The Store Oxford

The Store Oxford, a Michelin Key Selected property, has quickly established itself as a prominent luxury hotel in the heart of Oxford, winning over guests with its unique blend of historical charm and contemporary elegance.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for The Store Oxford is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing it as "stunning," "exceptional," and "perfect." Review platforms show high ratings, with an impressive 9.2 out of 10 on Hotels.com based on 286 reviews, and an 8.5 overall rating on Agoda.com, with a remarkable 9.4 for location. Many consider it a must-visit destination and a highlight of their trip to Oxford.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently praise several key aspects of The Store Oxford:

• Location: Its prime position on Broad Street, directly opposite Balliol College and within minutes of major attractions like the University of Oxford, Bodleian Library, and Christ Church College, is a universal highlight.
• Design & Style: The hotel is lauded for its chic, modern, and luxurious design, which cleverly incorporates references to its history as the former Boswells department store. Black and white photos of the former store adorn the corridors, and the public spaces are described as bright and colourful.
• Amenities: The full-service subterranean spa, featuring a sauna, steam room, private treatment rooms, and a relaxation space, is a significant draw, with treatments offered in partnership with British brands Oskia and Verden. The panoramic rooftop bar and terrace is another "unexpected attraction," offering stunning views of Oxford's spires. A 24-hour fitness center, free use of bicycles, and a cozy lobby fireplace also add to the appeal.
• Service: The staff are frequently described as friendly, welcoming, courteous, professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely helpful.

3. Room Quality

The 101 individually designed rooms and suites are highly regarded for their comfort and sophisticated aesthetic.

• Comfort & Design: Rooms feature plush velvet headboards, deeply comfortable king-size beds, premium bedding, and generous bathrooms. The design is confidently modern and calming, with paneling, wooden floors, and rugs, a departure from more traditional Oxford hotels. Bespoke artworks and playful touches with a nod to the building's past are also noted.
• Amenities: In-room amenities include Smart TVs with Chromecast, air conditioning, Nespresso coffee machines, tea-making facilities, minibars, free bottled water, bathrobes and slippers, and Verden bath and body products. Some superior rooms and suites boast private balconies or rooftop terraces with impressive outdoor spaces and views of the Oxford skyline.
• Cleanliness: Guests consistently mention the rooms are "spotless" and "very clean."

4. Dining Experience

The hotel offers a comprehensive dining experience:

• Treadwell Restaurant: The main restaurant, Treadwell, serves "untraditionally British" fare, with bold, modern British flavors and a focus on seasonal and sustainable local produce. It offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including inventive small plates, generous mains, and traditional Sunday roasts. Guests have praised dishes like the chicken pie with "Ruby Murray" sauce and the Rosemary & Thyme Brined Pork Tomahawk.
• Breakfast: Breakfast is available, with options for full English/Irish, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices, as well as continental breakfast. Some guests found the breakfast "fabulous" with gourmet and unusual plates. However, some note that breakfast is not always included in the room rate and à la carte options are available from £20 per guest.
• Bars: There are two bars/lounges, including a ground-floor bar that opens onto Broad Street, described as pleasant, busy, and ideal for people-watching. The rooftop bar and terrace is particularly popular for cocktails with panoramic views of Oxford's architecture, featuring bespoke gin, vodka, and rum from Hawkridge distillery, and a menu of grilled and smoked dishes. The rooftop bar is for over 21s and operates a walk-in service.

5. Service & Staff

Guest feedback on service and staff is overwhelmingly positive. Staff members are frequently highlighted as "very courteous and professional," "friendly and welcoming," "amazing," "super helpful and easy to speak to," and "genuinely helpful." Guests appreciate their knowledge, confidence, and dedication to ensuring an exceptional stay. The general manager emphasizes a philosophy of ensuring guests feel comfortable in any part of the hotel. One guest noted the staff's honesty when a lost wallet was found and returned with nothing missing.

6. Location & Accessibility

The Store Oxford boasts an "excellent" and "super good" location in the heart of Oxford city centre.

• Neighborhood: Situated on Broad Street, it's next to shops, cafes, and restaurants of Cornmarket Street and George Street.
• Attractions: Most of Oxford's famous museums, colleges (including the University of Oxford, Balliol College, and Christ Church College), and cultural highlights are within a few minutes' walk. Blackwell's bookstore and the Bodleian Library are practically on its doorstep.
• Transport: The hotel is a short stroll (about 10 minutes) from Oxford train station. While convenient for those without a car, parking is not available directly at the hotel, with the nearest options being Westgate or Worcester street car parks, which can be expensive and a 10-minute walk away. The C4 bus stop to Blenheim Palace is also a very short stroll away. The hotel is approximately a one-hour drive from London Heathrow Airport.

7. Value & Pricing

The Store Oxford is considered a luxury hotel, and its pricing reflects this. Average room prices range from $401 to $450 per night, which is higher than the city's average of $201 to $250. While some guests acknowledge it as a "worthwhile investment" for an "unparalleled" experience, others have found it to be on the expensive side, particularly if booking last minute or during events. The hotel's commitment to exceptional service, unique atmosphere, and prime location contributes to its premium pricing. On Booking.com, the "value for money" score is 7.7 out of 10.

8. Common Complaints

While reviews are overwhelmingly positive, a few minor recurring issues or criticisms have been noted:

• Value for Money: Some guests felt that for the price paid, their room view wasn't great or expected a little more luxury. One guest expressed extreme disappointment, feeling the room did not match photos and was too expensive for its size.
• Service Responsiveness: One reviewer mentioned that requests for items sometimes required 2-3 attempts to be delivered.
• Room Size/View: A few guests reported small rooms with no view, looking into other buildings or alleys.
• Restaurant Menu Details: A guest noted that many dishes at Treadwell are spicy, but this is not always indicated on the menu.
• Accessibility in Bathrooms: One guest found the bathroom mirror too high for someone of Asian height, deeming it a "bad design."
• Parking: The lack of on-site parking and the cost and distance of nearby options can be an inconvenience for those arriving by car.

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