Hotel du Vin

Ten minutes’ walk from the historic colleges, four Georgian houses were knocked through to create number nine in the boutique Hotel du Vin chain, which brings contemporary opulence to traditional British style. All individually decorated, the best rooms are at the back with private gardens – traffic noise can be a problem at the front. The hotel is accompanied by its trademark bistro and a cellar bar, while those who have absorbed the literary heritage of this remarkable city can slope back to the hotel's well-stocked library. Despite being a chain, the hotel retains a cosy local feel and is well located to make the most of the city.