About an hour's drive west of London, Oxfordshire is the county in which Oxford, the world's oldest university, lies. The predominantly rural county has approximately 635,500 residents, and its numbers are swelled by the vast amounts of tourists that come to visit historic places such as Oxford, Woodstock and Henley-on-Thames. Accommodation is plentiful, and hotels abound, but they can be expensive. Visitors should compare prices before making a reservation.
Converted from Oxford's medieval castle and jail, the Malmaison provides contemporary, luxury accommodation within the heart of the city and just minutes from Oxford's colleges and stunning architecture. Cell doors and bars at some of the windows are all that remains to suggest that this high-end hotel was once a jail. Featuring state-of-the-art media options, claw-foot bathtubs and luxurious bedding, the rooms here will pamper guests who have spent the day wandering Oxford's cobbled streets. The Mal Brasserie offers locally grown and reared produce in a modern menu that is a favorite with both guests and locals.
Malmaison
3 Oxford Castle
Oxford, Oxfordshire OX1 1AY
Great Britain
011-01-865-268400
malmaison-oxford.com
Tourists from around the world come to the quaint town of Woodstock to visit the spectacular architecture and grounds of Blenheim Palace and Winston Churchill's birthplace. The Macdonald Bear Hotel has been welcoming guests since the 13th century when it was a coaching inn. The ivy-clad exterior and oak beams welcome guests to enjoy the 54 unusually styled rooms and tourist board award-winning restaurant, which serves high-quality traditional English fare. Four poster beds, exposed beams, original wood floors and antiques combine with modern comforts such as high-thread-count linens to provide guests a luxury room experience.
Macdonald Bear Hotel
Park St.
Woodstock, Oxfordshire, OX20 1SZ
Great Britain
011-0844-879-9143
macdonaldhotels.co.uk
The Georgian facade of Brakspear's Brewery has been transformed to the Hotel du Vin & Bistro. Just yards from the River Thames, where the Royal Regatta takes place each year, the hotel features 43 rooms and suites that provide hand-sprung mattresses, luxurious linens, power showers and deep soaking tubs. The bistro offers modern takes on English classics and an extensive wine list. Visitors will also find a spirits and champagne bar offering a fine selection of spirits and a Cruvinet wine machine, which dispenses a range of six red and six white wines drawn directly from the cellar.
Hotel du Vin & Bistro
Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire RG9 2BP
Great Britain
011-0149-848400
hotelduvin.com
