LOOK INSIDE MERCURE OXFORD HAWKWELL HOUSE HOTEL’S £3.5 MILLION REFURBISHMENT

The four-star 77-bed hotel has been renovated into an oasis of luxury in the heart of idyllic Iffley village, just ten minutes from the city of Oxford. The historic hotel was purchased by Mercure in 2021 and the venue has now undergone a full rebrand and extensive refurbishment. It features a lounge bar, stylish restaurant, three meeting and function rooms and an elegant terrace. The venue is ideal for weddings, celebrations, events and is open for day guests to enjoy drinks, lunch or dinner. 

Every element of the redesign was carefully considered and took inspiration from Oxford fashion. The interior design includes a classic Oxford brogue and shirt theme throughout the hotel. The exquisite bedrooms emulate Oxford’s vintage style and are fully equipped with all amenities for guest comfort.

Just a stone’s throw away from Iffley Lock, the tranquil location offers guests a home away from home experience. Guests can relax in the beautifully landscaped three-acre garden or enjoy alfresco drinks and dining year-round on the heated terrace.

The transformation includes a new fresh menu and a comprehensive drinks range, including cocktails. The main restaurant, Frank’s, serves a modern take on classic British and European dishes using fresh, local produce. Hawkwell House has partnered with a range of local artisan suppliers and producers to source the finest Oxfordshire ingredients to deliver exciting, contemporary and seasonal menus to guests all year round.

Adjacent to the main hotel is Elm House, a stunning 15-bedroom house with private gardens which can be exclusively hired to offer groups of guests an intimate stay within the hotel grounds.

Once a landmark in Oxford, General Manager Nick Jefford hopes the beautiful refurbishment will attract not just visitors to the area, but reconnect the local community to the hotel. 

Nick said: “The hotel has undergone an extensive refurbishment following a significant investment. It is now a luxury boutique hotel perfect for anyone looking for a home away from home experience. 

“It has a relaxed countryside atmosphere yet is a short distance from Oxford. The feedback we have received from our guests on the refurbishment has been exceptional and we’re pleased it has been so well received. 

“The design theme, which was inspired by vintage Oxford style, has given the hotel a unique ambience and reflects its history and location. The theme runs through all elements of the hotel design from the shoehorn chandeliers to wooden brogue shoe tree coat hooks. 

“As well as our popular Frank’s restaurant and lounge area, we have a stylish heated terrace where guests can relax, enjoy a cocktail or sample something from our seasonal menu. We also have three versatile event spaces that have the capacity to cater for all occasions from board meetings to weddings.”

Nick added: “We hope locals and visitors to Oxford will be inspired by our exciting refurbishment and will make the hotel their go-to destination for staycations, celebrations and relaxing meals out.” 

Hawkwell House offers all day dining to guests and visitors to the hotel in its main restaurant and lounge as well as alfresco dining on the terrace all year round. It hosts all types of weddings, from religious weddings to civil ceremonies and same-sex ceremonies to renewal of vows. 

It is located in Iffley, Oxfordshire, just a short walk from Iffley Lock on the River Thames and St Mary The Virgin Church. It is three-miles from Oxford rail station and is close to Oxford’s southern bypass road. 

Hotel stays and dining reservations can be made through the website: https://mercureoxfordhawkwellhouse.com/