Mercure Oxford Eastgate Hotel

The 64-bed Mercure Eastgate Hotel is in a restored 17th-century coaching inn and the hotel has loads of character and a rich history. JRR Tolkien is believed to have regularly dined here and CS Lewis is said to have proposed to his wife in the old coaching inn’s restaurant.

Although Mercure has restored the building to highlight its historical nature, the interior design also features many contemporary accents with pops of bright colours including purple, mustard and gold to complement the neutral earthy tones. Photos of Oxford on the walls add a touch of local flavour.

Standard rooms feature comfortable beds plus a work desk, a flat-screen television, a fridge, ironing facilities, a trouser press and tea and coffee making facilities and an en-suite bathroom. There is one room set aside for guests who require wheelchair access.

Privilege rooms are larger with a better shower and a Nespresso coffee machine and the Deluxe suite overlooking High Street is larger again, with a bigger bed and a separate lounge area.

Free Wi-Fi wireless internet access is available throughout the hotel.

Keepers Kitchen & Bar is the hotel restaurant, which serves traditional British and European cuisine.

The hotel has a great location on the south side of High Street near the Ruskin School of Drawing and Fine Art with the main hotel entrance on Merton Street. It is less than a 10-minute walk into the heart of the city centre and the central tourist area of the University of Oxford (which includes the Bodleian Library, Radcliffe Camera, the Bridge of Sighs and the University Church of St Mary the Virgin) is only a five-minute walk from the hotel. Magdalen Bridge, Magdalen College and the University of Oxford Botanic Garden are only a three-minute walk from the hotel.

Limited parking is available but it is charged at £20 per day.