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The Head of the River

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

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The Head of the River

Exterior
Interior
Comfy Room | Desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets
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
$153 nightly
The total price is $183
Nov 16 - Nov 17
Total with taxes and fees

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

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(13 reviews)

Highlights

Heating
Free cribs/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Sofa bed - double
Hair dryer
Private bathroom
Espresso maker
Electric kettle
  • 151 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Indulgence Room

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

Indulgence Room

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(4 reviews)

Highlights

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

View all photos for Cosy Room

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

Cosy Room

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
(6 reviews)

Highlights

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

View all photos for Family Room

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

Family Room

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(4 reviews)

Highlights

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

Similar properties

Hallway

Malmaison Oxford

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  • Parking available
  • Free WiFi
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9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, 1,029 reviews
$157 nightly
The price is $188
Nov 9 - Nov 10
Total with taxes and fees
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 - 1.0 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

  • ‪Curzon Oxford - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Maya’s - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪The Place To Eat - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪JOE & THE JUICE - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪George & Danver - ‬5 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 features include a terrace and a garden. Fellow travelers love the helpful staff and location.

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

8.6/10

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 consistently described as delicious, good, excellent, and amazing with a lovely choice of options. (33 reviews)
  • The on-site restaurant and pub served excellent food with a great dining menu and wonderful breakfast options. (6 reviews)
AI Sparkle IconFrom real guest reviews summarized by AI.

Reviews

10/10 Exceptional

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

10/10 Exceptional

This is the best boutique hotel in which i have ever stayed. The breakfast was excellent and the rooms well appointed. Lovely to be adjacent to the Thames. Unbeatable!
MaryJane, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Bed and breakfast feel! Beautiful property.
Christine, 3-night trip

8/10 Very good

loved the stay
sienna, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

A wonderful last minute stay!

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.
Daniel, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

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.
Melanie, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Love this place, never fails.
Asha, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

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.
David, 1-night trip

8/10 Very good

Great people and good food. Terrible cleanliness standards though, there was a mouse in the restaurant!
Aitch, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

The property is beautiful and the staff are very helpful and friendly. The restaurant is top tier and have a good buzzing crowd in the evening. The breakfast is really good as well.
shameka, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

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!
Leigh, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Great location. On the River and very close to Oxford
Robert, 1-night trip

8/10 Very good

The service was great and the management and staff were exceptional and would do anything to help you. What an excellant location you were a minute away from a entrance to the Christchurch meadow.
robert, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

So unique and one-of-a-kind. Close to everything we wanted to see.
Eileen, 4-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Wonderful stay at The Head of the River in a small room. In suite shower was great. Bed was comfy, although the room was a little warm. They’d provided two fans. Breakfast was amazing and the pub staff was very friendly. Lots of places to walk to and see the town of Oxford, 1/4 mile to Christ Church College.
Edward, 2-night trip

8/10 Very good

Great place

this is a lovely place in a lovely location.you can walk to most places and the train station is only about .7 km away on an easy walk. Christ church is two blocks . the christ church meadow is behind the Inn and a lovely walk Located right on the thames so boat rides are available. the bed was very comfortable. breakfast is hearty but i'd avoid the eggs benedict. Staff lovely and helpful.
Christina, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Parking is a little work, but that comes with a great location in a very old city. Long stay, drop off the bags and park miles away. Short stay down the street at the mall is fine and safe. Everything else is wonderful. But I want to get a room next time, so keeping it to myself. ;)
Derek, 1-night trip

4/10 Fair

No elevator, thin walls, very small room at least the room we had. For the price that we paid I would not stay their again
Huntley, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Weekend in Oxford

We booked our stay through hotels.com. Check in was easy even though we arrived at 11pm. The building is old so has a lot of character and some of the old sash windows require attention but secondary glazing made the room comfortable. The room was fully equipped with everything we needed so no complaints. The breakfast suited us but some may find the choice a little limited compared to a large hotel. The main English cooked breakfast was one of the largest ever received - make sure you’re hungry- compliments to the chef! It’s a short walk into the Center and also not far from the park and ride. Service was friendly so couldn’t complain about anything. Would stay again 👍
bryan, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

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.
philip, 5-night trip

8/10 Very good

We were given a quiet room at the top & rear of the building with a beautiful, corner view of the river & Folly Bridge. The meals at the pub were terrific, the breakfasts were outstanding and the service always super friendly and helpful. The linen, little extras and furnishings in the room were great but the room itself was rather small and our suitcases had to go under the bed as there was nowhere else for them! Our fan was quite loud and the bed next door was very squeaky indeed & the walls must be very thin😂! If you have mobility issues, the many narrow stairs may be an issue.
George, 4-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Very good
Lancy, 1-night trip

8/10 Very good

Lovely hotel, great location, beautiful terrace by the river. The room was super cosy and comfortable. Breakfast was more than adequate with a buffet style continental and hot dishes made to order. The only area for improvement would be the food at dinner. The menu was a little dull and the food 3/5.
David, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

The Head of the river delivered over my head

Jeg bestilte rommet på kort varsel, samme dag. Pris og standard gav valutta for pengene. I tillegg til et hyggelig rom, med stort bad og kaffe/te, var det en god restaurant. Spiste maten ved elvebredden. Det finnes også varmelamper som tennes om kvelden når det blor kjølig. Personalet var vennlige og imøtekommende. Stor frokostmeny samt frukt, yoghurt og frokostbalnding. Kort spasertur til sentrum.
per arne, 1-night trip

8/10 Very good

Fint hotell med bra läge. Högt ljud från väg och AC dock.
Robert, 1-night trip