to ease those travel-related aches. 

Chic interiors characterize this city-center boutique hotel that's a luxurious alternative to Oxford's more historic properties, offering not only first-class service but also a more contemporary approach to design, drinking, and dining. Rooms are airy, finding a balance between heritage and boutique modern with their soft, pale tones and wood floorboards. The stunning spa, Treadwell restaurant, rooftop terrace, and lobby bar will provide tempting distractions from the rest of Oxford's pleasures.