River Hotel Oxford Exterior photoRiver Hotel Oxford Exterior photoRiver Hotel Oxford Exterior photo
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From222US$ /night
Check-in
08May2026Select date
Check-out
09May2026Select 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 east
Great
8.3
8.5
/10
4.4
4.4
/5

Location

The River Hotel is located just a 10-minute walk from Oxford city centre. It sits along the banks of the River Thames, providing quick access to the Thames Path Trail. Nearby attractions include the Said Business School, which is only 100 meters away, and Westgate Shopping Centre, within easy walking distance.

Parking

The hotel offers ample free on-site car parking, secured with CCTV surveillance for guest safety. Guests can leave their vehicles parked while exploring the city on foot. This unique amenity alleviates parking concerns common in Oxford.

Dining

Breakfast is served in the River Restaurant, which overlooks the garden and the River Thames. The meal includes a cold buffet complemented by freshly cooked items made to order. Careful attention is given to the quality of ingredients and service.

Rooms

The hotel consists of 20 individually decorated rooms, each equipped with en-suite bathrooms. Many rooms offer views of the River Thames, allowing guests to enjoy scenic landscapes during their stay. Recent renovations ensure that all accommodations meet modern guest standards.

Business Amenities

A meeting room is available for small seminars and meetings, accommodating various business needs. The reception staff offers local maps, guidebooks, and brochures to aid guest orientation in the area. The proximity to business venues along the River Thames enhances convenience for corporate travelers.

Highlights

Location: 10-minute walk from Oxford city centre

Parking: Ample on-site car parking, CCTV surveillance

Dining: Breakfast served in the River Restaurant

Rooms: 20 individually decorated rooms with en-suite bathrooms

Business: Meeting room available for small seminars

“In my opinion, its proximity to both the train station and central Oxford makes this hotel a practical choice. While some aspects may feel a bit timeworn, the staff's helpfulness shines. If a convenient location and warm service are priorities, it's worth considering.”
Hotel logo
Olivia SmithEditor-in-Chief at Cheaphotels
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Select your room type

The hotel provides a selection of rooms—doubles, family rooms, and suites—with perks like free cancellation, breakfast options, and great value deals
Single Room Private Bathroom Non En-suite
2 persons
100 sq. feet 
1 Single bed
Shower
Heating
Double Room Private Bathroom Non En-suite
2 persons
130 sq. feet 
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
Standard Double Room Ensuite Bathroom
2 persons
130 sq. feet 
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
Standard Single Room Ensuite Bathroom
2 persons
100 sq. feet 
1 Single bed
Shower
Heating
Click button to see more rooms
Show all rooms
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Room rates & availability calendar

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Amenities & services

Real traveler stories and honest reviews—no glossy ads, just authentic feedback to guide your booking
Facilities: Very good
7.9/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Parking
  • 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 features a delightful dining option that showcases the heartwarming flavors of British cuisine. Ideal for guests seeking a hearty start to their day, the establishment is characterized by its welcoming atmosphere and accessibility to the city's vibrant center.
River Hotel Oxford Restaurant photo
River Hotel Oxford Restaurant photo
River Hotel Oxford Restaurant photo

Restaurant #1

British
Ambiance
Cozy and inviting, perfect for a relaxed breakfast experience.
Key Offerings
Indulge in a well-cooked and beautifully presented English breakfast, with options available for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free preferences.
Reservation
Not needed.
Open for breakfast; hours vary.

River Hotel Location

17 Botley Road, Oxford, United Kingdom
Map view
17 Botley Road, Oxford, United Kingdom
Nearby
University
Worcester College
1800 ft
Restaurants
Tumbling Bay Cafe
1100 ft
Botley Road West Oxford Community Centre
Platform 5 Oxford
1400 ft
Park End Street
Yellow Submarine
1600 ft
12 Park End Street
Fish4Lunch
3100 ft
Ferry Mills Osney Mead Unit 7
The Four Candles
2500 ft
51-53 George Street
The White Rabbit
3000 ft
21 Friars Entry
The Swan & Castle
3000 ft
Castle Street
Shawa
2800 ft
Queens Street Westgate Mall
Explore Oxford
Explore Oxford
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Oxford Castle
13 minutes' walk
Historic site with a 1,000-year history, guided tours reveal its medieval secrets and stunning views from the top.
Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology
19 minutes' walk
The oldest public museum in the UK, showcasing global art and historical artifacts with free admission.
The Covered Market Oxford
13 minutes' walk
Vibrant market with fresh produce, local crafts, and specialty foods. A great spot for unique souvenirs.
Oxford University Museum of Natural History
19 minutes' walk
Fascinating exhibits on natural history, including dinosaur skeletons. Ideal for families and keen learners.
Oxford Canal Walks
12 minutes' walk
Scenic walking or biking along the canal. Bike rentals available nearby; perfect for leisure and exercise.
Pitt Rivers Museum
19 minutes' walk
Cultural immersion with extensive collections of anthropology. Offers family-friendly activities and events.
St Johns College Gardens
10 minutes' walk
Relaxing green space with beautiful architecture and tranquil gardens, ideal for unwinding.
Thames River Cruises
2-minute drive
Thrilling boat rides on the Thames, with various scenic tours. Book in advance during tourist season.
Platform 5 Oxford
5 minutes' walk
Casual eatery known for its local flavor and great coffee. Popular with travelers and locals alike.
Fish4Lunch
12 minutes' walk
Cozy seafood spot serving fresh fish and chips. Vegetarian options available; casual and inviting atmosphere.
Yellow Submarine
6 minutes' walk
Charming café offering a range of pastries, snacks, and drinks. Family-friendly, great for a quick bite.
The Four Candles
10 minutes' walk
Atmospheric pub with hearty British food and local ales. Reservations recommended due to popularity.
The O2 Academy
16 minutes' walk
Popular venue for live music and events. Hosts a variety of genres, ideal for nightlife enthusiasts.
The Ultimate Picture Palace
18 minutes' walk
Charming independent cinema showcasing indie films and classics. Offers family-friendly screenings.
The Playhouse
5 minutes' drive
Local theatre with a diverse program of plays and performances. Perfect for culture lovers.
The Bullingdon
15 minutes' walk
Lively bar with a fun atmosphere, hosts weekly trivia nights and live DJ events. Great for socializing.
Getting around town
City Centre
Oxford12 min  ·  3300 ft
Airports
Gloucestershire (GLO)108 min  ·  44.7 mi
London Heathrow (LHR)125 min  ·  51.5 mi
Bus
Bus stop3 min  ·  700 ft
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Check Rates
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
Wireless internet is available in the hotel rooms 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

Reviews and Ratings

What past guests shared about their stay
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
The River Hotel is often praised for its convenient location near Oxford's city center, making it easy to reach attractions and the rail station. Guests frequently enjoy the delicious and plentiful breakfast served in the lovely dining room, sometimes with a view of the Thames. The spacious rooms and bathrooms are commonly appreciated, and some found the mid-century modern decor quirky and cool. While a few guests have noted that some aspects of the rooms could use updating, many find the experience offers good value.
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Review score
Based on 371 verified reviews
8.1/10
Great
85%
Recommend
Staff
9.4/10
Location
9.3/10
Facilities
7.9/10
Value for money
8.1/10
Pros
Friendly staff
Excellent breakfast
Ideal location
Cons
Dated decor
Small room
Guest reviews
based on 371 reviews
8.1/10
based on 774 reviews
8.3/10
Jessica from Australia
Single
Standard Double Room Ensuite Bathroom
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:February 10, 2026
9/10

Comfortable Stay Near the Centre

convenient locationsecure parkingbright dining roomfresh flowers
The location offered convenient access to the rail station. The parking at the rear of the hotel provided security. The dining room was bright with well-spaced tables. The fresh flowers added a nice touch.
The room lacked a refrigerator.
Facilities
9/10
Breakfast includes cereals, fresh fruits, juices, tea and coffee. A menu offers additional choices and a cooked breakfast. Toast and preserves are also available with breakfast service. This service is quite attentive.
0 Helpful
|
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Benjamin from United States
Standard Double Room Ensuite Bathroom
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:January 15, 2026
9/10
wide arrayfree parking
i stayed in a standard double room ensuite bathroom it was clean. the breakfast included a wide array of choices and i appreciated it. the parking on site was free i found it convenient.
the television in the room was very tiny
0 Helpful
David from United Kingdom
Couple
Standard Double Room Ensuite Bathroom
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:December 24, 2025
6/10
satisfactory breakfastabsent heatingloose handle
The breakfast provided was a satisfactory start to the day.
The bathroom lacked any heating, resulting in a very cold experience after showering. The handle on the inside of the bathroom door was also loose, requiring extra care when closing the door.
0 Helpful
Oscar from United Kingdom
Single
Standard Single Room Ensuite Bathroom
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:December 15, 2025
6/10
central locationsmall roomuncomfortable bedold bathroom
the location was acceptable, near the main attractions.
the room was small. the bed was not comfortable. the bathroom looked old and needed maintenance.
0 Helpful
Naomi L from Canada
Single
standard double room ensuite bathroom
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:December 01, 2025
8.5/10

fantastic stay near the city!

breakfast varietytrain stationcomfortable bedoutdated decor
the breakfast included was a treat. (i especially loved the variety of fresh fruit!). the hotel's proximity to the main train station was convenient, and the city center was within easy walking distance. the bed was also very comfortable, a real plus after a long day of exploring.
the room decor seemed a bit outdated, needing a refresh to match the otherwise lovely experience.
Facilities
9/10
the hotel features car parking, quite useful if you are travelling by car. coffee making facilities are available, great for a quick refreshment. the lounge area is a relaxing space to unwind after a day of sightseeing.
Rooms
8/10
the room included one bath towel and one hand towel, providing essential comfort. the shower worked well, offering a refreshing experience. the bed was comfy, which ensured a solid night's sleep for me (i value good rest).
0 Helpful
|
Show more
Daniel from United Kingdom
Single
standard double room ensuite bathroom
3 nights in October 2025
|
Reviewed:November 04, 2025
7/10
delicious breakfastquaint dining roomhigh pricebudget place
the location was great it was easy to find and park i also enjoyed the delicious breakfast i ate in the quaint dining room
the price was high for the facilities and room the room was what i would expect in a budget place
0 Helpful
FAQs
About River Hotel
What is the distance from River Hotel to the University of Oxford?
River Hotel is located 2 km from the University of Oxford.
How far is River Hotel from the Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology?
The hotel is less than 1 km from the Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology.
Does River Hotel offer free Wi-Fi for its guests?
Complimentary Wi-Fi is available in all rooms at the hotel.
What dining options are available at River Hotel?
The hotel features an on-site restaurant serving traditional English breakfast and other dietary options.
What are the check-in and check-out times at River Hotel?
Check-in is from 14:00 and check-out is by 11:00.
What room amenities does River Hotel provide?
Rooms include a flat-screen TV, desk, tea/coffee making equipment, and some offer views of the garden and River Thames.
Which attractions are within walking distance of River Hotel?
Key attractions such as the Bodleian Library and the Museum of the History of Science are less than 2 km away.
What nearby restaurants can guests find when staying at River Hotel?
Guests can enjoy dining at nearby restaurants like Dosa Park (0.5 km) and The Punter (0.5 km).
What recreational activities are available near River Hotel?
The hotel provides access to river walks and is conveniently located for launching canoes on the River Thames.
How far is River Hotel from London Heathrow Airport?
London Heathrow Airport is 81 km away from the hotel.

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Check-in
08May2026Select date
Check-out
09May2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room