Mercure Oxford Hawkwell House Hotel will open its doors on 15 June 2021 in time for summer staycations. The hotel – formerly the birthplace of explorer, treasure hunter and polar medallist Francis Howard Bickerton – occupies three beautiful buildings, including two 19th century manor houses, and is set among three acres of private gardens situated on the edge of the city of Oxford.
The hotel has undergone an extensive redesign, inspired by its location. The new décor of the historic hotel will emulate Oxford vintage style, with interiors inspired by the classic Oxford brogue and Oxford shirt, with classic textures, fabrics and pleasing design touches such as the wooden brogue coat hooks.
Oxford’s best kept secret, located in the tranquil surrounds of Oxford, Mercure Oxford Hawkwell House is an ideal place to enjoy a quintessentially British staycation of local discoveries, exploring the famous university city, surrounding countryside and world-renowned destinations such as Blenheim Palace. The hotel’s outdoor terrace and landscaped gardens provide an idyllic spot for al fresco dining and drinks receptions on warm summer evenings. With rolling green lawns, herbaceous borders and trees, the classic English garden provides an ideal place to relax and dine outdoors after a day spent exploring the city.
Mercure Oxford Hawkwell House Hotel is steeped in history and stories of days gone by. The main hotel is the birthplace of Francis Howard Bickerton in 1889, and the adjacent Elm House is the former home of British pilot and aerial photographer Major George W Allen, which offers 15 stunning bedrooms and private gardens and is available for exclusive hire. The hotel’s restaurant and bar “Frank’s at Hawkwell House” has been named in honour of the famous explorer and serves up an array of classic tipples including the hotel’s signature cocktail “Shackleton’s Revenge” – a nod to Bickerton’s participation in Sir Ernest Shackleton’s “Endurance” expedition, as well as the restaurant’s signature dish, the “Baked Alaska”, as part of a locally inspired menu.
The interior décor of the hotel has been inspired by the classic Oxford attire, a style which was born in the college rooms of Oxford and is now synonymous with the university city – buttoned down collared shirts, leather brogues and the wide-legged ‘bag’ trousers of the 1920s.
All bedrooms have individually controlled heating and cooling air conditioning to ensure guests are comfortable whatever the weather and time of year. Guests will also enjoy a delicious, cooked breakfast each morning as part of their stay.
Mercure Oxford Hawkwell House Hotel is in a quiet location in the surrounds of Oxford amongst gardens and parkland, with the centre of Oxford just a 10-minute drive or 15-minute cycle away. Guests can also stroll along the Iffley River right into the heart of the city to go punting or explore the Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford, Botanic Gardens and other local attractions in the historic city. The hotel is also a great base from which to explore outer city highlights such as The Oxford Gin Distillery, Blenheim Palace, Bicester Village and the Cotswolds.
As well as providing an ideal base for staycations and city breaks to Oxford, the hotel can also host weddings, private dinners, meetings and events. The hotel is also dog friendly, supplying dog beds, bowls and biscuits.
Double rooms at Mercure Oxford Hawkwell House Hotel start at £99 per night.
To find out more visit mercure.com and book a stay visit: https://all.accor.com/hotel/B6P4/index.en.shtml
Facts at a Glance
- 77 rooms
- “Frank’s at Hawkwell House” Restaurant & Bar
- 3 meeting rooms with a capacity of up to 180 for receptions
- Pet friendly hotel
- Address: Mercure Oxford Hawkwell House Hotel, Church Way, Iffley Village OX4 4DZ
- From rate £99 B&B based on two people sharing
- URL: https://all.accor.com/hotel/B6P4/index.en.shtml
About Mercure
Mercure is a rare midscale brand that combines the strength of an international network with genuine and local hospitality experiences. The brand’s unwavering commitment to quality ensures a consistent and reliable standard of service at every Mercure around the world, while the design of each hotel reflects the distinct character and culture of its location. Going beyond the ordinary for business and leisure travelers, Mercure team members are known for their passion, enthusiasm and warmth, sharing their knowledge of the local scene, providing insider tips and entertaining guests with tales of history and local folklore. Mercure hotels are conveniently located in city centers, by the sea or in the mountains, with more than 810 hotels in 60+ countries.
Mercure is part of Accor, a world-leading augmented hospitality group offering unique experiences in 5000 hotels and residences across 110 countries.