River Hotel

Hotels
8.2 (1191 reviews)
17 Botley Road , Oxford , GB

Paid
Children allowed

Facilities

WiFi available
Free WiFi
Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Restaurant
Heating
Family rooms
Garden
Luggage storage
Safety deposit box
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Friendly staff
Great location
Cons:
Rooms need improvement
Some construction noise

Categories

Cleanliness
7.84
Clean and comfortable, but some reports of paint issues.
Service
8.62
Staff were friendly and helpful across reviews.
Location
8.35
Great location, convenient for city access.
Room Quality
7.6
Rooms need some TLC; generally comfortable.
Amenities
8.33
Honesty bar appreciated; basic amenities well-reviewed.
Value for Money
7.99
Good value considering the location and amenities.
Food and Beverage
8.84
Excellent breakfast offerings and quality.
Overall Experience
8.01
Enjoyable stay with minor issues noted.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-08 00:03

Property Description

Individually Designed Rooms
Each room at River Hotel is uniquely designed, offering a cozy stay with essential amenities such as a desk, WiFi, and a flat-screen TV. Select rooms even provide a picturesque view of the garden extending to the serene River Thames.

Scenic Dining Experience
Start your day with a delightful English breakfast at the hotel's restaurant while overlooking the tranquil River Thames. Whether you prefer a traditional English meal or have specific dietary requirements like vegetarian, the hotel ensures a satisfying dining experience for all guests.

Convenient Location
Situated near renowned landmarks like the University of Oxford and Ashmolean Museum, River Hotel offers easy access to explore the cultural gems of Oxford. With the Museum of the History of Science just a short distance away, guests can immerse themselves in the city's rich history.

Book your stay at River Hotel for a memorable experience in Oxford.

Important information:

Guests under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a family member.

Breakfast and parking included, except in 'room only' rate.

When booking 5 rooms or more, different policies and additional supplements may apply.Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.
Please inform of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.
Guests under the age of 18 can only check in with a parent or official guardian.
A deposit may be required at the property.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Airport code: LHR

Location

Guest Reviews

8.2
Based on 1191 reviews
Cleanliness: 7.84
Service: 8.62
Location: 8.35
Room Quality: 7.6
Amenities: 8.33
Value for Money: 7.99
Food and Beverage: 8.84
Overall Experience: 8.01
J
Joe • solo_traveller • gb
10
2026-10-14 • via Nuitee
L
Lorena • solo_traveller • us
7
A comfortable stay in an excellent location, with friendly staff and a delicious breakfast.
Pros:

The location was excellent, and the room was comfortable. The staff were friendly and responsive, and the breakfast was delicious and plentiful.

Cons:

There was some noise from construction outside. Other than that, everything was good.

2026-10-13 • via Nuitee
M
Maren • family_with_children • dk
9
2026-10-13 • via Nuitee
D
Davide • solo_traveller • ch
8
2026-10-11 • via Nuitee
S
Sandra • solo_traveller • au
1
Really bad
Pros:

Nothing at all. The property they have included to their main hotel is across the road and really substandard

Cons:

Everything. It shouldn’t be classified as a hotel. Rubbish in the front yard. Old beds and pillows, terrible bathrooms.

2026-10-11 • via Nuitee
M
Martin • solo_traveller • cl
10
2026-10-11 • via Nuitee
Q
Quentin • couple • ca
7
We found the River Hitel conveniently located close to the train station and within walking distance to the main tourist
Pros:

Very welcoming and helpful hosts. The breakfast was good. The location is convenient and within walking distance of the main attractions in Oxford.

Cons:

The property is older and tired looking. It has a lot to offer but is in need of some investment.

2026-10-08 • via Nuitee
S
Sigurjón Ingi • solo_traveller • is
6
2026-09-19 • via Nuitee
C
Christina • solo_traveller • us
9
Pros:

The bed was the most comfortable we found in England so far. The staff was lovely, the breakfast was fantastic. The location was great, however there was nightly road work but the curtains kept out the lights.

Cons:

Only one window opened so it was a little stuffy. They gave a fan, but it didn't do much. We couldn't leave the window open overnight as it was on the first floor and no screens (which I know is a British thing) but it felt unsafe to leave open.

2026-09-17 • via Nuitee
S
Samson • solo_traveller • bh
7
Okay - fit-for-purpose
Pros:

Breakfast was sufficient

Cons:

Aeration in the room was not great at all. it was stuffy.

2026-09-16 • via Nuitee
J
John • couple • gb
8
A short stay in a hotel in a very convenient location with great staff.
Pros:

Very helpful and friendly staff. Excellent parking. Very good breakfast. The location is convenient and close to riverside walks.

Cons:

There are major road works on the road which makes access complicated and can be noisy. This is very frustrating for the hotel staff who are keen to provide a great experience for their guests. I would certainly stay again though, as the hotel is very friendly and has a personal feel.

2026-09-15 • via Nuitee
C
Carolynne • couple • au
6
2026-09-13 • via Nuitee
D
Dirk • couple • nl
8
Heerlijk verblijf gehad
Pros:

De ligging

Cons:

Was niet echt heel duidelijk vermeld dat de kamer op de tweede verdieping lag zonder lift.
Is uiteindelijk allemaal gelukt

2026-09-13 • via Nuitee
I
Isaac • solo_traveller • es
10
2026-09-11 • via Nuitee
V
Vickie • couple • us
8
Comfortable Hotel with walking of the major attactions.
Pros:

The River is within easy walking distance for most of the attractions.
Unfortunately for them and us, there is ongoing construction nearby, which the staff made sure to reach out and inform us about. The construction had minimal impact on us.
The river Thames is adjacent to the property (though it looks more like a canal at this point). Be sure to take a stroll down the footpath to the lock. We enjoyed the nearby pubs the Holly Bush and The Punter.
Visit St John's College.

2026-09-10 • via Nuitee
C
Catherine • solo_traveller • us
8
Pros:

Close to river and not too far from city.

Cons:

No lift. Multiple stairs.

2026-09-07 • via Nuitee
A
Amy • couple • gb
8
Great location, excellent breakfast, would stay again
Pros:

Great location ten minutes walk from the centre. Excellent breakfast, and fantastic staff. Very clean, and during our stay very quiet.

Cons:

The bathroom was quite old fashioned with a very low shower rail and cheap toilet paper.

2026-09-06 • via Nuitee
A
Andrew • solo_traveller • gb
7
Nice hotel but the double room was quite small, which was fine as I was staying alone. Breakfast was excellent and staff
2026-09-03 • via Nuitee
H
hendrik • couple • nl
7
Goede uitvalsbasis voor Oxford bezoek.
Pros:

Goed ontbijt en gunstige ligging en hele goede informatie over bereikbaarheid

Cons:

Is iets gedateerd

2026-09-01 • via Nuitee
M
MATT • couple • gb
7
2026-09-01 • via Nuitee