Business Details
Your Riverside Base in Oxford | River Hotel
River Hotel is a family-run establishment with a rich history dating back to its construction in 1878 by Thomas Kingerlee. Owned by Christchurch College, this independently managed hotel combines traditional charm with modern comforts, offering guests a unique blend of historical significance and contemporary convenience. Located just 10 minutes from Oxford city centre, the hotel provides tranquil riverside views and easy access to major attractions, business hubs, and transport links. Our recently redecorated en-suite rooms feature amenities such as free Wi-Fi, televisions, and tea-making facilities, while our on-site car park with CCTV security addresses Oxford's parking challenges. The hotel's River Restaurant serves award-winning breakfasts with locally sourced ingredients, consistently rated highly for food hygiene.As a Visit England Accredited Hotel, we maintain high standards across our 20 individually designed rooms and seven in our annexe, catering to both leisure and business travellers. Our 24-hour access policy and luggage storage facilities ensure flexibility for guests, while our knowledgeable staff provide personalized service. The hotel's strategic location near the Thames Path Trail and proximity to the Said Business School make it ideal for diverse visitors. Regular investments in maintenance and redecoration preserve our heritage while meeting modern expectations, as confirmed by our 2025 Visit England assessment highlighting our professional management and well-maintained accommodations.
Services
Accommodation
Breakfast Service
Meeting Room Hire
Car Parking
Luggage Storage
Highlights and features
- Free on-site car parking with CCTV security in central Oxford
- Award-winning breakfasts with locally sourced ingredients
- 24-hour access and luggage storage for flexible stays
- Historic Victorian building with modernised en-suite rooms
- Official Visit England accreditation for quality standards
Associations and certifications
- Visit England
What people say
Friendly staff
Excellent breakfasts
River views
Ideal location
Good value
Services
Accommodation
Our 27 rooms across two buildings offer en-suite bathrooms, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs. Most rooms feature river views, with options including family rooms, twin/double configurations, and single occupancy. The annexe provides additional accommodation opposite the main building.
Breakfast Service
Daily breakfast served in our riverside restaurant includes a cold buffet and made-to-order hot dishes. Using fresh local ingredients, our breakfasts consistently receive guest praise and maintain top food hygiene ratings from Oxford City Council.
Meeting Room Hire
A 5m x 20m meeting room accommodates up to 36 guests in lecture format. Ideal for seminars and business meetings, this space features parquet flooring and is available with advance booking for both residents and external clients.
Car Parking
Secure on-site car park with CCTV available for all guests. Located at the rear of the hotel, parking spaces must be reserved in advance. Included in most room rates, with additional charges applying for 'room only' bookings.
Luggage Storage
Secure luggage storage available for guests before check-in and after check-out. Located in our dedicated left-luggage room, this service allows visitors to explore Oxford unencumbered while keeping belongings safe during their stay.
Questions
Does River Hotel provide parking facilities?
Yes, we have a secure on-site car park with CCTV available for all guests. Parking must be reserved in advance and is included in most room rates.
What are the breakfast options at River Hotel?
Our riverside restaurant serves breakfast daily from 8am weekdays (later weekends) featuring a cold buffet and made-to-order hot dishes using local ingredients.
How close is the hotel to Oxford city centre?
We're just a 10-minute walk from Oxford city centre, with easy access to colleges, museums, shopping areas, and business locations like the Said Business School.
What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-in available from 8am, with rooms needing to be vacated by 11am check-out. Luggage storage remains available before and after these times.
Are there accessibility features at the hotel?
While we have steps and stairs throughout the property, our staff can assist with accessibility needs. Please contact us in advance to discuss specific requirements.
Can I host business meetings at River Hotel?
Yes, we offer a meeting room accommodating up to 36 guests. The 5m x 20m space includes parquet flooring and is suitable for seminars and business events with advance booking.
Reviews (4)
Sarika Rakhesh
Jun 04, 2022
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Stayed here for one night. The staff were very friendly and helpful. Cosy room and very quiet at night. Close to town center and many attractions. Tasty and adequate breakfast with a view of the water bodies just outside the window. Would stay here again.
Dr. Nadim Siddiqui
Jun 03, 2022
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Clean, welcoming and feels safe. I wish I had discovered this place 3 years ago when our daughter first went to Uni here.tThe people that run the place are all excellent and care about what they do. It is way better the expensive and posh hotels we have stayed at.
Natalia Oxley
May 11, 2022
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This is a 2 star hotel next to the train station and 10 min away from Oxford city center. I think the price you pay for that is very reasonable compared to other hotels. I've read coments about the decor and how old it looks, I have to say in my opinion this gives the hotel proper character and makes it unique, both me and my mum thought it was very welcoming and had a nice atmosphere. Rooms were clean and had everything you might need. Service was great and breakfast was really nice too. I would definitely repeat if I were to go back to Oxford. If you are looking for something fancier, obviously be ready to pay much more.
Daniel Robinson
Sep 19, 2021
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The room we stayed in was beautifully laid out, with a comfortable bed. The breakfast was very accommodating, offering a kipper option. Very unique and picturesque hotel.
