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Oxford''s Most Inviting New Hotel Is in a Former Public Toilet

The Netty Hotel: Oxford's New Beacon of Literary Luxury

In the heart of Oxford, where ancient spires pierce the sky and the echoes of scholarly debates linger in cobblestone alleys, a new establishment has emerged to redefine the intersection of history, literature, and modern hospitality. The Netty Hotel, which opened its doors in the spring of 2025, is not merely a place to rest one's head; it's a meticulously curated homage to the city's storied past, infused with contemporary elegance. Nestled on a quiet side street off the bustling High Street, this boutique hotel transforms a once-forgotten 19th-century warehouse into a sanctuary for bibliophiles, academics, and discerning travelers alike. As I wandered its halls during a recent visit, it became clear that The Netty isn't just competing with Oxford's venerable institutions—it's aspiring to join them.

The brainchild of British hotelier Elena Hargrove, who cut her teeth revitalizing properties in London's Shoreditch and Edinburgh's Old Town, The Netty draws its name from "netty," an archaic term for a privy or hidden nook, playfully nodding to the building's industrial origins while evoking the intimate, secretive charm of Oxford's hidden gardens and libraries. Hargrove, in an exclusive interview, explained her vision: "Oxford is a city of secrets—whispered conversations in cloistered quads, forgotten manuscripts in dusty archives. We wanted The Netty to feel like discovering a hidden chapter in a beloved book." This philosophy permeates every aspect of the hotel, from its architecture to its programming, creating an experience that feels both timeless and refreshingly innovative.

Architecturally, The Netty is a masterclass in adaptive reuse. The original warehouse, dating back to 1872 and once used to store grain for the nearby colleges, has been sensitively restored by the award-winning firm Atelier Wren. Exposed brick walls, weathered timber beams, and soaring ceilings pay tribute to its heritage, while sleek interventions like floor-to-ceiling glass partitions and minimalist lighting fixtures introduce a modern edge. The lobby, with its double-height atrium, serves as the hotel's beating heart. Here, guests are greeted by a towering installation of suspended books—hundreds of vintage volumes, sourced from local antiquarian shops, dangling like literary mobiles. It's a striking visual metaphor for Oxford's intellectual legacy, and as sunlight filters through, casting shadows of words across the polished concrete floor, one can't help but feel immersed in a living poem.

The hotel boasts 42 rooms and suites, each uniquely themed around a facet of Oxford's literary history. The Tolkien Suite, for instance, channels the whimsy of Middle-earth with hand-carved wooden furnishings reminiscent of hobbit holes, plush velvet armchairs in deep emerald hues, and walls adorned with original sketches inspired by "The Lord of the Rings." Meanwhile, the Lewis Carroll Room delights with playful nods to "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland"—think mirrored wardrobes that seem to lead to other worlds, teapot-shaped lamps, and a hidden tea nook stocked with artisanal blends from nearby purveyors. For those seeking something more austere, the Newman Wing offers rooms inspired by John Henry Newman, with austere oak desks, leather-bound journals, and views overlooking the dreaming spires of Christ Church. Every space is equipped with modern amenities: high-thread-count Egyptian cotton linens, rain showers with bespoke toiletries from Oxford's own alchemists at the Botanic Garden-inspired perfumery, and smart tablets loaded with digital archives of Oxford's literary treasures.

Dining at The Netty is an experience unto itself, helmed by Chef Marcus Hale, a rising star who trained under Michelin luminaries in Copenhagen before returning to his native England. The hotel's flagship restaurant, The Quill, occupies a sun-drenched conservatory that overlooks a private walled garden—replete with herbs, edible flowers, and even a small apiary for house-made honey. Hale's menu is a love letter to British terroir, elevated with global influences and literary flair. Starters might include a "Hobbit's Feast" of foraged mushrooms and wild garlic on sourdough, while mains like slow-roasted venison with root vegetables evoke the hearty meals of medieval Oxford feasts. Desserts are whimsical: a deconstructed Eton mess inspired by Evelyn Waugh's "Brideshead Revisited," or a chocolate fondant that "melts like forbidden knowledge." The wine list, curated by sommelier Lila Voss, emphasizes small-batch English vintages, including sparkling wines from the nearby Chiltern Hills. For lighter fare, the hotel's library bar, The Inkwell, offers craft cocktails named after famous Oxford alumni—try the "Wilde Card," a gin-based elixir with elderflower and a twist of absinthe, served in a coupe glass etched with Oscar Wilde quotes.

Beyond its physical allure, The Netty distinguishes itself through immersive programming that bridges the gap between guest and the city's intellectual soul. Weekly salons in the communal library feature discussions led by Oxford dons on topics ranging from quantum physics to postmodern poetry. Guests can join guided "literary rambles" through the Bodleian Library or punting excursions on the Cherwell River, complete with picnic baskets of prosecco and finger sandwiches. For the creatively inclined, workshops in bookbinding, calligraphy, and even speculative fiction writing are offered in partnership with the university's creative writing program. Hargrove emphasizes inclusivity: "We want everyone, from solo travelers to families, to feel the magic of Oxford. It's not elitist; it's inviting." This ethos extends to sustainability efforts—the hotel is powered by solar panels, sources locally to minimize carbon footprint, and partners with reforestation initiatives in the Cotswolds.

Of course, no discussion of The Netty would be complete without addressing its place in Oxford's evolving landscape. The city, long a magnet for tourists drawn to its Harry Potter filming locations and historic colleges, has seen a surge in luxury accommodations in recent years. Yet The Netty stands out for its authenticity, avoiding the pitfalls of overt commercialization. Critics have praised its restraint; as one reviewer noted, "It's as if the hotel whispers rather than shouts its sophistication." Rates start at £350 per night for a standard room, climbing to £1,200 for the penthouse suite with its private terrace overlooking Magdalen College. While not inexpensive, the value lies in the intangible: the sense of belonging to Oxford's grand narrative.

During my stay, I found myself lingering in the garden at dusk, a copy of Philip Pullman's "His Dark Materials" in hand—the series, set in a fantastical Oxford, felt eerily apropos. As the bells of nearby churches tolled, I reflected on how The Netty captures the essence of this place: a blend of reverence for the past and bold steps into the future. In an era where travel often feels homogenized, The Netty offers a rare authenticity, inviting guests to not just visit Oxford, but to inhabit its stories. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned Oxonian, this hotel promises to etch itself into your personal anthology—a chapter you'll revisit time and again.

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Read the Full The New York Times Article at:
[ https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/23/t-magazine/the-netty-hotel-oxford.html ]