voco Oxford Spires

Formerly known as Principal Oxford Spires (and before that the Oxford Spires Four Pillars Hotel), this is a modern purpose-built three-storey hotel set on spacious grounds with easy access to the Thames Path.

On first appearances, the voco Oxford Spires hotel looks like a modern manor house but once inside it feels more like a modern chain hotel. Like many upmarket hotels in suburban areas, the atmosphere can feel a little sterile.

Accommodation is in clean functional rooms that include comfortable beds, a work desk, a flatscreen television, ironing facilities, tea and coffee making facilities and an en suite bathroom. Standard guest rooms are 23m² (247 sq ft) and superior and deluxe rooms are just a tad larger at 24m² (258 sq ft). Superior and deluxe rooms also feature bathrobes, slippers and nicer toiletries.

Suites are much larger at 44m² (473 sq ft) and have separate living and sleeping areas.

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

Adjacent to the ground floor reception is an open-plan lounge area with a bar and restaurant. The Deacons Restaurant has a seasonal menu that features British and European-inspired dishes.

The Willows Health Club and Spa includes a fitness centre with an indoor swimming pool as well as a sauna, steam room and beauty treatments. The fitness centre and swimming pool is free for the use of all guests.

There is onsite parking for 150 cars but it costs £7.50 per day to park at the hotel.

The hotel is around 1.5km (1 mile) south of the city centre. There is not a lot in the immediate vicinity but you can walk into central Oxford in around 15–20 minutes or alternatively catch a bus from the bus stop outside the hotel on Abingdon Road.