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The Head of the River

4.0 star property
Riverfront inn with restaurant, near University of Oxford

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Exterior
Garden
Exterior
Front of property
Comfy Room | Desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets
In the heart of Oxford City Centre, The Head of the River offers a tranquil retreat. Enjoy lunch and dinner at its on-site restaurant, take in the views from the garden or unwind with a drink at its charming bar. With free in-room WiFi and helpful staff nearby Christ Church College and University of Oxford.

Reviews

8.6 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Pet friendly
  • Non-smoking
  • Free WiFi

Main amenities (6)

  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Restaurant and bar/lounge
  • Breakfast available
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • Limited hour front desk

Feel at home (6)

  • Private bathroom
  • Television
  • Garden
  • Terrace
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Free toiletries
The current price is $222
$267 total
includes taxes & fees
May 26 - May 27

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 4 of 4 rooms

View all photos for Comfy Room

Comfy Room | Desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Comfy Room

Highlights

Heating
Free cribs/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Sofa bed - double
Hair dryer
Private bathroom
Free bottled water
Electric kettle
  • 14 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Indulgence Room

Indulgence Room | Desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Indulgence Room

Highlights

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

View all photos for Cosy Room

Cosy Room | Desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Cosy Room

Highlights

Heating
Free cribs/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Hair dryer
Private bathroom
Free bottled water
Electric kettle
Espresso maker
  • 12 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Family Room

Family Room | Desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Family Room

Highlights

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

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Hallway

Malmaison Oxford

  • Pet friendly
  • Parking available
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, 1,000 reviews
The price is $186
$223 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 8 - Jun 9
Malmaison Oxford
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About the neighborhood

Map
Folly Bridge, St. Aldates, Oxford, England, OX1 4LB

What's nearby

  • University of Oxford - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Christ Church College - 4 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Oxford Castle - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
  • New Theatre Oxford - 11 min walk - 1.0 km
  • Bodleian Library - 12 min walk - 1.1 km

Getting around

  • Oxford (OXF) - 14 min drive
  • Heathrow Airport (LHR) - 63 min drive
  • Abingdon Radley Station - 10 min drive
  • Oxford Parkway Station - 11 min drive
  • Oxford Station - 17 min walk

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

When you stay at The Head of the River, you'll be in a fantastic location, just a 5-minute walk from Thames River and University of Oxford. You can grab a bite to eat at the restaurant or wind down at the end of the day with a drink from the bar/lounge. Other highlights at this eco-certified inn include a terrace and a garden. Fellow travelers love the helpful staff and location.

Languages

English

At a glance

DONE

Hotel size

    • 19 rooms
    • Arranged over 3 floors
DONE

Arriving/Leaving

    • 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 time is 11 AM
    • Contactless check-out available
DONE

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
DONE

Required at check-in

    • Credit card, debit card, or cash deposit required for incidental charges
    • Government-issued photo ID may be required
    • Minimum check-in age is 18
DONE

Pets

    • Pets allowed*
    • Service animals welcome
    • Food and water bowls available
WIFI

Internet

    • Free WiFi in public areas
    • Free WiFi in rooms
LOCAL_PARKING

Parking

    • No onsite parking
DONE

Other information

    • Smoke-free property

Property amenities

Food and drink

  • Cooked-to-order breakfast (surcharge) 7:00 AM–11:00 AM on weekdays and 8:00 AM–11:00 AM on weekends
  • Restaurant
  • Bar/lounge

Services

  • Front desk (limited hours)

Facilities

  • Garden
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible public washroom
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk height (inches): 42
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant
  • Handrails in stairways
  • Stairway handrail height (inches): 35
  • Front entrance ramp
  • Visual fire alarm
  • Lever door handles
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Stair-free path to entrance
  • Tile flooring in public areas

Room amenities

Be entertained

  • Flat-screen television
  • Digital TV channels

Home comfort

  • Heating
  • Espresso maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Iron/ironing board

Sleep well

  • Bed sheets provided

Freshen up

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

Stay connected

  • Desk
  • Free WiFi
  • Phone

Food and drink

  • Free bottled water

More

  • Housekeeping (on request)

Special features

Dining

The Head of the River - This pub specializes in British cuisine and serves lunch and dinner.

Awards and affiliations

Eco-Certified Property
This property participates in Green Tourism Program, a program that measures the property's impact on one or more of the following: environment, community, cultural-heritage, the local economy.

Fees & policies

Optional extras

  • Cooked-to-order breakfast is offered for an extra charge of approximately GBP 10.00 to 15.00 per person

Pets

  • Service animals exempt from fees
  • Pets are allowed for an extra charge of GBP 10 per pet, per night

Policies

This property does not have elevators.
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.
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club

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

Does The Head of the River offer free cancellation for a full refund?

Yes, The Head of the River does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure to check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.

Are pets allowed at The Head of the River?

Yes, pets are welcome. There's a charge of GBP 10 per pet, per night. Service animals are exempt from fees. Food and water bowls are available.

Is parking offered on site at The Head of the River?

Sorry, there's no onsite parking at The Head of the River.

What are the check-in and check-out times at The Head of the River?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 10:00 PM. Check-out time is 11 AM. Contactless check-out is available.

What is there to do at The Head of the River and nearby?

The Head of the River has a garden.

Are there restaurants at or near The Head of the River?

Yes, The Head of the River offers British cuisine.

What's the area around The Head of the River like?

The Head of the River is located on the waterfront in Oxford City Centre, a short 1-minute walk from Thames River and 3 minutes' walk from University of Oxford. Travelers say that the inn is in a great location.

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The Head of the River Reviews

Reviews

8.6

Excellent

9.0/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

8.4/10

Amenities

8.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.6/10

Eco-friendliness

Popular mentions

Room
Service staff
Breakfast
Location
River
Food
Bed
Pub
Shower
View

What guests liked

  • Breakfast was delicious and plentiful with a wide range of options. (31 reviews)
  • The on-site restaurant and pub served excellent food with a wide range of options and high-quality breakfast. (5 reviews)
From real guest reviews summarized by AI.

Reviews

10/10

Our experience at The Head of the River was just perfect. The property was unique, ideally located, and oozing with great energy. The pub/restaurant was excellent and the staff was the absolute best. The rooms were lovely and comfortable. Cannot recommend highly enough!
2-night trip

10/10

Very good food and the accommodation is great
1-night trip

10/10

The staff were friendly and welcoming, the pub setting by the river is great and our room was perfectly appointed with comfy bed and pillows and premium teas & coffees. Breakfast was included and the offering was just what we like. We’ll definitely be back, a faultless stay.
1-night trip

10/10

We loved our stay! It was close to the major sights as well as the bus station and right by the river. Such cozy hotel and comfortable beds. We had a family room which was a good size and we enjoyed the complementary tea and coffee in the room. Nice pub and outdoor space.
2-night trip

10/10

Great property in a great location - right on the Thames and a 5 minute walk to Oxford.
1-night trip

8/10

loved the stay
1-night trip

10/10

Had a great stay at Head of the River this weekend. Hotel and staff were great.
1-night trip

10/10

Great accommodation with lovey staff and great pub !
1-night trip

10/10

Great service .. very lovely room
1-night trip

10/10

would recommend & would stay again when in the area. room was clean and comfortable, food was good and affordable, staff was excellent
2-night trip

10/10

The Head of the River was a really nice place to stay. It was close to all key Oxford sites and easily walkable. Parking was a short shuttle to lot and cheap. The Inn has great indoor and outdoor dining areas. The Inn's food was wonderful. Breakfast was amazing with lots of options. The room was very clean and spacious. Everything you need is in the room including fridge with water. I highly recommend staying and eating here.
3-night trip

10/10

Had a fab time and the staff were very friendly. We arrived at 2.30 so were told we couldn’t check in until 3 pm so we went to the bar for food and drinks. We were there until 4 so spent quite a bit then when we checked in we were then told we could have 10% off food and drink so my only suggestion would be to have this available as soon as people arrive as we had spent quite a lot.
1-night trip

10/10

Love this place, never fails.
1-night trip

10/10

We had a great stay at The Head of the River. Our room was really comfy - and our dog Bert was made really welcome too. Breakfast was exceptional.
2-night trip

10/10

Convenient location and walkable to town. Staff was friendly and helpful.
2-night trip

10/10

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.
2-night trip

10/10

Enjoyed our stay in this unique hotel on the river Thames. Staff was very friendly and room cozy.
4-night trip

10/10

Lovely stay
1-night trip

10/10

Very friendly and helpful staff. Bedrooms were very comfortable with excellent bathroom and shower - although floor of shower was a bit slippery. Lovely choice of breakfast. Can’t wait to return.
1-night trip

10/10

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.
2-night trip

10/10

Room very clean and comfortable, good view, quiet despite being next to a busy road. Staff all pleasant and helpful. Top quality complimentary teas and coffees. Lovely toiletries. Great breakfast. Would definitely stay again
1-night trip

10/10

Beautiful old inn on the river, great food and nice staff
2-night trip

10/10

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.
1-night trip

10/10

Great location, quaint atmosphere!
2-night trip

10/10

Wonderful place to stay and relax
3-night trip