Central Oxford getaway .At this Oxford City Centre inn, you'll be well placed to visit Thames River and University of Oxford, both within a 5-minute walk. Thames Path and Christ Church College are also within half a mile (1 km).
There's a restaurant on site. You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. Public spaces have free WiFi. The Head of the River also features a terrace and a garden.
This 4-star Oxford inn is smoke free.
19 guestrooms or units
3 levels
Front desk (limited hours)
Terrace
Garden
No smoking on site
Bar or lounge
Dining venue
The Head of the River offers 19 accommodations with espresso makers and complimentary bottled water. Flat-screen televisions come with digital channels. Bathrooms include showers, complimentary toiletries, and hair dryers.
Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks and phones. Additionally, rooms include coffee/tea makers and irons/ironing boards. Housekeeping is provided on request.
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 10:00 PM
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 18
Check-out
Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out available
Special check-in instructions
The front desk is open daily from 8 AM - 9:30 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
If you are planning to arrive after 11:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Access methods
Front desk (limited hours)
Pets
Pets: GBP 20 per pet, per stay
Maximum 2 pets
Pets cannot be left unattended
Food and water bowls are available
Certain rooms only
You can request a pet-friendly room by reaching out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation
Service animals are exempt from fees
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome.
Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
Cribs (infant beds) are not available.
Property payment types
Important information
Optional extras
The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.
Pet fee: GBP 20 per pet, per stay
Service animals are exempt from fees
This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy. A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in. Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. No onsite parking is available. The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Diners Club. Cash is not accepted. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher in each accommodation.
We should mention
Pets are welcome in specific rooms only, which can be requested by contacting the property directly at the number on your booking confirmation (please see the Fees section for related charges).
Property is also known as
Head River
Head River Inn
Head River Inn Oxford
Head River Oxford
Head Of The River Hotel Oxford
The Head of the River Inn
The Head of the River Oxford
The Head of the River Inn Oxford
The Head of the River Reviews
Reviews
8.8
Excellent
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Rating 10 - Excellent. 379 out of 719 reviews
10 - Excellent
379
Rating 8 - Good. 242 out of 719 reviews
8 - Good
242
Rating 6 - Okay. 56 out of 719 reviews
6 - Okay
56
Rating 4 - Poor. 35 out of 719 reviews
4 - Poor
35
Rating 2 - Terrible. 7 out of 719 reviews
2 - Terrible
7
9.0/10
Cleanliness
9.0/10
Staff & service
8.8/10
Amenities
8.4/10
Property conditions & facilities
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Amanda
Jan 17, 2026
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
What a great find in a beautiful setting. Staff were helpful and the food was good. Great location too. I would definitely recommend staying here if your visiting Oxford and we will definitely be back!
Amanda
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
10/10 Excellent
Elizabeth
Jan 17, 2026
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
We had a fabulous stay at Head of the river. We stayed in the hotel for food which was excellent value and great service. There was a selection of pastries, cereals and fruit for breakfast along with hot food which could be ordered.
We stayed in a family room which was well appointed. Comfortable bed and a great hot shower. The only down side was the frosted glass door on the bathroom! It was a good job I was with very good friends as the door provided very little privacy! Please change it!
One night stay, and ended eating and drinking in the evening at the pub with 15% off the bill. The room was very clean and no problems. Overall I would definitely recommend staying and will in the future book a Fullers hotel again
Patrick
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
10/10 Excellent
CHARLOTTE
Jan 10, 2026
Liked: Cleanliness
Loved it
CHARLOTTE
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2025
10/10 Excellent
peter
Jan 8, 2026
peter
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
10/10 Excellent
Andrew
Jan 4, 2026
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
My husband and I had a wonderful stay. Loved the river view and the breakfast. The room was clean and comfortable. The only thing that could improve was the mattress which felt old and sunken.
First and foremost, the hotel has lovely staff. Very helpful and very pleasant.
Our room ovetlooked the river and wasvery comfortable with robes, nice Bramley toiletries, a good bed, a nespresso coffee machine and stocked fridge.
The Head of the River is the perfect spot for a trip to Oxford. Nestled next to the river, it’s a picture perfect taste of the old world wirh really lovely modern bathrooms
Lovely hotel, great location, beautiful terrace by the river.
The room was super cosy and comfortable. Breakfast was more than adequate with a buffet style continental and hot dishes made to order.
The only area for improvement would be the food at dinner. The menu was a little dull and the food 3/5.
This a great spot, with super kind service across the board at a very fair price point. Rooms are comfortable and well equipped, and it’s nice to have a pub within the hotel. We would happily go back.
Thomas
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025
10/10 Excellent
MaryJane
Travelled with family
Jul 27, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
This is the best boutique hotel in which i have ever stayed. The breakfast was excellent and the rooms well appointed. Lovely to be adjacent to the Thames. Unbeatable!