Vanbrugh House Hotel occupies a handsome eighteenth-century townhouse on St Michaels Street in the heart of Oxford. It is a small, friendly hotel with period features and a central location that puts the Bodleian, the Covered Market and the shopping streets within a few minutes' walk. Visitors who want a historic building without paying the highest prices often choose it as a base.
Location and getting around
The hotel is about five minutes from Radcliffe Square and the Covered Market, and a similar distance from Cornmarket Street and the Westgate shopping centre. The railway station is about a fifteen minute walk. The area is lively in the evening because of the nearby pubs and restaurants.
Rooms and facilities
Rooms are individually styled in a traditional manner, ranging from smaller doubles to larger rooms, and the hotel serves breakfast. Facilities are modest compared with larger hotels, so expect a small lounge rather than a spa or gym. Because the building is historic, there may be stairs without a lift, and guests with mobility needs should check access before booking.
Who it suits
It suits independent travellers and couples who want character and a central address at a reasonable price. It is not designed for large families or for guests wanting extensive facilities. Book early for popular weekends, and ask about quieter rooms if you are sensitive to evening noise from the street. The central location makes it easy to walk everywhere.
Dining and atmosphere
The hotel serves breakfast and has a small lounge, and the surrounding streets are full of cafes, pubs and restaurants, so you rarely need to go far for a meal. The atmosphere is friendly and informal, with staff who know the city. Because the hotel is small, it can fill quickly for popular weekends, and it is worth contacting the hotel directly about specific room requests. Luggage storage is usually possible on the day you leave, which is useful if your train is in the evening.
Noise from nearby pubs may be audible in some rooms on Friday and Saturday nights, so ask for a room away from the street if you are a light sleeper. A stay here pairs well with a walking tour from the Bodleian, a lunch in the Covered Market and a walk along Broad Street and St Giles in the evening.
Guests arriving by train can take a short taxi ride or walk with luggage. Late arrivals should tell the hotel in advance, since reception hours in a small property may be shorter than in a large chain.
Why stay here
- ✓Eighteenth-century townhouse
- ✓Central location
- ✓Breakfast available
- ✓Free Wi-Fi
- ✓Individually styled rooms
- ✓Near the Covered Market
- ✓Near the Bodleian
- ✓Walk to the station
Good questions
Is Vanbrugh House central?+
Yes, it is a few minutes from Radcliffe Square, the Covered Market and Cornmarket Street.
Does it have a lift?+
As a historic townhouse it may have stairs, so check access if you need step-free rooms.
Is breakfast available?+
Yes, the hotel serves breakfast.