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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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Photo gallery for The Head of the River

Exterior
Garden
Exterior
Front of property
Comfy Room
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 CA $187
CA $224 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 17 - Mar 18

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 4 of 4 rooms

View all photos for Comfy Room

Comfy Room

Comfy Room

Highlights

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

Malmaison Oxford

  • Pet-friendly
  • Parking available
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, 1,008 reviews
The price is CA $217
CA $260 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 20 - Mar 21
Malmaison Oxford
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About the area

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 - 0.3 km
  • Oxford Castle - 12 min walk - 1.1 km
  • Bodleian Library - 13 min walk - 1.1 km
  • New Theatre Oxford - 13 min walk - 1.2 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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Reviews

8.6

Excellent

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 Exceptional

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.
Natalie, 1-night trip with friends
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Wonderful play to stay and eat
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 family trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Excellent
Great service .. very lovely room
Helen, 1-night family trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Love this place, never fails.
Asha, 1-night business trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

8/10 Very good

malcolm, 2-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

.
Elly, 3-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

rosario, 2-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

1-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Had a great stay at Head of the River this weekend. Hotel and staff were great.
LYNN, 1-night trip with friends
Verified Hotels.com guest review

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
Verified Expedia guest review

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 romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Leonard, 1-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Great breakfast
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
Sally, 1-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Mehmet, 1-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

panaporn, 1-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

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
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

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

10/10 Exceptional

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.
Kelly, 2-night trip with friends
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Great accommodation with lovey staff and great pub !
Lucy, 1-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

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.
Helen, 2-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

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.
Helen, 1-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Lovely
Lovely stay
Carl, 1-night business trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Peter, 1-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

8/10 Very good

keith, 1-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Enjoyed our stay in this unique hotel on the river Thames. Staff was very friendly and room cozy.
Michele Van, 4-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review