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2-star hotel Check-in 14:00 · Check-out 11:00

River Hotel

Enjoy a 4.3-rated riverside stay at River Hotel in Oxford with free Wi-Fi, breakfast, and easy access to Ashmolean Museum, Bodleian Library & Christ Church.

17 Botley Rd, Oxford OX2 0AA, United Kingdom View on map
8.6/10
Very Good Based on 155 recent guest reviews
Free Wi-Fi Free breakfast Restaurant Bar Smoke-free
What recent guests emphasize

Comfortable riverside stay with friendly service

Guests highlight the hotel’s excellent location near the river and transport links, complemented by warm hospitality and satisfying breakfast offerings.

Guests often praise

  • Friendly, attentive staff noted for excellent customer service.
  • Convenient riverside location close to the train station and city attractions.
  • Clean, comfortable rooms with lovely river views.
  • Generous and tasty free breakfast, especially the cooked options.
  • Quiet, intimate atmosphere due to limited number of rooms.

Worth knowing

  • No pool, fitness center, airport shuttle, or pet-friendly facilities available.
  • Parking is ample but may require inquiry upon booking.
  • Rooms are compact, suitable mainly for overnight or short stays.
  • Breakfast is served in a designated hall with a set menu of options.
  • Smoke-free property ensuring a comfortable environment.

Best for

  • Visitors exploring Oxford’s university district and museums.
  • Travelers seeking a peaceful, traditional hotel experience.
  • Guests wanting convenient access to public transport and city center.
  • Those appreciating river views and local dining options onsite.
  • Business visitors needing proximity to Oxford Business School.
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About this property

Welcome to River Hotel

River Hotel is a riverside accommodation located on Botley Road in Oxford, known for its practical setting near the city’s historic university colleges and cultural landmarks. The property offers rooms with either en suite or private bathrooms, prioritizing comfort and privacy without extensive luxury features. Guests can enjoy free breakfast and complimentary Wi-Fi during their stay.

The hotel includes an on-site restaurant and bar, catering to guests seeking convenient dining options. Although there is no fitness center, pool, or airport shuttle service, the peaceful smoke-free environment appeals to those looking for a quiet atmosphere, as noted by visitors who appreciated the spacious, clean rooms and attentive staff. Check-in is available from 2:00 pm, with check-out until 11:00 am.

Set in a centuries-old district, the location suits visitors interested in exploring Oxford’s cultural sites. Nearby attractions include the Ashmolean Museum, Bodleian Library, and Christ Church college, all highly rated and within easy reach. The hotel's position close to Oxford train station and local transport options also facilitates connections to Heathrow, London Gatwick, and Stansted airports.

Reviews often highlight the hotel's friendly reception and the quality of the breakfast, particularly the scrambled eggs and sausages. Many guests value the scenic river views and the quiet nature of the hotel, making it suitable for leisure visitors as well as those traveling for business. While the property lacks some amenities found in larger establishments, it provides a straightforward and pleasant base for exploring Oxford.

Summary compiled by GoHotelly editors from verified guest reviews, partner descriptions and editorial notes.
Facilities & essentials

What's on-site and what you should know before you arrive

The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.

Most popular facilities

Free Wi-Fi
Free breakfast
Restaurant
Bar
Smoke-free

Not available at this property

Pool
Pet-friendly
Airport shuttle
Fitness center
Verified guest reviews

What recent guests are actually saying

Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.

YK
Yanislava Kostova Apr 06, 2026
10

Adnan is our best receptionist who was brilliant and have the best customer service.Thank you Adnan! We will vome back again!

M
MrAC Mar 08, 2026
10

Just got back from a wonderful 2 night stay at this hotel. Great location, good river view, loads of parking and friendly host. The cooked breakfast was fantastic especially the scrambled eggs and sausages. Will definitely be staying again.

SG
Sandra Goudie Mar 05, 2026
8.0

Great location and lovely service from the time we arrived. Good breakfast. Room neat and tidy and clean. Small but all we needed for overnight stay.

CB
Crystalee Beck Feb 25, 2026
10

Delightful spot right by the Oxford Business School. Very helpful staff. Comfortable rooms.

TB
Tony Boys Feb 18, 2026
10

Super location alongside the River! And excellent service from all especially the alert and rapid Julian !! Very clean room and topped off with an excellent and generous breakfast. ! thanks so much all

LB
Liza Bec Jan 09, 2026
10

Very comfortable rooms, warm welcome and great breakfast. A very short distance to station and lovely river views. Would highly recommend!

SP
Saku Pradhan Jan 07, 2026
10

We had a really good time at this hotel. The hotel is superb, clean and easy access to the tube station. The staffs are also really friendly and make you feel comfortable. The breakfast is so tasty. Will be definitely back again.

HM
Halyna Miasoid Dec 30, 2025
10

Excellent location near the train station and close to the city. Easy to go for walks and return. Stylish, old fashioned hotel gives a feeling of living in an old house. Limited number of rooms, hence few guests creates a quiet atmosphere. Breakfast is served in a nice hall, options on the menu.

Location & neighborhood

Where you'll find River Hotel

Oxford, United Kingdom

Centuries-old district home to Oxford University colleges, diverse museums & the Bodleian Library.

  • Oxford 5 min Walk
  • Oxford City Centre Railway Station (Stop R6) 5 min Walk
  • Oxford City Centre Railway Station (Stop R3) 5 min Walk
  • Heathrow Airport 1 hr 9 Car · 1 hr 42 Transit
  • London Gatwick Airport 1 hr 44 Car · 2 hr 33 Transit
  • London Stansted Airport 1 hr 50 Car · 2 hr 52 Transit
Things to do nearby

Worth the walk or a quick ride

Curated spots travelers usually pair with a stay in Oxford. Distances are rough real-world times, not straight-line.

Ashmolean Museum 11,688 reviews

Ashmolean Museum

Beaumont St, Oxford OX1 2PH, United Kingdom

4.7 · Museum
Bodleian Library 1,141 reviews

Bodleian Library

Broad St, Oxford OX1 3BG, United Kingdom

4.6 · Library
Christ Church 1,561 reviews

Christ Church

St Aldate's, Oxford OX1 1DP, United Kingdom

4.5 · College
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