Leonardo Royal Hotel Oxford is a modern hotel on the north-western side of the city, a little way out from the colleges. It offers reliable rooms, a restaurant and bar, and often more competitive rates than the historic centre. It suits visitors who plan day trips by road, such as Blenheim Palace and the Cotswolds, and who want straightforward comfort and easy access to the main routes out of the city.
Location and getting around
The hotel is a few miles from the centre of Oxford, so you will usually take a bus or taxi to reach the colleges. It is closer to the road toward Woodstock and Blenheim, which suits road trips. Check bus times in the evening, since late services can be less frequent, and consider a taxi for a night out in the centre.
Rooms and facilities
Rooms are in a modern style, with a mix of doubles, twins and family rooms. The hotel has a restaurant, a bar and free wi-fi, and parking is often easier than in the centre. As a chain hotel, the standard is consistent, but it lacks the historic character of the central properties.
Who it suits
It suits families, drivers and budget-aware travellers who are happy to trade a central address for lower prices and parking. It is not ideal if you want to walk everywhere or if you plan late evenings in the colleges. Compare the rate with the central options before booking, especially on dates when the city is busy and the price gap may be large.
Dining and atmosphere
The restaurant offers breakfast and dinner, and the bar is a casual meeting point for guests. Because the hotel is on the edge of the city, the surrounding area is mostly roads and offices rather than historic streets, so most guests plan to eat in the city centre or at the hotel.
Check the bus timetable and the last service back, and compare the price of a taxi with the savings on the room rate. Parking is useful if you are driving to Blenheim, the Cotswolds or Stratford, and the roads out of the city are easy to reach.
Families like the larger rooms, and business travellers appreciate the straightforward check-in. A stay here pairs well with a day trip by car, a visit to the museums by bus and an evening meal in Jericho or on the Woodstock Road before returning to a quiet room. Guests who want to see the city by bus should ask about the nearest stop and the first and last services, and those with a car should check the exit routes before the morning rush hour begins.
Why stay here
- ✓Restaurant and bar
- ✓Free Wi-Fi
- ✓Family rooms
- ✓Parking options
- ✓Breakfast available
- ✓Modern rooms
- ✓24-hour front desk
- ✓Road links to Woodstock
Good questions
Is Leonardo Royal in the city centre?+
No, it is on the north-western side of the city, so you will take a bus or taxi to the colleges.
Is it good for day trips?+
Yes, it is convenient for road trips toward Woodstock, Blenheim and the Cotswolds.
Does it have parking?+
Parking is usually available, but check availability and charges before you arrive.