Vanbrugh House Hotel review: boutique rooms and punting in Oxford

Planning a weekend in Oxford and want a characterful boutique hotel in the historic centre? This Vanbrugh House Hotel review covers the rooms, the hamper breakfast and the punting trip we added to our stay at the end of summer 2023.

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With its world-famous colleges and dreaming spires, Oxford is a city I’d long been meaning to visit for a weekend. Vanbrugh House Hotel has a rich history of its own and a perfect location, so I was keen to see what it offered.

Disclaimer: Although I stayed at Vanbrugh House Hotel on a PR trip, all experiences and opinions in this post are unbiased and 100% my own.

Where is Vanbrugh House Hotel?

It’s on St Michael’s Street, a prime spot in the heart of Oxford. You’re a stone’s throw from the Bodleian Library, the Radcliffe Camera and the Oxford University colleges, ideal when you want to pack in as much as possible.

How to get there

• By train: if you’re travelling by rail, Oxford Station is only a 10-minute walk away, or around 5 minutes by bus.
• By car: there’s no hotel car park, but we found pre-booking parking at the station easy and not badly priced.

The history of Vanbrugh House

The hotel is named after architect Sir John Vanbrugh, celebrated for his Baroque designs and the mastermind behind Blenheim Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site a short drive away.

Built in the 18th century, the building has evolved from a private residence to a coaching inn. Today it keeps its Georgian façade and period features alongside modern amenities, so you get a taste of Oxford’s heritage without sacrificing comfort.

Vanbrugh House Hotel room review

The rooms are by no means huge, but they have lots of charm. There are 22 in total, and because it’s a listed building, many quirks and unique layouts remain. Our double still had its original fireplace. If you like modern minimalism, this may not be for you, but I found the mix very homely and well suited to Oxford.

Room amenities

You’ll find tea and coffee facilities, luggage space and a hairdryer. There were also two fans, which I was thankful for on the hottest weekend of that year, as old buildings can really hold the heat. With them on, we slept comfortably. The Oxford landmark mugs were cute, and there was information on the wall about the building’s history.

The bathroom

Again it wasn’t huge, but the space was used well, with a decent shower and overhead towel storage. It’s clearly quite old but felt clean, and it’s more than enough for a couple of nights. I love the scent of the White Company toiletries, the same ones you get on P&O cruises, which brings back fond memories.

Breakfast at Vanbrugh House Hotel

Breakfast is a little outside the norm: a hamper, with contents you choose the night before. It holds yoghurts, pastries, cold cuts and cheeses, and can be delivered to your room or enjoyed in the dining room. You could also take it for an early picnic in a nearby garden, or even on a punting trip. It’s not the most exciting breakfast, but it was tasty and filling.

Add a river punting experience

A real highlight was a punting trip on the River Cherwell, booked through the hotel, which took care of all the planning. A taxi took us to Cherwell Boathouse, where our fantastic guide was waiting.

You can hire a boat and have a go yourself, but it was wonderful to sit back and glide along on a sunny morning. Our local guide shared loads about the places we passed and answered our many questions about studying at the colleges. After a blissful hour, our pre-booked cab was waiting to take us back. It’s a lovely way to do something quintessentially Oxford.

Would I stay at Vanbrugh House Hotel again?

Definitely. With its perfect location, comfortable rooms and the option to add experiences, it’s a great base for getting lost in everything Oxford has to offer.

How to book

You can book through the hotel’s website, where you’ll find rates and any offers. If you prefer Booking.com, add your dates below.

Things to do nearby in Oxford

If you’re short on time, I’d recommend a free walking tour. We did a great free tour of the colleges led by a student, which gave a really unique perspective. I’d also recommend:

• The Covered Market, full of independent shops, cafés and bars. Tap Social is a great place for a drink.
• Amazing locally produced ice cream from G&D’s.
• Oxford’s world-class museums.

Heading into the countryside next? Try Panshill’s luxury lodges nearby, or a Cotswolds day trip.

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