The Place
Talk about contrast. The two best hotels in Oxford, Old Bank House, and this one are in the same ownership – Jeremy Mogford. The Old Parsonage is much more typical of our guide, occupying a characterful, wisteria-clad house that has been owned by University College since 1320. Compared to its sleek, hip younger sibling, it seems at first quaint and old-fashioned, yet there is no themed olde worlde charm here, despite the great age of the building.
In early 2014, there were major renovations to the hotel. In addition to five new bedrooms, a garden library has been added for guests. The development of these new areas is in line with the rest of the hotel – wool, linen and velvet have been used in the rooms, and a colour scheme that centres on plum, deep red and grey. There is a brand new Old York stone floor downstairs.
We’ve had reports that the restaurant and bar area is to retain that intimate and Bohemian atmosphere that marked it out before, even with new furniture and decoration. We would welcome reports on the new look.