Old Bank Hotel

The Old Bank Hotel in Oxford, a Michelin Key Selected property, consistently receives high praise for its prime location, sophisticated design, and exceptional service, making it a top choice for visitors to the historic city.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The Old Bank Hotel consistently garners high ratings from guests and critics alike. It holds a guest score of 18.8 out of 20 from verified MICHELIN Guide guests, an "Exceptional" rating of 9.2 on Agoda, and a "Wonderful" score of 9.3 on Booking.com. The overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently praising its central location, comfortable accommodations, and friendly staff.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently love the Old Bank Hotel for several standout features:

• Location: Its unparalleled central position on Oxford High Street places guests directly opposite iconic landmarks such as the Radcliffe Camera and the Bodleian Library.
• Design & Artwork: Housed in a well-preserved 18th-century bank building, the hotel blends Georgian architecture with contemporary style, featuring an impressive collection of modern artwork throughout its public spaces and guest rooms. The interiors are described as subtle, restrained, and elegantly decorated.
• Service: The staff are frequently highlighted as excellent, friendly, accommodating, and exceptionally helpful.
• Amenities: Notable amenities include free Wi-Fi, complimentary parking (a rarity in central Oxford), free bicycle rentals, a peaceful Library Bar, and in-room spa treatments on request.
• Quod Restaurant & Bar: The on-site Quod restaurant is a popular and lively hub, known for its European classics with an emphasis on British produce.

3. Room Quality

The hotel features 42 luxury, smoke-free rooms that vary in size and layout. Rooms are described as comfortable, spacious, and elegantly decorated with sleek furnishings and modern art. Key features include hand-crafted EPOC mattresses, plush king-sized beds, Wildsmith bath products, and marble-lined bathrooms. Many rooms offer original period features and stunning views of the city or its famous landmarks. Some rooms also come with balconies or terraces. While most rooms are well-appointed, standard rooms can sometimes be small.

4. Dining Experience

The Old Bank Hotel's Quod Restaurant & Bar serves as a versatile and bustling dining spot, open for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner. The menu focuses on European classics made with fresh British ingredients.

• Breakfast: Guests frequently praise the wonderful and delicious breakfast offerings, which can be enjoyed in the restaurant or via in-room service.
• Lunch & Dinner: Quod offers a broad menu including creative salads, pizzas, and heartier dishes like duck confit and lamb bhuna. Reviewers note that the food is generally well-cooked and offers good value, especially the set lunch menu.
• Atmosphere: The restaurant is described as spacious, airy, bright, and buzzy, with a lovely heated Italian garden terrace.
• Afternoon Tea: An afternoon tea experience is also available, featuring sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and a selection of pastries.

5. Service & Staff

The staff at the Old Bank Hotel consistently receive exceptional feedback. Guests describe them as "amazing," "exceptionally helpful," "friendly," "gracious," "accommodating," and "attentive". They are noted for going above and beyond to ensure guests' needs are met, including personal touches for special occasions. Reception staff, in particular, are frequently commended for their professionalism and helpfulness.

6. Location & Accessibility

The hotel's location is a significant highlight, rated 9.9 out of 10 on Booking.com. Situated in the heart of Oxford City Centre on High Street, it provides immediate access to major attractions.

• Attractions: Radcliffe Camera, Bodleian Library, University Church of St Mary the Virgin, and various Oxford University colleges are just steps away. Carfax Tower is also nearby.
• Transport: Oxford train station is approximately 1.2 km away. The hotel also offers free parking on-site for guests, a rare and valued amenity in central Oxford, and complimentary bicycle rentals for exploring the city.

7. Value & Pricing

The Old Bank Hotel is a 5-star luxury establishment. While prices can be higher than the city's average, starting from around $233 per night, guests generally consider it good value for a luxury experience, with Booking.com rating "Value for money" at 8.3. An average room rate in the past month was approximately £274.36 GBP. The exceptional location, high-quality amenities, and excellent service contribute to its perceived value. Alumni of Oxford University may also receive a 10% discount on accommodation Sunday to Thursday.

8. Common Complaints

Despite the overwhelmingly positive reviews, a few recurring criticisms have been noted:

• Noise: Rooms facing High Street can experience noise from buses, taxis, and pedestrians, especially in the early hours. Guests seeking a quieter stay are advised to request a room not overlooking the main road.
• Room Size: Standard rooms can sometimes be small. One guest specifically mentioned a lack of suitable space for carry-on sized luggage in the closet.
• Restaurant Service: While generally efficient, some guests have noted that the Quod restaurant service can occasionally feel rushed or understaffed, particularly during busy periods.

Sources

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2. agoda.com
3. booking.com
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6. thehotelguru.com
7. ox.ac.uk
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12. booking.com
13. silvertraveladvisor.com
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15. oxfordmail.co.uk
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17. oldbankhotel.co.uk
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19. luxury-hotels.com
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