Bed and breakfast, youth hostel, campground, guest house, self-catering deals or five-star hotel, Oxford--the City of Dreaming Spires--has accommodations to suit all preferences and budgets. But sleeping in a former prison or feeling like one of Oxford's famous students by staying in the university dorms offer up unique experiences.
As in other towns in the U.K., bed and breakfasts abound in Oxford. Signs outside indicate B&Bs. Prices start around £30 ( about $50 U.S.) per person per night based on double occupancy.
Tracing the footsteps of Indira Gandhi, Bill Clinton or several British prime ministers is possible when you stay in dormitories at one of Oxford's historic colleges. Rooms from £40 (about $65 U.S.) are available during the college's vacation periods.
At least three youth hostels can be found in Oxford. YHA Oxford is Lonely Planet's Top Pick hostel in town and the only Oxford hostel to be awarded four stars by Visit Britain. Rates start at £17 (about $28 U.S.) for a bed in a dorm room.
On the outskirts of Oxford are a few campgrounds. Diamond Farm Caravan Park is five miles north of town, and Heyford Leys Camping Park is nine miles west of Oxford.
Several of Oxford's hotels boast true historic value and a taste of the past. Hotels in that category are evaluated on the Britain Express heritage accommodation ratings scale. One is the Malmaison Oxford, a former prison, which now is a "luxurious hotel with a difference."
The Oxford Information Center can help you find the right accommodation. It is located at 15-16 Broad Street. Hours are from 9.30 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m .Sundays and bank holidays.
