The Buttery Hotel

In the mid-1800s, the Buttery was used as a tailor's shop and then it became a bookstore. In 2003, it was renovated into the family-run hotel and cafe it is today. While the property is small and can feel dated, it's exceptionally well-located and has a distinctive charm. The hotel is situated in a brick building with white post-and-beam timber framing, with the ground floor featuring the Buttery cafe and an Oxford Campus Store. Guests reach the reception area and their rooms through a small red door that links the two areas. The reception area isn't much to speak of -- just a desk -- but the cafe lends charm, with natural wood floors, matching round cafe tables, expansive front windows, chalkboard menus, and outdoor seating. Be aware that the hotel has no elevator. Because of the exceptional location, guests tend to be travelers visiting the nearby university or other local sights. 

The Buttery Hotel sits on popular Broad Street, a restricted access road in the historic center of Oxford, where traffic is limited. Charming traditional Oxford buildings sit across the street, and lots of shops and restaurants are within easy walking distance, as are Trinity College and Oxford University (one minute or nine minutes on foot, respectively). The Ashmolean Museum and the 18th-century Covered Market are both less than a five-minute walk from the hotel, while Tom Tower is a seven-minute walk. The Oxford railway station is about a 10-minute walk from the hotel, with London about an hour away by train. Heathrow Airport is an hour's drive. There are no on-site parking facilities, and parking in the area can be challenging. 

The Buttery's 16 guest rooms range in size to accommodate one to four people. Rooms are clean, but decor can feel sparse and dated with neutral brown wall-to-wall carpeting, white walls, floral comforters, and matching drapes. Deluxe Rooms tend to be larger with spiffier decor, including a wall-papered accent wall, fireplace, and chandelier fixtures, and good views of Broad Street. But they tend to get exterior noise. Other rooms face an interior courtyard and are somewhat quieter. Deluxe Rooms have refurbished bathrooms, which are tiny but modern with tiled, wet-room-style showers, toilets, and sinks. Bathrooms include hairdryers and individual toiletries. Rooms have free Wi-Fi, 24-inch flat-screen TVs, and coffee- and tea-making facilities. Some rooms are cooled with portable AC units, which can be noisy.

The Buttery, a charming little cafe that serves light meals and drinks and offers indoor and outdoor seating, is the highlight here. The hotel serves a continental breakfast, which is included in the room rate -- hot items are available for an extra fee. Room service is available during limited hours. An Oxford Campus Store is situated on the ground floor, and sells gifts and souvenirs. There is no fitness center or computer workstation, but Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. The front desk is open 24-hours a day, and staff can assist with tours/tickets or luggage storage.