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The Head of the River

4.0 star property
Eco-certified inn with a restaurant and a bar

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The Head of the River

Exterior
Comfy Room | 1 bedroom, desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi
Front of property
Interior
Comfy Room | 1 bedroom, desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Reviews

8.6 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Pet friendly
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

Map
Folly Bridge, St. Aldates, Oxford, England, OX1 4LB
  • University of Oxford
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Christ Church College
    ‪4 min walk‬
  • Oxford Castle
    ‪9 min walk‬
  • Oxford (OXF)
    ‪16 min drive‬

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Room options

View all photos for Comfy Room

Comfy Room | 1 bedroom, desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Comfy Room

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(13 reviews)
  • 151 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Indulgence Room

Indulgence Room | 1 bedroom, desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Indulgence Room

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(4 reviews)
  • 172 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Cosy Room

Cosy Room | 1 bedroom, desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Cosy Room

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
(6 reviews)
  • 129 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Family Room

Family Room | 1 bedroom, desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Family Room

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(3 reviews)
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Twin Sofa Bed

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Exterior

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About the neighborhood

Oxford

Located in Oxford City Centre, The Head of the River is adjacent to Thames River and within a 5-minute walk of other popular sights like University of Oxford. This 19-room, 4-star inn has conveniences like a restaurant, a bar/lounge, and free in-room WiFi.
View more Inns in OxfordOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • University of Oxford - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Christ Church College - 4 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Oxford Castle - 9 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • New Theatre Oxford - 11 min walk - 0.6 miles
  • Bodleian Library - 12 min walk - 0.7 miles

Getting around

  • Oxford Station - 17 min walk
  • Heathrow Airport (LHR) - 63 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Joe & the Juice - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪The Place to Eat - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Sticks'n'Sushi - Oxford - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪The Old Tom - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Curzon Oxford - ‬9 min walk

About this property

The Head of the River

Eco-certified inn with a restaurant and a bar
Guests staying at The Head of the River enjoy free WiFi in public areas, a terrace, and a garden. Staff members can help with accommodation requests, and provide front-desk service during limited hours. If you like to take your furry friend along on your adventures, this pet-friendly property offers food and water bowls.
Guests can expect free WiFi and flat-screen TVs with digital channels. Bathrooms have hair dryers and free toiletries. Espresso makers, phones, and ironing boards are also available. Housekeeping is available on request.

Awards and affiliations

Eco-Certified Property
This property participates in Green Tourism Program, a program that measures the property's impact on one or more of the following: environment, community, cultural-heritage, the local economy.

Languages

English

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • No onsite parking available

Food and drink

  • Cooked-to-order breakfast available for a fee 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM on weekdays and 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM on weekends; GBP 10 to 15 per person
  • A bar/lounge
  • A restaurant

Restaurants on site

  • The Head of the River

Conveniences

  • Limited-hour front desk

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (on request)

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • On a river
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Front entrance ramp
  • Handrails in stairways (35 inches high)
  • Lever door handles
  • Tile flooring in public areas
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Visual fire alarm
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible public washroom
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk (42 inches high)
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant

More

  • 3 floors
  • Smoke-free property

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV with digital channels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Espresso maker
  • Free bottled water

More

  • Desk
  • Heating
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 10:00 PM
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 8 AM - 9:30 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
If you are planning to arrive after 11:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • This property welcomes pets for GBP 10 per pet, per night
  • Food and water bowls are available
  • Service animals exempt from fees

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • Fee for cooked-to-order breakfast: approximately GBP 10.00 to 15.00 per person
  • Pet fee: GBP 10 per pet, per night
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
  • Check-in: 3:00 PM—-10:00 PM
  • Check-out: 11 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is available during limited hours.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • No parking is available onsite.
  • This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted. 
  • The credit card used at check-in for incidentals must be in the name of the primary guest who made the reservation.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • There are no elevators.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.

Property is also known as

Head River
Head River Inn
Head River Inn Oxford
Head River Oxford
Head Of The River Hotel Oxford
The Head of the River Inn
The Head of the River Oxford
The Head of the River Inn Oxford

Frequently asked questions

Is a free cancellation option available at The Head of the River?

The Head of the River provides free cancellation on some room rates. For more details, take a look at the cancellation policy on Orbitz.

What's there to see within easy reach of The Head of the River?

This inn is situated in Oxford City Centre, just steps from Thames River and Thames Path, and within a short walk of Oxford Town Hall. You'll also find Carfax Tower and Covered Market less than a mile away.

Will I be able to park at The Head of the River?

No, there isn't parking at this inn.

Does The Head of the River include a casino on the premises?

No, The Head of the River doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at The Head of the River?

No, there is no indoor pool at this inn.

What amenities will couples enjoy at The Head of the River?

Amenities that appeal to couples at this riverfront inn include an espresso maker as well as a bar and a restaurant.

Does The Head of the River have a hot tub?

No, this inn doesn't have a spa tub.

Does The Head of the River feature a restaurant that includes a breakfast menu?

Yes, The Head of the River serves a cooked-to-order breakfast for a surcharge each morning at The Head of the River.

Will The Head of the River allow pets to stay free of charge?

Although they can't stay for free, pets are welcome at The Head of the River for a fee of GBP 10 per pet, per night. The property also provides food and water bowls.

Does The Head of the River have connecting rooms?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this inn.

How close is the airport from The Head of the River?

The closest major airport to The Head of the River is Oxford (OXF), which is 8.8 mi away (14 minutes by car).

Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at The Head of the River?

No, you won't find guestrooms with balconies at The Head of the River.

The Head of the River Reviews

Reviews

8.6

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 328 out of 662 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 236 out of 662 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 56 out of 662 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 35 out of 662 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 7 out of 662 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

8.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.6/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Rachel

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Scott

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Loved It

Great property in a great location - right on the Thames and a 5 minute walk to Oxford.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Daniel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

A wonderful last minute stay!

The staff were friendly and welcoming, the pub setting by the river is great and our room was perfectly appointed with comfy bed and pillows and premium teas & coffees. Breakfast was included and the offering was just what we like. We’ll definitely be back, a faultless stay.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

cheryl

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Natalie

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Had a fab time and the staff were very friendly. We arrived at 2.30 so were told we couldn’t check in until 3 pm so we went to the bar for food and drinks. We were there until 4 so spent quite a bit then when we checked in we were then told we could have 10% off food and drink so my only suggestion would be to have this available as soon as people arrive as we had spent quite a lot.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Anna

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We loved our rooms, very clean, excellent facilities. Little extras with quality teas, coffees etc. Good service, comfortable beds and pillows. Will definitely stay again
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Wonderful play to stay and eat

The Head of the River was a really nice place to stay. It was close to all key Oxford sites and easily walkable. Parking was a short shuttle to lot and cheap. The Inn has great indoor and outdoor dining areas. The Inn's food was wonderful. Breakfast was amazing with lots of options. The room was very clean and spacious. Everything you need is in the room including fridge with water. I highly recommend staying and eating here.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lida

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very good food and the accommodation is great
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Darren

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Helen

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Excellent

Great service .. very lovely room
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

sienna

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
loved the stay
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Asha

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Love this place, never fails.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

malcolm

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Elly

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

rosario

Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

LYNN

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Had a great stay at Head of the River this weekend. Hotel and staff were great.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

David

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very friendly and helpful staff. Bedrooms were very comfortable with excellent bathroom and shower - although floor of shower was a bit slippery. Lovely choice of breakfast. Can’t wait to return.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Melanie

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We had a great stay at The Head of the River. Our room was really comfy - and our dog Bert was made really welcome too. Breakfast was exceptional.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Leonard

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sally

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great breakfast

Room very clean and comfortable, good view, quiet despite being next to a busy road. Staff all pleasant and helpful. Top quality complimentary teas and coffees. Lovely toiletries. Great breakfast. Would definitely stay again
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mehmet

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

panaporn

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

philip

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Wed night Thames water decided to dig up Folley Bridge at 11.15pm. Unbelievably loud pneumatic drills being used to break up the concrete. This disturbance went on until about 3am. A total nightmare. Obviously not the fault of the Head of the River, but i hope HOTR will complain to the council for sanctioning these roadworks to begin at 11:15pm right next door to a hotel full of guests. Other than that, a perfect stay in Oxford and i fully recommend the HOTR as an ideal location with lovely hotel rooms.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Bernadette

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
would recommend & would stay again when in the area. room was clean and comfortable, food was good and affordable, staff was excellent
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024