I stayed in Oxford’s newest hotel inside one of the world’s oldest department stores

Metro Checks In to The Store, a boutique hotel in the heart of Oxford.

As I arrive in Oxford, the quaint cobbled streets and winding alleyways are buzzing.

It’s (one of many) graduation days at the prestigious university, and brainy soon-to-be ex students are wandering around in caps and gowns.

It only adds to the charm: this city has buildings older than some countries (yes, I’m looking at you, USA), and it’s where the likes of Oscar Wilde and JRR Tolkien were inspired to write their classics.

And, for this Harry Potter millennial, it also doubles as the real-life Hogwarts (well, some of it, at least).

Hotel stays in Oxford are in high demand, so the fact I’d bagged a room at The Store felt like some Hazzy P magic. Little did I know, that was just the beginning…

What’s the vibe? Paint us a picture

First up, you can’t really get a better location.

The Store is on Broad Street, which dates back to medieval times, and is considered one of the most prominent in the city.

It’s sandwiched between listed buildings, with architecture that reflects Oxford’s rich past, as well as two of the University colleges and the world-famous Bodleian Library.

If you’re a bookworm, Blackwell’s, which has been selling books since 1879, is just down the road from the hotel. You could spend hours perusing the vast collection.

Once inside the hotel, you’re greeted with the longest bar in Oxford, in an open-plan reception area that feels modern, with plush teal sofas and gold accents. It’s a refreshing departure from the college crests and low ceilings you’ll find elsewhere in the city.

The Store is set within the walls of what was once Boswells department store, which opened back in 1738, making it one of the world’s oldest. 

It closed in 2020, before being transformed into the boutique hotel, which opened in February 2024.

The space is open plan, with cosy corners for drinks, meetings, and people watching out of the floor-to-ceiling windows. According to the designers, this is an intentional nod to the building’s former life.

Eleanor Alexander, head of design at Urban R, the team at the helm of the transformation, said: ‘The design styles vary as you pass through the property and, like a department store, remains unexpected around each corner.’

Ok, what are the rooms like at The Store?

The 101 rooms range in size, from small-ish doubles, ideal for those who just want to get out and explore, to larger suites with living areas.

I stayed in the 39 sqm Balliol College Suite (named after the college just over the road), which is the hotel’s largest. Wrapping around a corner, it has a separate sofa (with Tolkien coffee table books, of course) sitting area, and a huge bathroom.

Like all the rooms, my suite was fresh and stylish. It features a velvet headboard, panelled walls, and parquet floor.

Every room has a rainfall shower, but my bathroom was also home to a giant free-standing bath. You also get delicious-smelling Verden toiletries.

It’s the kind of room where new parents who’ve been given the weekend off might enjoy a well-deserved breakfast in bed, but also where a new pairing might find it impossibly hard to leave

Facilities-wise, the hotel is also home to a (fairly small) spa, with an extensive treatment menu, as well as a steam room, sauna, and gym.

Can you eat and drink at The Store?

Sometimes, eating in a hotel restaurant can feel a bit like you’re cheating yourself — there’s a whole world of exciting eateries out there, and you’re eating food that isn’t much of a step up from a microwave meal.

That was not the case with Treadwell, on the hotel’s ground floor, which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It’s located in the former department store’s pharmacy, and staff will cheerfully tell you that they’re ‘now dispensing food instead of drugs.’

The day I sat down, I smugly watched more than one group of hopeful diners attempt to make a reservation, only to be told they were fully booked.

It’s luxurious, without being pretentious, with the same plush seating and cosy corners as the lobby. Make sure you check out the illustrations on the walls — artist Samme Snow spent two days freehand drawing the murals.

Options on the menu include fancier versions of classics such as fish & chips, schnitzel, and bangers & mash.

I went for the confit salmon, complete with giant couscous, and Tenderstem broccoli — and of course, a massive bowl of truffle fries on the side. Washed down with a glass of rose, it made for a delicious meal that I’d happily repeat.

But perhaps the jewel in the hotel’s crown is the rooftop bar and terrace, which offers skyline views of Oxford.

Sip a cocktail in the city’s shadow, and soak up the relaxed atmosphere. Be sure to try their Botanist’s Gimlet, my personal favourite, made with the hotel’s signature gin.

How much are the rooms at The Store in Oxford?

This isn’t a budget stay, but for a five-star hotel, you can book a night here for a reasonable price.

Rooms start from £285 per night, for two people.

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