Old Parsonage Hotel Oxford Reviews
Press reviews
Living Etc, November 2012
Formerly a private residence, this 17th- century ivy-clad hotel has the rarefied air of an old country house hotel and yet it’s in the heart of Oxford….
Click here to read the latest review of the Old Parsonage in Living Etc. Magazine
Olive Magazine, August 2012
In September, many tourists are gone, students are yet to arrive, and on the 8th and 9th, you can take a peek behind some of the city’s most interesting properties, with Oxford Open Doors. Stroll from pubs rich in history, such as the Lamb and Flag (Thomas Hardy’s local), to Gee’s for a genteel lunch, or the Old Parsonage for high tea on the terrace. The Old Parsonage is a small friendly hotel, just out of the centre, offering complimentary guided walking tours that give a unique overview of the city. The restaurant serves reliable mains (steak sandwich with chips, £13.95) and comfort puds. Doubles from £132, full English £14.00
It was my birthday yesterday and the last day of my son’s exams – so what better way to celebrate than afternoon tea in Oxford?…
Click here to read the latest review of High Tea at the Old Parsonage written by Emma Lee-Potter.
20th June 2012.
Red Online March 2012
Think luxury, boutique, historic and classy, all in one, and you haveThe Old Parsonage. Suitable for anyone who’s after somewhere with the feel and style of a club, as well as those who are looking for a cosy, comfortable home-from-home, it’s a fabulous choice of place to stay in Oxford. http://www.redonline.co.uk/travel/book-places-to-stay/the-old-parsonage</a
Oxfordshire Life Magazine (Oxford Times) November 2011
- the perfect Oxford hotel -
The Old Parsonage fulfills my vision of the perfect Oxford hotel. Steeped in history, with a lovely private walled terrace, roaring fires, and a relaxed menu means that it is also popular with locals, which I think makes for a nice mix and great atmosphere. After a glass of chilled Champagne for myself, and a very good Mojito for my husband, we were seated by the window in the restaurant. It is quite a confined space, but I think the cosiness is part of the charm.
I kicked off with crab ravioli in a crab bisque. This was one large ravioli, filled with delicate crab, and covered with an intensely delicious bisque soup. Gosh it was good. Steve had the seared hand-dived scallops, prettily served in their shells on a bed of pea puree, dotted with cubes of crispy pancetta.
My main was a rack of very pink and very tender lamb, absolutely stunning served with a slab of creamy dauphinoise potato and sliced runner beans, while Steve's poached turbot was cooked to perfection, with swiss chard and a creamy hollandaise sauce to pour over.
I pinched a couple of his side order of chips, – really crispy, chunky home-made ones – and they were yummy! However, they were an extra £3.95. I think that if you feel you need to order extras they should have been included in the first place.
On to the puddings a raspbery Eton mess, served in a tall glass sundae dish, for me, and an individual lemon meringue pie for Steve. He would have preferred a slice of a deep pie, but it was fine.
The Old Parsonage is not pretentious, and it does not try too hard – thank goodness. It has a fabulous location, and the all-year-round terrace is an absolute boon. It is all dreadfully 'Oxford', but not too stuffy at all. I really rated it.
Daily Mail 13th September 2010
-The fireplace in the hall (where a fire is lit every day, whatever the weather) dates back to that same year, when Edward Selwood, the cook at nearby St John’s College, completed work on the house. At some point in the 19th century, Oscar Wilde is thought to have lodged here, how he would love it now. It’s so small and intimate, so sophisticated and refined that you begin to understand the meaning of the term ‘ feelgood factor’. Every square inch of the Russian-red walls is covered with portraits and oxford cartoons, all beautifully hung, all haunting. the hotel has its own tour guide (no charge) and its own bicycles (no charge). there’s no spa here, for a welcome change. No piped music, either - but there is a live jazz band in the lobby on Friday nights. Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/article-1311361/Hotel-Review-An-Inspector-calls-Old-Parsonage-Hotel-Oxford.html#ixzz1cZ7zo1IL
Telegraph travel 2nd November 2010
-Few, if any, of this country’s prime cities have at their heart anywhere as cosy, clubby and individual as Oxford’s Old Parsonage hotel.
Conde Nast Johansens 2010
Walk through the heavy oak door of this 4 star luxury hotel and be amazed by the sense of history. A picture perfect wisteria-clad hotel dating back to the 17th-century, it has numerous quirky passageways and low ceilings throughout. Its intimate, romantic atmosphere is enhanced by the refreshingly chic décor that is both modern yet also warm and welcoming. – Conde Nast Johansens
Guest reviews
-“Perfect city hideaway”
Reviewed 18 October 2011I would thoroughly recommend the Old Parsonage. The look and feel blends perfectly with Oxford – its pretty, classy has bags of history on its own. The room was well appointed and exuded a feeling of calm. We took advantage of the complimentary walking tour run by a local resident which was a real highlight
-“This was a charming inn with wonderful service.”
Reviewed 22 August 2011We were enthralled with the charm and excellent service that we received. Our room, though small, was very comfortable, complete with amenities including complimentary bottled water (sparkling and still), high end soaps and shampoo, tea and coffee and a small fridge. Additionally, we had a lovely private fenced-in patio in a garden, surrounded by shrubs and flowers. The staff was very accommodating, even trying to contest a parking ticket on our behalf, getting us cash and helping us park our car behind the hotel. The restaurant was lovely and good and there was a charming patio in front with stone walls and tables with umbrellas.
-just as good second time around
I think this stay promoted this hotel from just our second best to our preference in Oxford – it’s quiet, the rooms are lovely, the bed is luxurious, the service is great and the breakfast delicious. And very convenient to be able to park and walk so easily into town – June 11th 2011
-Exquisite hotel, impeccable service
With over thirty years spent vacationing at the Old Parsonage, I feel qualified to recommend it as the quintessential English country house hotel. The rooms are chic without being over done, public areas are warm and inviting. The staff is helpful, but not intrusive. The location in Oxford is ideal. This is a hotel that is not to be missed.
-the place to stay in Oxford.