Ethos Hotel
59 Western Road, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England, OX1 4LF
Loading map...
#12 of 21
expert-rated hotels in Oxford- Recommended for:
- Backpackers / Students, Business travellers, Couples, Singles, Travellers with pets, No fuss, Trendiness
Expert review of Ethos Hotel
A delightful boutique aparthotel that suits short and long-stay visitors equally well.
In 2008 local businessman David Beaumont had the idea of creating an affordable boutique aparthotel south of the river. Ethos, with its colourful, almost garish, artworks and ceramic Buddhas set against bright white walls proclaims its friendliness and clean-lined funkiness as soon as you climb the steps and enter. The building is a Victorian end-terrace extended by Mr Beaumont to create 12 self-contained studios.
Location:
On the corner of two terraced streets just off the Abingdon Road on the south side of Folly Bridge. The closure of the pub opposite attests to the gradual gentrification of this part of Oxford. The Grandpont Nature Park is nearby. The city centre begins ten minutes' walk to the north along the Abingdon Road.
Bedrooms:
There are 12 rooms, including one at street level for disabled access. There is no internal lift so you’ll get used to going up and down stairs. Everyone’s favourite room - mine too - is the Sky Loft, which is on two levels at the very top of the house. All rooms are individual, en suite and equipped with their own kitchenette with a microwave combi, fridge, kettle and toaster. Bathrooms have underfloor heating. The hotel provides a breakfast basket and will also shop to order for you if given some notice.
Rooms also feature an iPod docking station, Sky movies, individual climate control and some have DVD players.
Check availability and compare prices for Ethos Hotel
Public areas:
Just about none. The only place you’re likely to bump into fellow guests is in the brightly-lit reception area where “snack pack” baskets can be bought for £15 and Wendy the cheery receptionist will ask about your day. When the hotel is full there's filter coffee warming opposite reception.
Eating and drinking:
You’re on your own – just you and the fridge and the microwave combi! There are chairs but no dining tables in the rooms so you're likely to end up having TV dinners. Oxford’s best restaurants are 15-20 minutes’ walk away. There is a list of restaurants in the room guide, or ask at reception for recommendations.
Leisure facilities:
Nothing on site but there is free access to the Willows Club at Oxford Spires Four Pillars, which is a ten-minute walk away. Willows has a large indoor pool, steam room, sauna and well-equipped gym. Beauty treatments are also available at the Willows Club.
Service:
Informal but cheerful. You usually only get to see Wendy the receptionist.
If you want to bring pets ring in advance.
Check availability and compare prices for Ethos Hotel
Who stays there:
Visitors to the University (including parents of students), business travellers, budget travellers and anyone who has to be in Oxford for a while and wants something more individual than a hotel to come home to.
Price advice:
Rooms divide into Superior, Executive, Deluxe and Luxury. Then there’s the Skyloft Suite which is worth the extra. WiFi is complimentary throughout the hotel.
Parking is an issue in these narrow "Permit Holder Only" streets. David Beaumont is currently trying to negotiate designated hotel parking with the council. For the moment using the Redbridge Park and Ride and taking the bus down might be your best bet if you're coming to Oxford by car.
Pros:
Good value
Ideal for long stays
Very well-equipped apartments
Cons:
Parking is a problem in the immediate area
Significant distance from city centre if you want to see the sights
More information on Ethos Hotel:
- Price from:
- Type:
- Aparthotel
- Address:
- 59 Western Road, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England, OX1 4LF
- Free tags / Keywords:
- Funky, boutique
- Amenities:
- High-Speed Internet
- Neighbourhood:
- Grandpont
