Oxford Belfry Hotel & Spa

Brenda gave me the best 50 minutes of my life. Her treatment was that good, and the Spa Lounge was cozy, with comfy seats, water and tea for relaxing. The lounge was a bit too cold. The spa itself was okay, with changing rooms, a pool, sauna and steam room. The pool wasn’t very heated, though the area was warm and cozy. Poolside beds might need reserving for hotel guests or rearranging to make more space. Spa staff were always welcoming, smiling, kind and professional. The gym was clean, well ventilated and fitted with brand-new equipment. We stayed for a three-night weekend, and the location was good for getting away from the city hustle while still being an eight-minute drive from a small town with groceries, a pub or other dinner options. It works for a last-minute getaway nearby, but it didn’t leave me wanting to recommend it or come back. In the room, the bed was very comfortable, though the pillows were so-so. It was spacious and had a window facing what I think was the internal garden, so nights were quiet and we could keep it open for fresh air. At times the room and hallway were too cold. I tried to work out the thermostat, but that was my fault for not asking. The bathroom was also very big, with a large shower, LED mirror and a little magnifying mirror that I loved. I wasn’t keen on the shampoo and body wash in one, but the essentials were there: towels, hair dryer, iron and a fan. I had to chase twice for the robes included with the spa package. On the first day they were in the room, but the next day they were forgotten again. The restaurant service could do with improvement. On a quiet evening, the glasses still had watermarks and other prints, and it took too long to order. A woman who was waiting by herself before us had to flag someone down, and our water bottle was forgotten. Don’t overfill the wine cooler: ours flooded the table. They could also provide a cloth for wiping the bottle when we refill our own glasses. The basic welcome and allergy steps were done, but the setup was lacking. If I order steak, I shouldn’t have to ask for a steak knife, and nobody checked back. When the restaurant is full, eating at the bar is an option, which is handy. Depending on who’s there, you may have to serve yourself, with no table service, or staff may not be aware of the section they need to cover. Don’t expect them to take your order or set you up for food unless you flag them first. All the servers were trying their best, smiling and accommodating, but they need more training and support.

Libby at reception, Mausam in housekeeping, and Tom, Mia and Keira in the restaurant were all wonderful. Friendly, polite, professional and helpful. Our room had been prepared in such a welcoming way, and we really appreciated all the little extras. It’s a lovely area too. We used our NT cards to visit Hughenden.

The room was a lovely anniversary surprise, thanks to the upgrade, and the hotel had left us a small gift. It was warm and spacious, with a comfortable bed, plenty of towels and extra pillows. The bathroom was clean, and there was no damage anywhere. The bathtub was enormous. We’ll be back. We had dinner one evening and the food was superb. Service was excellent, the price felt very fair for the food and service, and it was great to have a vegetarian breakfast option for my wife. The hotel was easy to find and only a short distance from Oxford. Everything was brilliant, and I’m not sure how anyone could rate it below 4.5 stars. Thanks to all the staff for making our stay relaxing and enjoyable.

Victoria was a dream during my recent back peel and massage. The peel left my skin feeling incredibly smooth, and the massage afterward was just what I needed to unwind. She’s professional and attentive, with a lovely calming manner and a real talent for her work. The whole session was deeply relaxing. I left feeling like a new person. If you visit the Oxford Belfry, I highly recommend asking for her.