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From219US$ /night
Check-in
20Dec2025Select date
Check-out
21Dec2025Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

17 Botley Road, Oxford, United Kingdom
-
Less than a five-minute walk to the city center
Great
8.2
8.4
/10
4.1
/5

Rooms & Accommodations

The River Hotel offers 20 individually decorated bedrooms across two buildings. All rooms include en-suite bathrooms with bath and shower, free Wi-Fi, USB sockets, flat-screen TVs with Freeview, hairdryers, and tea/coffee facilities. Some rooms provide views of the River Thames. Room configurations include standard doubles, twin rooms with two single beds, and family rooms with one double bed and one single bed. Two rooms have private bathrooms located across the corridor.

Dining & Breakfast

Breakfast is served daily in the river-view restaurant, featuring table service with freshly cooked English breakfast items and a cold buffet with cereals, yogurts, and fruit. The hotel does not offer lunch or dinner service, but numerous dining options are within walking distance, including The Punter pub on West Street with vegetarian options and various restaurants on George Street.

Location & Transportation

Located at 17 Botley Road on the banks of the River Thames, the hotel is a 5-minute walk from Oxford Rail Station (with direct service to London Paddington and Marylebone) and less than 10 minutes from Gloucester Green Bus Station. It sits opposite Osney Island Conservation Area and provides direct access to the Thames Path Trail. Key attractions within walking distance include the Ashmolean Museum (1.5 km), Christ Church College, Oxford Castle, and the city center (10-minute walk). Free on-site parking with CCTV is available.

Services & Facilities

Services include a staffed reception offering local travel advice, taxi bookings, and maps. The hotel provides luggage storage, wake-up calls, bicycle storage, and an honesty bar. Meeting rooms are available for small seminars. For families, cots are available for £10 per stay. The property features a garden leading to the river, a boot room for drying wet clothing, and storage for canoes and boats.

Local Activities & Access

Guests can walk along the Thames Path towpath to Port Meadow (20 minutes) or into Oxford city center. The hotel is ideal for Thames boaters with 48-hour moorings opposite. Golf is available at Hinksey Heights (10-minute drive). Staff can assist with travel plans to Blenheim Palace (8 miles away) and provide information on local events at venues like the Sheldonian Theatre and Holywell Music Room, both within 15 minutes' walk.

Must-do experiences

  • Stroll through the beautiful University Parks for a serene escape.
  • Enjoy a slice of Oxford's famous tarte au citron at The Handle Bar.
  • Visit the Ashmolean Museum for extraordinary art and history collections.
  • Explore the covered market for local delicacies and handmade crafts.
  • Take a guided walking tour to uncover Oxford's rich literary history.
View all

Choose the Room

From cosy doubles to spacious family suites – all with flexible options, breakfast, and exclusive deals.
Basic Single Room Private Bathroom
2 persons
9 m² 
1 Single bed
Shower
Heating
Basic Double Room Private Bathroom
2 persons
12 m² 
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
Standard Double Room Ensuite Bathroom
2 persons
12 m² 
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
Standard Single Room Ensuite Bathroom
2 persons
9 m² 
1 Single bed
Shower
Heating
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Check Dates & Room Rates

See what's available for your travel dates

Amenities

Thoughtfully designed amenities for a comfortable & memorable stay

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • On-site car park
  • Safe deposit box
  • VIP check-in/ -out
  • Concierge desk
  • No pets allowed
  • Security
  • Luggage storage
  • Smoke detectors
  • Electric vehicle charging station
  • Fire extinguishers

Sports & Fitness

  • Tennis court

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle

Services

  • Housekeeping
  • Welcome drink

Dining

  • Restaurant
  • Bar/ Lounge area

Business

  • Meeting/ Banquet facilities

Children

  • Cots
  • Board games

Spa & Leisure

  • Garden area
  • Leisure/ TV room

Room features

  • Free Wi-Fi in rooms
  • Heating
  • Garden furniture
  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Ironing facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Media

  • Flat-screen TV
  • AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
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Dining Onsite

River Hotel offers a delightful dining experience at its onsite restaurant, providing authentic British fare with options for special dietary needs like vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free. Begin the day with a thoughtfully prepared English breakfast, served in a welcoming atmosphere that emphasizes comfort and warmth.
River Hotel Oxford Restaurant photo
River Hotel Oxford Restaurant photo
River Hotel Oxford Restaurant photo

Restaurant #1

British
Ambiance
Cozy and inviting, with a focus on comfort and a friendly atmosphere, perfect for starting the day or enjoying a leisurely morning.
Key Offerings
Enjoy a well-cooked English breakfast, along with vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options, ensuring a satisfying start to the day.
Reservation
Not needed.
Open for breakfast; specific hours not listed.

Location

17 Botley Road, Oxford, United Kingdom
Map view
17 Botley Road, Oxford, United Kingdom
Nearby
University
Worcester College
520 m
Restaurants
Tumbling Bay Cafe
330 m
Botley Road West Oxford Community Centre
Platform 5 Oxford
410 m
Park End Street
Yellow Submarine
460 m
12 Park End Street
Fish4Lunch
930 m
Ferry Mills Osney Mead Unit 7
The Four Candles
760 m
51-53 George Street
The White Rabbit
900 m
21 Friars Entry
The Swan & Castle
900 m
Castle Street
Shawa
830 m
Queens Street Westgate Mall
Explore Oxford
Explore Oxford's Best
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Oxford Castle
13 minutes' walk
Historic castle with guided tours revealing its medieval past and vibrant architecture.
The Covered Market Oxford
13 minutes' walk
A lively market featuring local produce, unique shops, and various eateries in a quaint setting.
Pitt Rivers Museum
19 minutes' walk
Fascinating displays of cultural artifacts and natural history, showcasing global diversity.
Christ Church
20 minutes' walk
Iconic college and cathedral known for its stunning architecture and connections to Harry Potter.
Oxford Canal Walk
12 minutes' walk
Scenic canal walks ideal for leisurely strolls or cycling, offering beautiful views and nature.
Rock Climbing at Oxford Climbing Centre
10 minutes' drive
Indoor climbing facility suitable for all levels, with courses and rental gear available for thrill-seekers.
Yoga at the Oxford Centre
5 minutes' drive
Relaxing yoga classes in serene studio spaces, catering to beginners and experienced practitioners alike.
Tumbling Bay Cafe
4 minutes' walk
Charming café with a focus on fresh ingredients, serving breakfast, brunch, and delightful pastries.
Platform 5 Oxford
5 minutes' walk
Casual eatery with a cozy atmosphere, offering classic British dishes and artisan coffee.
Yellow Submarine
6 minutes' walk
Vibrant café emphasizing local ingredients, with vegetarian options and a fun dining experience.
The O2 Academy Oxford
15 minutes' walk
Live music venue hosting diverse acts, from indie bands to comedy nights, appealing to all ages.
Oxford Playhouse
15 minutes' walk
A historic theater offering a range of performances from drama to dance, perfect for cultural enthusiasts.
Getting around
City Centre
Oxford12 min  ·  1.0 km
Airports
Gloucestershire Airport (GLO)108 min  ·  72.0 km
London Heathrow Airport (LHR)125 min  ·  82.9 km
Bus
Bus stop3 min  ·  200 m
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 14:00-21:00
Check-out
until 11 am
Guest Parking
Paid Private parking is possible on site.
Internet
is available in for free.
Breakfast
The hotel River provides visitors with a free full breakfast. 
Children & extra beds
There are no cots provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Languages
German, Italian
Number of rooms:
16
Questions of the users
About River Hotel
Is there a fee for parking at the hotel?
10 November 2024
Parking is included with most room reservations, however, promotional rates may not always include this. It's advisable to confirm at the time of booking.
What should I do if I need to cancel my reservation?
15 December 2024
For cancellation assistance, please reach out to booking.com or contact the hotel directly for support with your booking.
Can guests store their luggage before check-in or after check-out?
20 February 2025
Yes, there is a secure luggage storage area available next to the reception for guests wishing to store their belongings.
What breakfast options will be available in 2024?
5 March 2024
Breakfast is offered daily in the River Restaurant with views of the Thames, featuring a buffet of cereals, fruits, and a cooked English breakfast made to order.
Is the hotel located within a Zero Emission Zone?
19 April 2025
The hotel is situated outside the pilot low emission zone in the center of Oxford, ensuring unrestricted access.
How far is the nearest train station from the hotel?
22 May 2024
Oxford Main Station is only a two-minute walk away, providing excellent rail connections to London and beyond.
Is parking available directly at the hotel?
13 June 2024
A large on-site car park is available for guests, and parking is complimentary with most room rates.
Are there dining options available during the evening?
30 July 2024
Dinner service is not provided at the hotel, but the reception can recommend various excellent dining establishments nearby.
What time does breakfast start in the restaurant?
1 August 2024
Breakfast service begins at 8:00 AM during weekdays, and special arrangements can be made for early departures.
How long does it take to walk to the Said Business School?
16 September 2025
The Said Business School is approximately a two to three-minute walk from the hotel, making it very accessible.
What kind of breakfast is served during health safety precautions?
8 October 2024
A well-presented table service breakfast is available with safe distancing measures, featuring freshly cooked options and a cold buffet.
Are theaters within walking distance from the hotel?
11 November 2024
Both the Oxford New Theatre and the Oxford Playhouse are located within a ten to fifteen-minute walk, making them easily accessible.
Is parking guaranteed for hotel residents?
25 December 2024
Yes, parking is guaranteed for residents, with ample space available in the hotel's secure car park.

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