Fantastic new bedrooms & glorious terrace at Mercure Oxford Eastgate Hotel

On a beautiful late summer’s Friday evening, we arrived at the hotel as the sun was setting, amazed at the transformation in the hotel’s car park where a brand new building comprising seventeen new bedrooms (including three family rooms and classic doubles) had appeared. The new rooms have been constructed with the environment in mind, explains General Manager, Bradlee Pillay, “We’ve really considered everything when it comes to the new building’s carbon footprint and delighted that we can now share it with our customers.”

As I wrote in my last review, there aren’t many other central Oxford hotels where you truly feel immersed in the essence of Oxford. Overlooking the Examination Schools, sitting on the quaint cobbled Merton Street and less than a minute’s walk from Magdalen Bridge and Oxford Botanic Garden and Arboretum, Eastgate Hotel really does have an embarrassment of riches on its doorstep.

On our way to reception we climbed the stairs to the brand new terrace, beautifully furnished and almost full of guests enjoying the last of the day’s sun and a chilled glass of Taittinger – which certainly sowed a seed! The courteous and welcoming reception staff checked us in and showed us to our room in the new block. There’s nothing like the smell of ‘new’ is there! We felt really privileged to experience The Eastgate’s new rooms and excited to see what they were like….if the luxurious feel of the lobby and stairway was anything to go by, we were in for a treat. 

Our room was fantastic, beautifully furnished, lavishly decorated and spacious. The bathroom was equally stylish with a huge walk-in shower. It was hard to believe we were in the centre of Oxford, let alone in the middle of what was previously a car park! 

But, it was time to get over to Keepers Kitchen and Bar for dinner – and we were famished! Placido, our attentive waiter, was the perfect host, talking us through his favourites and looking after us throughout our delicious meal. We shared a platter of chicken wings, pork BBQ ribs to start followed by a wonderful honey glazed chicken (with corn on the cob and fries) for me and Tina had the prawn linguine.

About that Taittinger….we were kept company throughout the meal with a bottle of chilled rose champagne which complemented our meals perfectly. Dessert? No chance! Despite Placido’s best efforts we were beaten and that huge bed was calling! 

Wow! What a night’s sleep – Saturday at 7am is normally a run with the dogs but we slept through until 9.30am. After a refreshing shower we grabbed breakfast back in Keepers, said our goodbye’s and thank you’s and made our way home, fully refreshed and ready for that run! 

So, if you’re looking for a city break, even if you live in Oxfordshire, you can’t do better than The Eastgate. With first class comfort, five star hospitality and an ever-attentive hotel staff, it really is a home away from home.

More About The Eastgate

The convenient central location allows guests to easily discover Oxford’s most iconic landmarks. City sightseeing tours are available in the area, making this a great base for guests who want to explore. The hotel offers modern, comfortable rooms which are perfectly equipped to accommodate individuals, couples and families.

The hotel boasts a choice of rooms including classic and privilege options. Those looking for an extra special trip should consider the deluxe suite, which overlooks Oxford High Street and offers luxurious extras including a coffee machine and robe.

Hotel

Keepers Kitchen and Bar