8 best hostels in Oxford

The historical city of Oxford, also known as the "City of Dreaming Spires," is home to Oxford University, one of the oldest universities in the world, established in the 12th century. The city boasts Gothic and Baroque architecture, a true haven for history and art lovers. Although deeply steeped in history, Oxford gives out a youthful vibe thanks to its large student population.

Surprisingly, despite many international students, backpackers, digital nomads and interns, Oxford has limited cheap accommodation. There are only a few hostels, but many student rooms and private rooms close to the colleges, buses and train stations, boarding schools and, of course, Oxford City Centre.

Wonderful and expensive, you could use every penny when visiting Oxford, and choosing a hostel over a hotel will save you lots of money. Below are some of the best hostels in Oxford to suit every traveler and budget. And did you know that Bounce often partners with hostels for their luggage storage services? If your hostel doesn't happen to be our partner, you can always opt to store your luggage at another convenient Bounce storage service location in Oxford.

Central Backpackers

One of the most popular hostels in Oxford is housed in a century-old historic building, but don't worry, it's been recently refurbished. Though there are no lifts or elevators available, this Oxford hostel is almost always booked.

Central Backpackers is one of the best hostels in Oxford for many reasons. Being centrally located, the hostel is within short walking distance of some of Oxford's iconic landmarks, such as Oxford Castle, Bodleian Library, and Radcliff Camera. This makes the hostel ideal for Oxford backpackers looking to see all the top attractions without much hassle. And if you want to explore further downtown Oxford, the main train station and bus station are within a 5-minute walking distance.

Besides its prime location, Central Backpackers offers superb amenities and facilities to help guests have an unforgettable stay in Oxford. Featuring a rooftop terrace, a common lounge area with a TV, board games and books, and a fully equipped kitchen with free coffee and tea, the hostel is ideal for socializing and meeting people from all over the world.

Free wi-fi is available across all facilities. You can pick from rooms that sleep between 4, 6 and 8 people, but private rooms are available too. Female solo travelers will love the comfort and privacy in the female-only dorm rooms.

What makes Central Backpackers unique

Besides its great location, Central Backpackers is among the best choices for a hostel in Oxford for its high-security levels. The front door has door code access, and rooms can only be entered with a swipe card. In addition, there are separate lockers for each bed where you can store your valuables using your own lock.

Central Backpackers pricing

Pricing for a 4-bed mixed dorm room at the Central Backpackers starts at $58.00 a night, while a 4-bed private room with a shared bathroom will cost you $175.00 per night.

EasyHotel

If you are looking for affordable accommodation in Oxford, this is the right place. Although pretty basic, this budget hotel has everything you need for a pleasant stay. The hotel's convenient location, just 15 minutes from the City Centre, near bars, restaurants, pubs and cafes, makes it even more popular among travelers who don't want to travel far for a pint of beer.

Just a short walk from the hotel, there is a bus and a train station, making it convenient to explore the city. The hotel offers single ensuite rooms with free wi-fi, a TV, comfortable beds, and fresh linen and towels. Room cleaning is available for $12.00. The hotel also accommodates large groups and gives discounts for booking ten or more rooms.

What makes EasyHotel unique

This is one of Oxford's best hotels for many reasons, like its superb location, cleanliness and cheap rates compared to other hotels in the area.

EasyHotel pricing

The average nightly price for a double room with a window is about $63.00. This Oxford hotel is pretty basic, but because of its affordable prices it books up pretty fast, so try to book your spot in advance.

Rewley House

Though there are only a few hostels in Oxford, backpackers and budget travelers can still find cheap accommodation near Oxford University. Located within a short walking distance of the Ashmolean Museum and Oxford City Centre, Rewley House is an excellent choice for your stay in Oxford.

You can choose from single, twin, and double rooms and apartments, all with ensuite bathrooms and tea and coffee makers. The floors are heated, and the bathrooms have heated towel racks. Boasting a charming garden, a bar and a shared kitchen, as well as a vending machine, Rewley House is the perfect budget accommodation for travelers from all around the world.

Full English and Irish breakfast is served in the on-site restaurant and guests can get access to free wi-fi across the entire accommodation.

What makes Rewley House unique

Despite its excellent location, Rewley House has good facilities, clean and spacious rooms and friendly and helpful staff that will make you feel welcome the minute you walk in. The fact that it has a nice quiet academic atmosphere makes it perfect for travelers looking for some peace and quiet during their stay in Oxford.

Rewley House pricing

Considering Rewley House as your base in Oxford? The lowest nightly price at the Rewley House is $126.00 for a standard single room with an ensuite bathroom and flat screen TV.

Cozy Room

Like most hostels in Oxford, Cozy Room offers excellent amenities and facilities for great prices. Located 3.5 miles from Oxford University and 9 miles from Blenheim Palace, Cozy Room provides a comfortable stay with free wi-fi a flat-screen TV and peaceful garden views.

Guests can enjoy complimentary tea and porridge, free towels and bed linen, and a bike rental service is also available. The place has great reviews for the helpful and friendly hosts too. All in all, Cozy Room is a great value for the price.

What makes Cozy Room unique

Some of the reasons guests book Cozy Room repeatedly are the cozy and quiet atmosphere, the clean rooms and the good value for money.

Cozy Room pricing

The prices at Cozy Room vary depending on the selected date and the hotel's policy. Pricing for a standard single room starts at $51.00 a night, making this accommodation one of the cheapest in Oxford.

Magdalen College

Whether you are traveling alone or with friends, this Bed & Breakfast accommodation at Magdalen College is an excellent choice for your stay in Oxford. Surrounded by 120 acres of parkland in a quiet and exclusive area, just a 10-minute walk from Oxford City Centre, Magdalen College features bedrooms on-site and in the Waynflete Building across Magdalen Bridge. Most rooms in Magdalen College can accommodate up to two people.

While the Waynflete Building boasts views of Oxford's Dreaming Spires, Magdalen College is surrounded by parks, flower gardens, and water walks, and both have everything you need for an enjoyable stay. At the property, you can take advantage of the free wi-fi, laundry, and ironing facilities. There is also a restaurant/bar where you can get light meals and drinks and meet other travelers. Most of the bathrooms are shared.

What makes Magdalen College unique

Magdalen College is not only home to the most beautiful buildings in Oxford, but it's surrounded by vast greenery and beautiful landscapes in the heart of the city. Guests appreciate the views, clean space, spacious rooms, and comfortable beds. Magdalen College is also one of the most affordable options for hostels in Oxford.

Magdalen College pricing

With prices starting at $90 a night for a single room, Magdalen College is one of the cheapest Oxford accommodations you'll find. It's a terrific price in a picturesque locale.

Keble College

Oxford is a university city, and many of its colleges provide affordable accommodation for its students and other guests. If your idea of staying in Oxford involves sleeping in a Grade 1 listed building, then Keble College is just the place. Located in the heart of the city, Keble College is surrounded by gardens, one of which is Liddon Quad, one of the largest in Oxford.

The property offers en-suite and standard rooms with shared bathrooms that sleep up to two people. All rooms have tea and coffee-making facilities and biscuits to munch on between meals. There is a dining hall where continental and English breakfast is served every morning from 7 am to 9 am.

What makes Keble College unique

This may not be the cheapest option for your Oxford trip, but it has everything you need for a comfortable stay, much like most hotels in Oxford. Guests love the location, the free toiletries, the views of the quad, and the helpful staff at the Porter's Lodge.

Kebble College pricing

Pricing for this accommodation starts at $118.00 a night for a standard single room in the college Grade 2 listed buildings, with breakfast included. A double ensuite room within the Victorian buildings facing the quad will cost you approximately $220.00 a night.

The Coach and Horses

Hostels in Oxford may not be many, but there are other budget accommodations across the city within the same price range and they are just as comfortable and convenient, maybe even a little more than your usual Oxford hostels. One such place can be found in southeast Oxford, just outside Blackbird Leys Park.

This 3-star budget hostel offers free wi-fi, a bar, a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom, free parking, and à la carte, full English, Irish or vegetarian breakfast for an extra $15.00.

What makes The Coach and Horses unique

The Coach and Horses is an excellent accommodation choice in Oxford for many reasons, including its lovely garden, friendly staff, and clean and comfortable rooms. It's also an excellent value for your money.

The Coach and Horses pricing

Pricing for The Coach and Horses starts at $107.00 a night for a standard double room equipped with all the necessities, toiletries included.

Mount Pleasant Hotel

Besides Oxford hostels, there are other property types for budget travelers in Oxford, like this great budget hotel. Located 2.7 miles from the University of Oxford and 10 miles from Blenheim Palace, Mount Pleasant Hotel offers a variety of en suite rooms, all equipped with a desk, a flat-screen TV, linen, towels, a wardrobe, and a kettle.

Some of the conveniences you get to enjoy at this hotel are free wi-fi, a restaurant, free parking, and room service. The rooms in the hotel range from single and double to twin and family, with a maximum capacity of 3 people.

What makes Mount Pleasant Hotel unique

Mount Pleasant Hotel is conveniently located near supermarkets, bus stops, and restaurants. Guests particularly enjoy the neighborhood, the friendly staff, and the affordable prices.

Mount Pleasant Hotel pricing

Pricing at this hotel starts at $106.00 for a single room and up to $168.00 for a family room. Considering it's centrally located, this accommodation is a very affordable option and the best bang for your buck.

The best hostels for budget travelers in Oxford

Hostels in Oxford are not many, but you can find cheap accommodation everywhere, starting with university dorms and budget hotels to guesthouses, B&B and Airbnb. The above-mentioned accommodations have everything you need for an enjoyable stay, whether traveling solo, with friends or family.

You're now ready to book the best hostel for you. Before you book one of the available properties, plan your itinerary and include places like High Street for local crafts and Turl Street to see the famous colleges: Jesus College, Exeter College and Lincoln College. To get to know the city better, read How to Get Around Oxford, and for budget eats, Where to Find the Best Street Food in Oxford.