Tower House Guest House

15 Ship St, Oxford OX1 3DA

Rating: 4.0 ★ (99 ratings)

Details

Tower House Guest House is a charming three-star establishment housed within a historic 17th-century building in the heart of Oxford city centre. This unique property retains its character with delightful old features, including original wooden ceiling beams. Its atmosphere is cosy and comfortable, boasting a quirky charm, and what truly makes it stand out is that some of its deluxe rooms are thoughtfully built into the original medieval city walls, offering guests a tangible link to Oxford's past. Located on a quiet, traditional street, it offers a peaceful retreat whilst being surrounded by the prestigious Oxford University colleges.

The guest house offers eight individually styled rooms, each thoughtfully decorated with a mix of old, modern, repurposed, and handmade furniture. Guests can expect amenities such as a flat-screen television with Freeview, tea and coffee making facilities, ironing provisions, a hairdryer, complimentary toiletries, and free Wi-Fi access. While some rooms feature shared bathroom facilities, others provide en-suite options, including spacious deluxe rooms that may offer a bath or shower. The property also features a restaurant and a lounge bar for guests to enjoy.

Tower House Guest House is ideally suited for those wishing to explore Oxford's rich history, vibrant shopping, and diverse dining scene, owing to its exceptionally central location. It appeals particularly to visitors who appreciate a "home away from home" feel, combined with historic architecture and modern comforts. With budget-friendly options available, including rooms with shared bathrooms, it is an excellent choice for an overnight stay in the city centre. Furthermore, guests may find added appeal in supporting the guest house, as it operates as a social enterprise, funding local student-led social outreach programmes.

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Location

Opening Hours

Monday: Open 24 hours | Tuesday: Open 24 hours | Wednesday: Open 24 hours | Thursday: Open 24 hours | Friday: Open 24 hours | Saturday: Open 24 hours | Sunday: Open 24 hours

Contact

+44 7402 008003 | http://www.towerhouseoxford.co.uk/

Comments

revcult999
2 Jul 2026
1.0 ★
This hotel is absolutely disgusting.

The room was filthy, covered in dust, with moldy bedding and a damaged ceiling. The pictures online are fake compared to reality. Enjoy an inflamed nose after breathing in all the dust.

The staff actually call it on the building being “heritage.” Heritage isn’t an excuse for mold or zero cleaning

Don’t waste your money unless you enjoy sleeping in dust and mold.
Jess Carrier
4 Jun 2026
4.0 ★
A few little things but overall I had a pleasant stay. As I arrived there was no one to let me in and it was pouring rain. I rang the door several times and tried to call the number, but reception in that walled street is poor so I could not get the call to connect. Eventually someone who was staying there let me in where I found the wifi and connected and was then able to call the number and get my room key. By then I and my luggage were soaking wet. Then hauling my heavy luggage up the small winding stairs was tricky.

Be aware also that the ceiling beams and doorways are low (given that this is a very old building it's to be expected) but if you are 5'11 or taller be mindful in the night or you will bonk your head like I did. This is my own fault though and not to be blamed on the establishment. Be aware also that there are a fair number of stairs so if you find stairs difficult it could be a problem though this was not an issue for me

The room and linens were clean and the bed was comfortable. However again being an old building in a rainy city, there was some mildew which my allergies did not appreciate, so if you have allergy problems more severe than mine it might not be a good fit.

The location is fantastic, close to everything in the city center. Yet the side street or was on was nice and quiet with a nice view. Which is good because you'll need to have the windows open for cool air.

Overall a pleasant stay aside from the trouble at check-in, otherwise hassle free and a nice stay for a few nights.
Ollie Laver
31 Jan 2026
2.0 ★
Location was central, but the room was completely not as described or shown in the pictures. Dirty sink in the corner of room that smelt of sewage. Shared shower broken. Attempted to reach absolutely anyone, ignored completely and disregarded me as a paying customer. Terrible service, wouldn’t recommend.
E
17 Nov 2025
5.0 ★
The man on reception was friendly and helpful, allowing us to check in early. I really liked this quirky hotel, from it's wooden beams to it's beautifully tiled Victorian bathrooms. The rooms are spacious, very comfortable and had everything we needed. The complimentary hot chocolate went down very well. The rooms are well furnished with nice wooden furniture and artistic lamps. The location is perfect for visiting central Oxford, you are in the middle of it all. Perfect for graduations at the Sheldonian Theatre, which is a very short walk away. If you are a tall person, you might not like it here, but for everyone else if you want a very comfortable, slightly quirky old fashioned hotel in a perfect location look no further.
Adi Dekel
3 May 2025
1.0 ★
Do not stay here. Cracked ceilings and walls - flaking to the touch, floor literally slanted at a 45 degree the house being old is not an excuse it is not livable. Mould covering windows and the stench of it too. Stay somewhere else - seriously. Location is good but just .. don't. Terrible smell in the room. Sink in the room on the carpet is weird. Trust me. Go elsewhere.

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