Hampton Inn Oxford

I was surprised to hear this place is nearly 10 years old, because it’s so well maintained. I’ve stayed in plenty of Hampton Inns and similar hotels for work, and this is the nicest Hampton Inn I can remember. The lounge and breakfast space felt comfortable and more like a higher rung Hilton property. The gym was bigger, better equipped, newer, and in better shape than I expected. The rooms were a good size and well kept, and the bathroom was in great condition. I’m picky about old looking tile and worn flooring, and an average bathroom can really drag down a room. There isn’t much going on in town. We went to Oxbow Brewery about 1.5 miles away. I’m a beer snob, and the brews were very good, as were the wood-fired pizza and atmosphere. I expected this property to have a higher rating based on its condition, so some of the lower reviews surprised me. A few one-star reviews seem to be from people who booked here when they meant Miami U in Oxford Ohio, and I bet some were looking for Ole Miss in Oxford MS too. Great job. I heard renovations are coming soon, though I’m not sure what needs them.

This was the least restful Hilton stay we’ve ever had. We were in town for a local wedding during a three day weekend when a card race was also going on, with Oxford casino directly across from the hotel. As Hilton Honors members, we’d requested a quiet room eight months in advance and called the day before to confirm. The front desk said they saw the request, but at check-in we were put on the front first deck, on the ground floor facing Highway 26 and the entrance. Our room was next to the hotel’s mechanical room, which we only discovered the next day. Traffic noise went on constantly, trucks using Jake brakes, cars racing through the traffic light about 100 yards in front of the hotel, and motorcycles revving at all hours. The mechanical room beside our bed made loud grinding and vibrating noises through the night, especially when guests used hot water, and the wall vibrated too. It woke us repeatedly. I raised it with the manager the next morning, and she admitted she knew about it. On Friday morning I asked to move to a quieter room in the back, but was told none were available. Staff acknowledged the problem but offered no solution or compassion, and I didn’t feel the “100% Satisfaction Guarantee” meant anything. When headquarters asked how things were going, I sent a negative reply and asked to be contacted. Nothing. No response at all. There were other sources of noise. The AC fan switched on unexpectedly before the compressor, making it harder to sleep on a warm weekend. Toilet seats and lids slammed in nearby rooms all night. I suggested easy closed lids like most hotels use to cut down on the bangs. We were one room from the side entrance, where people kept coming and going, and the front entrance was only about four rooms away. People parked outside our window and made noise as they arrived and left. At checkout I told the representative we hadn’t had a good stay. The response was dismissive, “Bet it was noisy.” There was no apology and no effort to make it right. For anyone wanting a quiet, restful night, I would NEVER stay here again. Hilton Honors should be ashamed to attach its name to this place.

Erin was wonderful, calm, friendly, and so helpful. She chatted and joked with us whenever we passed the desk, and she really saved us this weekend. Cindy quickly got us a roll-away bed, and our early check-in was handled smoothly. We also called and someone answered on the first ring. The staff were attentive everywhere, including the breakfast crew, who kept moving with a big crowd to feed. Excellent facility and team. Thank you for helping us out!

We stayed at another Hampton, but this location still refused to refund our stay. Hampton corporate said they contacted the hotel directly, but the penalty wasn’t waived. They’ll take advantage of you, so beware. There are plenty of reviews from people who seem to have booked Oxford, Maine when they meant Oxford OH. This keeps happening, and the penalty should always be waived in those cases.