Old Parsonage Hotel

Although not actually a former parsonage (the name comes from a dwelling inhabited by a 14th-century priest on the same site) the Old Parsonage Hotel still exudes Old World charm. The pretty Cotswold-stone, wisteria-clad townhouse actually dates from around 1660 and the heavy oak front door, complete with its hinges and doornails, is the original. Also part of the original building is the chunky stone fireplace in the reception hall, its crackling fire lit throughout the year. A full renovation project completed in 2014 transformed interiors with a smart, contemporary finish (as well adding a floor) while maintaining the hotel's intimate and cozy atmosphere. Scattered throughout the hotel is an impressive art collection, mainly portraits of well-known writers and artists. To the front is a pretty courtyard for alfresco summer relaxation while inside a library provides a particularly cozy spot that opens to a small rooftop terrace. Famed past guests here include Oscar Wilde; these days the property tends to attract a cosmopolitan mix of visiting academics, parents visiting university students, and tourists. Hallways can be narrow with lots of steps and no elevator, so mobility-impaired guests should be careful to book ground-floor rooms.

The hotel is situated on a busy main road just on the outskirts of Oxford's center -- a university area rich with history. Several of the Oxford Colleges can be found just a few minutes' walk away, while Trinity College and the main university buildings are around 10 minutes on foot. The attractive city center offers plenty of shopping and dining, and it's about 15 minutes' walk away. Oxford's medieval castle is about the same distance, while just five minutes away is the Natural History Museum. The Church of St Giles is right next door, which means noisy bell-ringing on Sunday mornings. Transport links include Oxford station under 10 minutes' drive away that connects to London in less than an hour. 

Updated in 2014, the hotel's 35 rooms and suites are finished in a contemporary-but-cozy combination of smart modern furniture, carpeted floors, and natural fabrics. Walls are often decorated with original charcoal sketches of Oxford, while high-end touches include fresh flowers and Egyptian cotton bedsheets. Some rooms also feature Juliette balconies overlooking the courtyard garden or their own private terrace.

In-room tech impresses with Bluetooth DAB radios, smart TVs, and free and reliable Wi-Fi, plus minibars, air conditioning, and electronic safes. Suites add extra TVs and separate lounges with Nespresso machines. Marble bathrooms are extra lush: All feature walk-in showers (with directional and rainfall heads), underfloor heating, linen bathrobes, and luxury Noble Isle toiletries; suite extras include double basins and deep soaking tubs for two.

As a boutique hotel set in a centuries-old building, the Old Parsonage Hotel has limited facilities, but that should come as little surprise. Breakfast offers a range of quality options including full English or full vegetarian, various egg dishes, smoked kippers, and more unusual offerings such as Devon crab and avocado. Disappointingly for many guests, breakfast is not included as standard. There's also an all-day a la carte lunch and dinner menu, as well as set lunches, afternoon tea, and a kids' menu. While far from cheap, food is high-end and expertly presented. As well as in the cozy dining room, food and drink can be enjoyed on the alfresco terrace, and private fireside dining is available. 

There's no spa or fitness facilities on-site, though guests can explore the city with the help of free loaner bicycles or with a free guided walking tour of Oxford. The hotel also caters to weddings and is licensed to hold civil ceremonies. On-site parking is available free of charge, though spaces are limited and should be reserved in advance.