Review of Old Parsonage Hotel, by Chloe Loyd

The Old Parsonage Hotel is an independently owned, 400-year-old building that was formerly the parsonage to St Giles. Now, this luxury boutique hotel is a traditional Oxford hideout for those seeking old world charm.

The facilities

Set back from the road and obscured by a stone wall, the Old Parsonage Hotel's heavy oak door, wreathed in ancient twisted vines, opens into the warmth of this boutique hotel's bar and restaurant. A log fire crackles warmly in the dark wood-panelled lobby. Ancient carvings bring a sense of heritage to the room.

The charm of this luxury boutique hotel is in the central location and the genuine warmth of the public spaces. An inner courtyard on the first floor, sprinkled with plants, provides the perfect space for those seeking solace in summer months. Bikes can be borrowed and the Old Parsonage even has its own punt. There is also a small car park, a rare find in central Oxford, which operates on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The rooms

This boutique hotel is a veritable rabbit warren of rooms. Most of the 30 rooms are modest in size, unfussy and contemporary in style. Recently refurnished, they are well arranged, with upholstered chairs and decent desk space. Colours are muted and lighting is soft. Those boutique rooms facing the street are slightly larger with more traditional furnishings.

Rooms 25 and 30 have fireplaces and sofa beds in addition to double beds at the Old Parsonage Hotel. Some have small balconies. Suites are more spacious and downstairs rooms have their own little patio. The premier suite is "Oscar Wilde" - an ode to one of his favourite haunts. Bathrooms are adequate and small but modern and sparkling.