The Cotswold Lodge Hotel stands on Banbury Road in North Oxford, in a Victorian building with a garden and a restaurant. The area is green and residential, with large Victorian houses and tree-lined streets, and it is a pleasant walk or short bus ride to the centre of the city. Guests who want a calm base outside the busiest streets, and who like a traditional hotel with good rooms, find it a comfortable choice.
Location and getting around
The hotel is about a mile from the Bodleian and Radcliffe Square, which is a walk of around twenty minutes or a short bus ride along the Banbury Road. Buses run frequently to the centre and to the railway station. The area includes the University Parks and Summertown, which have cafes and shops, and the hotel is a good base for walks along the river.
Rooms and facilities
Rooms are generally larger than in the historic centre, with a mix of styles from standard doubles to family rooms, and the hotel has a restaurant, a bar and a garden. Parking is usually easier than in the centre, which can be an advantage for guests with cars. Check the room types before booking, because older buildings can have variations in layout.
Who it suits
It suits families, drivers and visitors who prefer a quieter location and more space. Taxis and buses make the trip to the centre easy, and the savings on room cost can be worthwhile. It is less suitable if you want to walk to the colleges and back several times a day, or if you plan late nights in the centre. Book early for graduation weekends and summer.
Dining and atmosphere
The restaurant offers a traditional menu, and the garden is a pleasant place for a drink in good weather. The atmosphere is relaxed, with a mix of leisure guests, families and business visitors. Because the hotel is set back from the centre, evenings tend to be quiet, and many guests take a taxi into town for a late dinner. Check the room descriptions for a garden view, which gives a restful outlook.
There are frequent buses along the Banbury Road to the centre, and taxis are easy to find. Cyclists can use the cycle path into the centre in about ten minutes. A stay here pairs well with a morning walk in the University Parks, an afternoon at the museums on Parks Road and an evening in the bars of Summertown, which has independent shops and cafes along the main road.
Why stay here
- ✓Victorian building
- ✓Restaurant and bar
- ✓Garden
- ✓Breakfast available
- ✓Free Wi-Fi
- ✓Parking options
- ✓Family rooms
- ✓Bus links to the centre
Good questions
How far is Cotswold Lodge from the centre?+
About a mile, a twenty minute walk or a short bus ride along the Banbury Road.
Is parking easier here than in the centre?+
Usually yes, but check availability and charges with the hotel before you arrive.
Is it a quiet area?+
Yes, North Oxford is leafy and residential, and quieter than the High Street.