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4-star hotel Check-in 15:00 · Check-out 11:00

The Head of the River, Oxford

Enjoy elegant rooms with free Wi-Fi and breakfast at The Head of the River, Oxford. Located near Oxford University, museums, and the Bodleian Library.

Folly Brg, St Aldate's, Oxford OX1 4LB, United Kingdom View on map
8.4/10
Very Good Based on 3447 recent guest reviews
Free Wi-Fi Free breakfast Accessible Air-conditioned Pet-friendly
What recent guests emphasize

Comfortable stay with scenic riverside views

Guests appreciate the simple, elegant rooms and convenient location above a lively riverside pub. The combination of free breakfast and Wi-Fi adds to the overall value. Some observations highlight the absence of certain amenities, while the setting near Oxford’s historic landmarks remains a strong selling point.

Guests often praise

  • Free breakfast that is well received and convenient for starting the day.
  • Complimentary and reliable Wi-Fi access throughout the property.
  • Location above a pub with a charming riverside terrace, perfect for relaxation.
  • Clean, simple rooms with an elegant, fresh atmosphere.
  • Friendly and accommodating staff noted for helpful service.

Worth knowing

  • No free parking available, which may require alternative arrangements.
  • The hotel does not offer an airport shuttle or fitness center facilities.
  • Some guests note the absence of a pool and limited room sizes.
  • Being above a pub may lead to noise at peak hours for sensitive guests.
  • The property is air-conditioned and accessible, suitable for a range of visitors.

Best for

  • Visitors looking to explore Oxford’s historic colleges and museums nearby.
  • Travelers who value a central location with direct access to riverside dining.
  • Guests seeking a comfortable stay with complimentary breakfast and Wi-Fi.
  • Families and pet owners, thanks to the kid- and pet-friendly policies.
  • Those preferring smoke-free environments and accessible accommodations.
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About this property

Welcome to The Head of the River, Oxford

Located on Folly Bridge in central Oxford, The Head of the River offers simple, elegant rooms above a traditional riverside pub. Guests can enjoy free breakfast and Wi-Fi, with air-conditioned accommodation designed to suit visitors seeking straightforward comfort near the city's historic core.

The property combines the functions of a hotel, pub, and restaurant, providing a casual dining and drinking atmosphere on the terrace overlooking the river. The venue is pet- and kid-friendly, accessible, and smoke-free, although parking, a fitness center, and an airport shuttle are not available.

With a rating of 4.2 from over 3,300 reviews, the hotel draws travelers interested in exploring Oxford's centuries-old university district, including the nearby Bodleian Library, Ashmolean Museum, and Christ Church. The location is well-suited for those wanting to visit key cultural sites on foot while enjoying a convenient city center base.

Check-in is from 15:00 and check-out by 11:00, catering to both leisure and business guests. Although lacking extensive on-site facilities, the venue’s combination of accommodation and pub creates a practical stay for visitors looking to experience Oxford’s riverside setting with nearby amenities.

Summary compiled by GoHotelly editors from verified guest reviews, partner descriptions and editorial notes.
Facilities & essentials

What's on-site and what you should know before you arrive

The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.

Most popular facilities

Free Wi-Fi
Free breakfast
Accessible
Air-conditioned
Pet-friendly
Kid-friendly
Restaurant
Bar
Smoke-free

Not available at this property

Free parking
Pool
Airport shuttle
Fitness center
Location & neighborhood

Where you'll find The Head of the River, Oxford

Oxford, United Kingdom

Centuries-old district home to Oxford University colleges, diverse museums & the Bodleian Library.

  • Oxford 20 min Walk
  • Oxford City Centre Police Station (Stop P2) 3 min Walk
  • Speedwell Street (Stop S2) 5 min Walk
  • Heathrow Airport 1 hr 4 Car · 1 hr 32 Transit
  • London Gatwick Airport 1 hr 39 Car · 2 hr 29 Transit
  • London Stansted Airport 1 hr 45 Car · 3 hr 5 Transit
Things to do nearby

Worth the walk or a quick ride

Curated spots travelers usually pair with a stay in Oxford. Distances are rough real-world times, not straight-line.

Ashmolean Museum 11,688 reviews

Ashmolean Museum

Beaumont St, Oxford OX1 2PH, United Kingdom

4.7 · Museum
Bodleian Library 1,141 reviews

Bodleian Library

Broad St, Oxford OX1 3BG, United Kingdom

4.6 · Library
Christ Church 1,561 reviews

Christ Church

St Aldate's, Oxford OX1 1DP, United Kingdom

4.5 · College
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