Athena Guest House

The bedbug problem was distressing, and the response made it worse. We reported it right away and asked for a full refund, but the compensation offered wasn't enough given what had happened. There were multiple bites, and we have clear photo and video evidence. This happened around 3 a.m., and we couldn't sleep at all. Bedbugs during a stay are unacceptable and a serious health and hygiene concern. I'm sharing this so future guests know to check the room carefully before staying.

I wouldn't go into the room or shower without shoes on. It was far dirtier than I could have imagined, and the bed felt ready to fall apart whenever I moved at night, though it wasn't uncomfortable. The location wasn't as promised, and the owners are taking people's money amid Oxford's outrageous summer accommodation prices. I was also let into someone else's room by staff to use their en-suite without the guests' consent. Several dubious stains in the shower, sink, on the floor and in the bins made it seem like the room hadn't been cleaned in a while. I'm not writing this to punish the owner, who probably won't care about another bad review. I want to warn people against making the same mistake we did. It's worth paying a little more to keep your dignity. Good luck.

There were no staff on site to ask for advice or help with check-in. You have to call a number, and the person who answered did help me sort out the internet. There is free internet, though it was confusing to work out which router to use and what the password was. The rooms themselves were okay, the location was okay, and some staff were okay to deal with. The cleaning staff seemed pleasant. But the place is listed under one name and called something else when you arrive, which made the whole setup feel dodgy. CCTV cameras on every landing didn't reassure me. In the overspill part of the guesthouse, there's a cockroach infestation, and people trying to sleep had to hear staff karaoke in the kitchen from 9 pm until 2 a.m. The rooms in the guesthouse might have been okay. Whatever the price, avoid it if you can. It's one of the worst places I've ever visited.

The price was fair, but the rooms were tiny and the bathroom filthy. A neglected dog barked in the courtyard all night. Don't open the wardrobe, it's full of rubbish. Acceptable for one night.