As my London+ for Art/Architecture/Photography trip comes more into focus, I could use some suggestions on where to stay in Oxford, Bath and Salisbury for 2-3 nights each that is convenient for public transport (arrival & departure) and walking to sites.
I'd like to keep it below 200 pounds if possible, but am known to splurge if it's a worthwhile treat!
I'm also known to go very cheap if it is in the right area, clean and safe :)
Thanks much for any recommendations.
Lee
We stayed in the Premier Inn in Oxford, central, reasonable and (nearly) always reliable. Walkable from station, or 5 mins by taxi.
I would second Lin C's recommendation for Premier Inns. In fact I would look in Oxford, Bath, and Salisbury for a Premier Inn—they are located all over England and I know there are several in Oxford, Bath, and Salisbury. I've stayed at a number of them throughout England and Scotland and they're always consistently clean and always very reasonably priced. Keep in mind that the earlier you book, the lower the price.
Breakfast is not included but it is available and it's usually a pretty good deal for the price. You can either get a continental breakfast or a cooked breakfast for a few pounds more. Their beds are always very comfortable and I'm picky about beds. Really you can't go wrong staying at a Premier Inn. You might find an occasional dud but for the most part they are always consistent in their quality. You won't get charm or a quaint B&B atmosphere but it's a good hotel for a good price.
A few weeks ago in Salisbury I stayed at the White Hart Hotel. It is in the City Centre, almost opposite the side entrance to the Cathedral Precincts. It is about 10 to 15 minutes walk from the Railway Station, or about 5 minutes to the main bus stops and shops/restaurants in the City Centre.
I admit I had booked about two months ahead and it was the start of low season but I got my 4 nights in a single room for about £65 per night which I thought was a great deal, inclusive of breakfast. One of the best breakfast spreads I have seen in a long time, which starts at 0630 on a weekday/0700 weekends.
Possible negatives to you (not for me) was that it has no lift/elevator and no USB points in the bedrooms- just normal plugs.
For the same dates it was actually cheaper than the Premier Inn if you add breakfast in.
We loved the Brooks Guesthouse in Bath, it is convenient to walk to the sites of the city and the fare is reasonable with fantastic breakfast.
We also enjoyed Brooks Guest House in Bath. Don't think you can go wrong staying there. It is clean, safe, and withing walking distance of everything. Be sure to try a seafood place named The Scallop Shell which is very close.
Hi, veryspecialquilts,
In early September, we stayed at the Holiday Inn at Peartree Roundabout in Oxford. It's a bit out of town, but the hotel is about 200 yards from the Peartree Park and Ride, where you can catch the number 300 bus for the town centre. The bus cost six pounds return for the two of us (cash or credit card). The buses run frequently.
The hotel cost was $330.00 (about 245 pounds) for two nights, breakfast not included. However, we were able to find reasonably priced breakfasts in the town. The room was very comfortable and spacious, and the staff were exemplary.
There is also a Travelodge next door to the Holiday Inn, which is a bit cheaper, but has received mixed reviews.
Hope that helps.
Safe travels!
Mike (Auchterless)
My husband and I stayed at The Randolph Hotel Oxford for five nights. It's above 200 pounds, but the room was spacious and quiet; the downstairs had many common rooms that were very cosy and nicely appointed; the bar was a lovely, very British affair which honored Morse (and was the real reason that I chose "The Randolph" as Morse and Lewis referred to it and frequented for "a pint". It is centrally located.
I stayed at the Queensberry hotel in Bath on a solo trip a couple years ago. Gorgeous cozy hotel. Great service, highly recommended and I think it's in your price range.
I liked the Rose and Crown in Salisbury although it might be a little far to walk from the station with luggage. It was very convenient for the Cathedral and Close area. I wound up in the old wing built in the 12th C. My room overlooked the grassy area toward the river. The only drawback is we were there on a Friday and Saturday and they are a big venue for weddings so there was a lot of celebratory commotion until midnight or so.
https://www.roseandcrownsalisbury.co.uk
I've also stayed at the Mercure White Hart in the distant past. It was fine but a little more spartan than the Rose and Crown.
I did not check pricing on either one.
My favorite place was a small B&B but the owners have retired. The next time I go I have my eye on the Best Western Red Lion which is also in an old coaching inn.
