The Buttery is a charming hotel situated in the heart of Oxford, offering a cozy retreat for travelers. Housed in a historic building, it features delicately furnished rooms that blend modern comforts with classic architecture. Guests can enjoy beautiful views of the streets below and easy access to major attractions, including the acclaimed University of Oxford. The hotel emphasizes a warm atmosphere, making it suitable for both academic visitors and tourists seeking to explore the rich heritage of the city.
What each source says
- Priceline 4.0 1,327
- Expedia 4.1 1,000
- Tripadvisor 3.5 513
Bar length is review volume, so you can see how much weight sits behind each score. Captured 2026-08-26.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Authentic Historic Character Housed in a charming, older building, the hotel provides a unique and atmospheric experience that many guests find preferable to modern, impersonal chains.
- Clean and Spacious Rooms Many reviewers note that despite the historic building, the rooms are kept spotlessly clean and offer surprisingly generous space compared to other local options.
- Excellent Value for Money Travelers frequently highlight that the pricing is very reasonable and competitive for such a prime, central location in an expensive city like Oxford.
- Exceptionally Helpful Staff Guests consistently praise the staff for being friendly, accommodating, and frequently willing to help carry heavy luggage up the narrow staircases.
- Unbeatable Central Location Located right in the heart of Oxford on Broad Street, the hotel is within walking distance of major university colleges, museums, and transport hubs.
Criticised
- Challenging Stairs There is no elevator, and the steep, winding staircases are difficult to navigate for those with mobility issues or large, heavy suitcases.
- Limited Climate Control Some guests report that rooms become quite hot in the summer, and while portable cooling units are available, they can be loud and sometimes ineffective.
- No On-Site Amenities The hotel lacks dedicated parking and consistent in-house dining options, requiring guests to utilize public park-and-ride services or local restaurants.
- Potential for Noise Rooms facing the street can suffer from pedestrian and nightlife noise, while the historic building's thin floors and walls may allow sound to carry between rooms.
- Varying Maintenance Levels Several reviews mention that while clean, some rooms feel tired, noting issues like worn decor, outdated bathroom fixtures, or minor repair needs.
The longer read
The Buttery is an exceptionally well-located property in the heart of historic Oxford, making it an ideal base for travelers prioritizing convenience and proximity to major colleges, museums, and transportation hubs like the train station. Guests consistently praise the central setting, noting that they can walk to almost all main attractions, restaurants, and shops. The building itself is a charming, historic Grade 2 listed structure, offering an authentic Oxford experience that many find appealing. However, potential visitors should be aware that the age and layout of the building come with significant practical considerations that differentiate it from modern hotel chains.\n\nThe most critical aspect for any guest to understand is the accessibility of the property. There is no elevator, and the building features narrow, steep, and winding staircases that provide the only access to the reception and guest rooms. Many reviewers emphasize that this makes the hotel unsuitable for individuals with mobility issues or those traveling with heavy, oversized luggage. While staff members are frequently commended for their willingness to assist with carrying bags up and down these stairs, travelers should be prepared for a physically demanding climb, particularly if assigned to the upper floors.\n\nRegarding the accommodations, the rooms are generally described as clean, spacious, and comfortable, equipped with useful amenities like refrigerators, tea and coffee making facilities, and sometimes air conditioning or fans for warmer days. While the hotel is often marketed as a four-star establishment, experienced travelers suggest a more realistic expectation is that of a clean, comfortable, and basic guesthouse rather than a luxury hotel. Some guests note that rooms can appear slightly dated or in need of minor aesthetic updates, such as bathroom tiles or paint, though the housekeeping is typically lauded as thorough.\n\nNoise levels are a frequent topic in reviews, primarily due to the hotel's prime central location. Guests in rooms facing Broad Street often report hearing street noise, including students, pedestrians, and early-morning municipal services, while back-facing rooms are generally quieter. Bringing earplugs is a commonly offered tip for light sleepers. Furthermore, guests should note there is no on-site parking or full restaurant service; the hotel relies on its immediate surroundings for dining options. Ultimately, for those who value an unbeatable location and historic character over luxury amenities or accessibility, The Buttery remains a highly recommended choice, provided one manages their expectations regarding noise and the physical navigation of the building.
A synthesis of published third-party reviews. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +441865811950
- Website
- thebutteryhotel.co.uk
- Check in
- 14:00 · out 11:00
Facilities
- 24 Hours
- Air Conditioning
- Baggage Storage
- Cafe
- Complimentary Instant Coffee
- Hair Dryer
- Heating
- Housekeeping
- Internet
- Non Smoking Hotel
- Non Smoking Rooms
- Taxi Service
- Telephone
- Television
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 3.9 against a median of 4.2 across the 61 venues we hold for Oxford, where the most-reviewed is easyHotel Oxford.
Booking
Still deciding?
- What historic sites and university landmarks are within walking distance of The Buttery in Oxford?
- Which rooms at The Buttery include original fireplaces and what other amenities do they offer?
- What items are typically served for the continental breakfast at The Buttery’s on‑site cafe?
- Is The Buttery equipped to accommodate families, such as providing cribs or child‑friendly services?
- Does The Buttery offer on‑site parking or easy access to public transportation for guests arriving in Oxford?
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.