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The Head of the River

4.0 star property
Eco-certified Oxford inn in Oxford City Centre with a restaurant

Photo gallery for The Head of the River

Exterior
Exterior
Comfy Room
Garden
Front of property

Reviews

8.6 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Pet-friendly
  • Free WiFi
The current price is NZ$235
includes taxes & fees
23 Feb - 24 Feb

Explore the area

Map
Folly Bridge, St. Aldates, Oxford, England, OX1 4LB
  • University of Oxford
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Christ Church College
    ‪4 min walk‬
  • Christ Church Cathedral
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Brize Norton (BZZ-RAF Brize Norton)
    ‪25 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Comfy Room

Comfy Room

Comfy Room

Highlights

Heating
Free cots/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Sofa bed
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
Espresso maker
Free bottled water
  • 14 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Indulgence Room

Indulgence Room

Indulgence Room

Highlights

Heating
Flat-screen TV
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
Espresso maker
Free bottled water
Coffee/tea maker
Electric kettle
  • 16 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Cosy Room

Cosy Room

Cosy Room

Highlights

Heating
Free cots/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
Espresso maker
Free bottled water
Coffee/tea maker
  • 12 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Family Room

Family Room

Family Room

Highlights

Heating
Flat-screen TV
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
Espresso maker
Free bottled water
Coffee/tea maker
Electric kettle
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Single Sofa Bed

Similar properties

Exterior

Malmaison Oxford

  • Pet-friendly
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Breakfast available
4.5 out of 5, Wonderful, (1004)
The price is NZ$308
for 1 room
includes taxes & fees
2 Mar - 3 Mar
Malmaison Oxford

About the area

Oxford

The Head of the River places you in the centre of Oxford, steps from Thames River and within a short 5-minute stroll of University of Oxford. Highlights at this eco-friendly inn include a restaurant and in-room free WiFi. .The Head of the River serves British cuisine and is open for lunch and dinner. The inn's own lounge bar is a nice place to enjoy a drink. Added amenities include free Wi-Fi in public areas, a terrace and a garden. Cooked-to-order breakfast is available on weekdays between 7:00 AM and 11:00 AM and on weekends between 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM. Bring your pet along and take advantage of this property's pet-friendly amenities, such as food and water bowls. .Attractions within a 20-minute drive of this 4-property class Oxford City Centre inn include John Radcliffe Hospital and Blenheim Palace.
View more Inns in OxfordOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • University of Oxford - 3 min walk
  • Christ Church College - 4 min walk
  • Oxford Castle - 12 min walk
  • Bodleian Library - 13 min walk
  • New Theatre Oxford - 13 min walk

Getting around

  • Oxford Station - 17 min walk
  • Heathrow Airport (LHR) - 63 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Joe & the Juice - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪The Place to Eat - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Sticks'n'Sushi - Oxford - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪The Old Tom - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Curzon Oxford - ‬9 min walk

About this property

The Head of the River

Eco-certified Oxford inn in Oxford City Centre with a restaurant
There's a restaurant on site. You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. Public spaces have free WiFi. The eco-certified The Head of the River also features a terrace and a garden.

This 4-star Oxford inn is smoke free.

  • 19 guestrooms or units
  • 3 levels
  • Breakfast available (surcharge)
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • No smoking on site
  • Bar or lounge
  • Dining venue
The Head of the River offers 19 accommodations with espresso makers and complimentary bottles of water. Flat-screen televisions come with digital channels. Bathrooms include a shower, complimentary toiletries and hairdryers.

Guests can surf the web using complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks and telephones. Additionally, rooms include coffee/tea makers and an iron/ironing board. Housekeeping is provided on request.

Awards and affiliations

Eco-certified property
This property participates in Green Tourism Programme – a programme that measures the property's impact on one or more of the following: environment, community, cultural heritage and the local economy.

Languages

English

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • No on-site parking available

Food and drink

  • Cooked-to-order breakfast available for a fee 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM on weekdays and 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM on weekends; GBP 10 to 15 per person
  • A bar/lounge
  • A restaurant

Restaurants on site

  • The Head of the River

Conveniences

  • Limited-hour front desk

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (on request)

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • On a river
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Front entrance ramp
  • Handrails in stairways (89 centimetre high)
  • Lever door handles
  • Tile flooring in public areas
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Visual fire alarm
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible public bathroom
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk (107 centimetre high)
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV with digital channels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Espresso maker
  • Free bottled water

More

  • Desk
  • Heating
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; check-in end time: 10:00 PM
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 8 AM - 9:30 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
If you are planning to arrive after 11:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • Pets: GBP 10 per pet, per night
  • Food and water bowls are available
    • Service animals are exempt from fees.

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.

Payment types

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Fee for cooked-to-order breakfast: approximately GBP 10.00 to 15.00 per person
  • Pet fee: GBP 10 per pet, per night
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. No on-site parking is available. The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guest room reservation. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Diners Club. Cash is not accepted. 

Property is also known as

Head River
Head River Inn
Head River Inn Oxford
Head River Oxford
Head Of The River Hotel Oxford
The Head of the River Inn
The Head of the River Oxford
The Head of the River Inn Oxford

Frequently asked questions

What is the cancellation policy at The Head of the River?

The Head of the River offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

How much does it cost to stay at The Head of the River?

As of 16 Feb 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Head of the River on 23 Feb 2025 start from NZ$235.48, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Does The Head of the River serve breakfast?

Yeah, cooked-to-order brekkie is on offer weekdays between 7:00 AM and 11:00 AM and weekends from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at The Head of the River?

No, The Head of the River does not offer an airport shuttle service.

Is there a bar or restaurant at The Head of the River?

Yep, they've got a lounge bar and an onsite restaurant that serves British cuisine. Pre dinner cocktails anyone?

What time are check-in & check-out at The Head of the River?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM. Check-out time is 11 AM.

Are pets allowed at The Head of the River?

Furry friends are welcome at The Head of the River, with food and water bowls on offer.

The Head of the River Reviews

Reviews

8.6

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 313 out of 644 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 233 out of 644 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 56 out of 644 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 35 out of 644 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 7 out of 644 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

8.4/10

Amenities

8.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.4/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Mehmet

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

panaporn

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

philip

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Wed night Thames water decided to dig up Folley Bridge at 11.15pm. Unbelievably loud pneumatic drills being used to break up the concrete. This disturbance went on until about 3am. A total nightmare. Obviously not the fault of the Head of the River, but i hope HOTR will complain to the council for sanctioning these roadworks to begin at 11:15pm right next door to a hotel full of guests. Other than that, a perfect stay in Oxford and i fully recommend the HOTR as an ideal location with lovely hotel rooms.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Bernadette

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
would recommend & would stay again when in the area. room was clean and comfortable, food was good and affordable, staff was excellent
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kelly

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Quick but perfect stay at Head of the River!
We enjoyed a 2-night stay at Head of the River. Fantastic location. Restaurant/pub on site was excellent—and the included breakfast was an added bonus. Staff was lovely! Beds were very comfortable and bed linens were high quality. Loved our stay and would absolutely stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lucy

Great accommodation with lovey staff and great pub !
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Helen

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Love this property, everything you could ask for. Great food, lovely room with such character, great breakfast. Close to all the top spots in Oxford and close to the railway station and bus drop off from London.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Helen

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Head off the river is a stunning place to stay. The room is very clean and has everything you can need. The staff from the beginning were helpful and accommodating. The food at the restaurant had a full and great selection, and delicious.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Carl

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Lovely
Lovely stay
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Peter

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

keith

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michele Van

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Enjoyed our stay in this unique hotel on the river Thames. Staff was very friendly and room cozy.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Larry

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Convenient location and walkable to town. Staff was friendly and helpful.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

M Jane

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Paul

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Friendly, helpful staff. Comfortable room. Excellent pub/restaurant. No lift.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Graeme

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

Sarah

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

Sadia

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Leigh

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely rooms and pub in a beautiful old building. No on-site parking is a bit of a nuisance, but also understandable given the amazing location!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

susi

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Overall good stay
Hotel and bar was nice staff helpful just a shame that other customers had to ruin the experience for us but the staff went out there way to make sure we was ok Walls are very thin and can here other people talking /snoring The pub garden was beautiful to sit in, with the sun
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tracie

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful old inn on the river, great food and nice staff
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

8/10 Good

Meena

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
This place is lovely and very cute! It was our first trip to Oxford and the location was really convenient to the town center. The outdoor bar and restaurant is very charming and popular. The service was excellent- very friendly and helpful staff. Overall, excellent location, property and service
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca, Norman

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Denise

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Clean, cosy, welcoming and full of charm. The staff were friendly and helpful. My room had beautiful views of the river and meadow. I’d come back to Oxford just to stay here again.
Stayed 6 nights in Feb 2024