Old Parsonage Hotel, Oxford

A haven of tranquility, the Old Parsonage Hotel is a thoroughly grown-up establishment conveniently located a short walk from the city center and less than an hour from London, which makes it feel like a countryside retreat despite its urban location. A real fire burns in the warm lobby all year round, the decor, traditional meets modern best describes the Parsonage. The Parsonage Bar and Restaurant has the intimate appeal of a private members club and is open from breakfast to 10:30 pm serving modern British classics, its emphasis on fresh local ingredients. Whether its the simplicity of a good steak and chips, stunning seafood imported from Jersey, or a lobster salad in summer, one will be guaranteed great quality food and service. From May to the close of September there is a barbeque on the front terrace every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. In summer on the terrace and during the winter months one can enjoy live jazz every Friday evening. The hotel uses local suppliers where possible, fish and shellfish from Jersey, meat and vegetables from the owners farm in Oxfordshire, and cheese from a local supplier. One can enjoy breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner or just a drink. No rules apply, anything goes, one can eat when one likes. Parking for hotel guests is limited but there is ample parking in nearby Keble Road and St. Giles. The 30 rooms, situated over two floors around an herb and lavender planted roof garden have a distinctly stylish country-house feel. The individually designed, air conditioned rooms have en-suite marble bathrooms, flat screen TV with radio, telephone, and high-speed Internet connections. Some of the ground floor rooms have private terraces overlooking the Church garden where breakfast, lunch, or dinner can be enjoyed. The four Deluxe Rooms are situated in the oldest part of the house and have retained their original features.