Oxford is a city that feels stuck in a loop of its own history, which is why The Store Hotel Oxford feels like such a massive curveball for the local hospitality scene. For decades, if you wanted luxury in the "City of Dreaming Spires," you went to the Randolph. It was predictable. It was grand. It was very, very old-school. But then Boswells—the legendary department store that survived everything from the Victorian era to the rise of Amazon—finally shut its doors in 2020. People were genuinely gutted. It wasn’t just a shop; it was a landmark on the corner of Broad Street and Cornmarket.
So when Reef Group announced they were turning the skeleton of Boswells into a boutique hotel, the locals were skeptical. Could you really take a place where people bought kitchenware and suitcases and turn it into a high-end destination?
The answer is actually yes.
What is The Store Hotel Oxford exactly?
Basically, it's a 101-room boutique hotel that occupies the old Boswells site. It opened its doors in early 2024, and honestly, it’s a bit of a maximalist dream inside. They didn’t just paint the walls and call it a day. They kept the bones of the department store—think high ceilings and large windows—but filled it with velvet, bold patterns, and a ton of local art.
It's weirdly positioned. You’ve got the chaos of Cornmarket Street right outside, which is usually packed with buskers and tourists, but once you step inside, the acoustic dampening is actually incredible. It’s quiet.
The rooms vary wildly. You have some that look out over the hustle of the street, and others that are tucked away in the quieter corners of the building. Because it’s a conversion of an old department store, no two rooms feel identical. Some have these massive, original windows that let in a ridiculous amount of light, while others feel more like cozy dens.
The Rooftop Situation
If there is one thing people are talking about when it comes to The Store Hotel Oxford, it’s the rooftop bar. Oxford has a weirdly low number of rooftop spaces. The Varsity Club exists, sure, but the "Roof at The Store" changed the game a bit.
You get a 360-degree view of the skyline. You can see the Saxon Tower of St. Michael at the North Gate, the dreaming spires, and the rolling hills of Oxfordshire in the distance. It’s the kind of place where you’ll see students celebrating a thesis submission alongside tourists who look slightly lost but very happy with their cocktails. They have these outdoor heaters that actually work, which is a blessing because Oxford weather is notoriously fickle.
🔗 Read more: Finding Alta West Virginia: Why This Greenbrier County Spot Keeps People Coming Back
The Food: Treadwell
The main restaurant is called Treadwell. The name is a nod to Treadwell’s Passage, a bit of local history that used to exist nearby. The menu is "untraditionally British."
What does that even mean?
It means they take stuff you know—like a classic roast or a pie—and mess with it. Not in a bad way, but in a "let’s add some unexpected spices" kind of way. It’s headed up by chefs who clearly want to move away from the stuffy, white-tablecloth vibe that usually dominates Oxford’s high-end dining. It’s loud, it’s bustling, and the open kitchen adds a lot of energy to the room.
- The breakfast isn't just a buffet. It's a proper sit-down affair.
- They do a lot of sourcing from the nearby Covered Market.
- The seating is a mix of plush booths and communal tables.
Honestly, the bar in the lobby is just as good for a quick drink. It’s called The Bar at The Store (very literal naming convention there), and it’s become a bit of a "third space" for people who work remotely in the city.
Why the location matters (and why it doesn't)
You are right in the thick of it. Stay here, and you are two minutes from the Bodleian Library. You’re three minutes from the Ashmolean Museum. You are quite literally on the doorstep of the oldest parts of the University.
But there’s a catch.
Cornmarket is a pedestrianized zone. If you are arriving by car, Oxford is a nightmare anyway, but getting to the front door of The Store requires some planning. They don’t have a massive private parking lot right out front because, well, it’s a medieval city center. You’re going to be using the Park & Ride or one of the nearby garages like Westgate. It’s a minor inconvenience for most, but if you’re traveling with ten suitcases, you should probably call ahead to coordinate.
💡 You might also like: The Gwen Luxury Hotel Chicago: What Most People Get Wrong About This Art Deco Icon
The Spa and Wellness Angle
Hidden in the basement is a spa that feels like a total departure from the street level. It’s tiny but focused. They use British brands like OTO and Votary. It’s not a "spend the whole day here" kind of spa with a 50-meter Olympic pool, but it is a "I need to decompress after walking 15,000 steps through museums" kind of spa.
They have these state-of-the-art treatment rooms and a thermal suite. It’s dark, moody, and very relaxing.
How it compares to the competition
Oxford has a few big hitters now. You have the Old Bank Hotel on High Street, which is the gold standard for classic luxury. You have the Randolph (now Graduate by Hilton), which is the historic choice. Then you have the Parsonage.
The Store Hotel Oxford fits in by being the "cool" younger sibling. It’s less formal. The staff don’t wear stiff uniforms that make them look like they’re in a period drama. It’s professional but friendly.
If you want the "Harry Potter" vibe, go to the Randolph. If you want to feel like you’re in a modern, vibrant city that happens to have 800-year-old buildings next door, stay at The Store.
A Note on Pricing
It isn't cheap. Oxford is one of the most expensive cities in the UK outside of London, and the room rates reflect that. You’re paying for the location and the fact that the building is a piece of local history. Prices fluctuate wildly depending on whether it’s graduation week or a random Tuesday in November.
What most people get wrong about The Store
People think because it was a department store, it’s going to feel cavernous and cold. It’s actually the opposite. They’ve managed to create these little pockets of intimacy throughout the building.
📖 Related: What Time in South Korea: Why the Peninsula Stays Nine Hours Ahead
Another misconception is that it’s just for tourists. The hotel has gone out of its way to court the locals. The rooftop bar and Treadwell are full of people who actually live in Oxford, which is usually a good sign. If the locals avoid a place, you should too. But they seem to have embraced this one, partly because everyone has a memory of buying a toaster or a school uniform at Boswells.
Making the most of your stay
If you're heading there, do yourself a favor and book the rooftop for sunset. Even if you aren't staying at the hotel, you can usually grab a spot if you're early enough.
Also, don't miss the small details. Look at the carpets—some of the patterns are inspired by the old layout of the department store. Look at the art on the walls; much of it is commissioned from artists who have a connection to the city. It’s these little nods that prevent it from feeling like a generic "luxury" hotel that could be in Paris or New York.
Practical Steps for Your Visit
- Check the University Calendar: If you book during "Encaenia" or "Eights Week," prices will triple and the city will be packed. Aim for the "shoulder" seasons (late spring or early autumn) for the best experience.
- Transport Strategy: Use the Oxford Tube (the bus from London) or the train. Both drop you within a 5-10 minute walk of the hotel. Don't try to drive into the city center unless you have the patience of a saint.
- Dining Reservations: Treadwell fills up on weekends. If you're staying at the hotel, ask the concierge to snag you a booth early.
- Explore the North: Most people turn south toward the colleges. Instead, walk north from the hotel into Jericho. It’s the "cool" neighborhood with independent cinemas and great pubs like The Jude the Obscure.
The transformation of Boswells into The Store Hotel Oxford is a blueprint for how to save dying high streets. It didn't tear down a landmark; it repurposed it. It kept the soul of the building but changed the function. It’s a bit bold, a bit pricey, and very much what Oxford needed to shake things up. Whether you’re there for the history, the food, or just that view from the roof, it’s a spot that finally offers something different in a city that usually prides itself on staying exactly the same.
The hotel proves that you can respect the past without being buried by it. For a city like Oxford, that's a pretty big deal.
Final Takeaways for the Modern Traveler
- The Vibe: Vibrant, textured, and unpretentious.
- The Highlight: The rooftop terrace for 360-degree views of the spires.
- The Food: Modern British at Treadwell, focusing on local sourcing.
- The Location: Dead center of the city, walking distance to everything.
- The Caveat: No on-site parking and a busy street entrance.
If you are looking for a place that feels like 2026 Oxford—a mix of ancient prestige and modern energy—this is it. Just make sure you pack comfortable shoes; those cobblestones are no joke.