Athena Guest House
Location: Cowley Road,255, Oxford, England, OX4 1XQ, Oxford, GB
Star Rating: 3 Stars
Property Type: Guest houses
About this Property
Experience the charm of Athena Guest House, your serene retreat in vibrant East Oxford.
Luxurious Private Hot Tubs
Indulge in one of our seven cozy guestrooms, each featuring your own private hot tub. Relax and unwind after a day of exploring the city, providing a perfect end to your evenings.
Convenient Shared Amenities
Make the most of our communal kitchen equipped with microwaves, refrigerators, and electric kettles. Whether you're storing a late-night snack or preparing a home-cooked meal, everything you need is right at hand.
Ideal Location
Nestled close to the historic University of Oxford and other cultural gems, Athena Guest House is the ideal base for those looking to immerse themselves in the local experience. Plus, enjoy the convenience of free self-parking during your stay.
Book a stay with us today for a memorable experience in Oxford!
Important Information
- Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.
- Contactless check-in and contactless check-out are available.
Policies
Check-in: 04:00 PM - Anytime
Check-out: 10:00 AM
Instructions: There is no front desk at this property. This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in. To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 72 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation. Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions. Guests can access their accommodation through a private entrance.
Amenities & Facilities
- Free WiFi
- Luggage storage
- Smoke-free property
- Free self parking
- Shared microwave
- Shared refrigerator
Rooms Available
-
Twin Room, Ensuite
2 Twin Beds
140 sq feet
Relax - Private hot tub
Internet - Free WiFi
Entertainment - Digital channels
Food & Drink - Electric kettle, shared/communal kitchen access, and room service
Sleep - Blackout drapes/curtains and bed sheets
Bathroom - 2 bathrooms, shower, free toiletries, and a hair dryer
Practical - Desk and iron/ironing board (on request)
Comfort - Daily housekeeping and heating
Need to Know - No cribs (infant beds) available
Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Shower
- TV
- Hair dryer
- Desk
- Heating
- Electric kettle
- Daily housekeeping
- Room service
- Blackout drapes/curtains
- Free WiFi
- Private spa tub
- No cribs (infant beds)
- Shared/communal kitchen access
- Bedsheets provided
-
Family Quadruple Room, Shared Bathroom, Annex Building
1 Double Bed and 2 Twin Beds
258 sq feet, located in an annex building
Relax - Private hot tub
Internet - Free WiFi
Entertainment - Digital channels
Food & Drink - Electric kettle, shared/communal kitchen access, and room service
Sleep - Blackout drapes/curtains and bed sheets
Bathroom - 2 bathrooms, shower, free toiletries, and a hair dryer
Practical - Desk, iron/ironing board (on request), and wardrobe or closet
Comfort - Daily housekeeping and heating
Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 4 (4 Adults)
- Shower
- TV
- Hair dryer
- Desk
- Heating
- Electric kettle
- Wardrobe or closet
- Daily housekeeping
- Room service
- Blackout drapes/curtains
- Free WiFi
- Private spa tub
- Shared/communal kitchen access
- Bedsheets provided
-
Family Quadruple Room, Ensuite
1 Double Bed and 2 Twin Beds
258 sq feet
Relax - Private hot tub
Internet - Free WiFi
Entertainment - Digital channels
Food & Drink - Electric kettle, shared/communal kitchen access, and room service
Sleep - Blackout drapes/curtains and bed sheets
Bathroom - 2 bathrooms, shower, free toiletries, and a hair dryer
Practical - Desk and iron/ironing board (on request)
Comfort - Daily housekeeping and heating
Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 4 (4 Adults)
- Shower
- TV
- Hair dryer
- Desk
- Heating
- Electric kettle
- Daily housekeeping
- Room service
- Blackout drapes/curtains
- Free WiFi
- Private spa tub
- Shared/communal kitchen access
- Bedsheets provided
-
Triple Room, Shared Bathroom, Annex Building
1 Double Bed and 1 Twin Bed
161 sq feet, located in an annex building
Relax - Private hot tub
Internet - Free WiFi
Entertainment - Digital channels
Food & Drink - Electric kettle, shared/communal kitchen access, and room service
Sleep - Blackout drapes/curtains and bed sheets
Bathroom - 2 bathrooms, shower, free toiletries, and a hair dryer
Practical - Desk, iron/ironing board (on request), and wardrobe or closet
Comfort - Daily housekeeping and heating
Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 3 (3 Adults)
- Shower
- TV
- Hair dryer
- Desk
- Heating
- Electric kettle
- Wardrobe or closet
- Daily housekeeping
- Room service
- Blackout drapes/curtains
- Free WiFi
- Private spa tub
- Shared/communal kitchen access
- Bedsheets provided
-
Triple Room, Ensuite
1 Double Bed and 1 Twin Bed
161 sq feet
Relax - Private hot tub
Internet - Free WiFi
Entertainment - Digital channels
Food & Drink - Electric kettle, shared/communal kitchen access, and room service
Sleep - Blackout drapes/curtains and bed sheets
Bathroom - 2 bathrooms, shower, free toiletries, and a hair dryer
Practical - Desk and iron/ironing board (on request)
Comfort - Daily housekeeping and heating
Need to Know - No cribs (infant beds) available
Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 3 (3 Adults)
- Shower
- TV
- Hair dryer
- Desk
- Heating
- Electric kettle
- Daily housekeeping
- Room service
- Blackout drapes/curtains
- Free WiFi
- Private spa tub
- No cribs (infant beds)
- Shared/communal kitchen access
- Bedsheets provided
-
Double Room, Ensuite
1 Double Bed
140 sq feet
Relax - Private hot tub
Internet - Free WiFi
Entertainment - Digital channels
Food & Drink - Electric kettle, shared/communal kitchen access, and room service
Sleep - Blackout drapes/curtains and bed sheets
Bathroom - 2 bathrooms, shower, free toiletries, and a hair dryer
Practical - Desk and iron/ironing board (on request)
Comfort - Daily housekeeping and heating
Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Shower
- TV
- Hair dryer
- Desk
- Heating
- Electric kettle
- Daily housekeeping
- Room service
- Blackout drapes/curtains
- Free WiFi
- Private spa tub
- Shared/communal kitchen access
- Bedsheets provided
-
Double Room, Shared Bathroom, Annex Building
1 Double Bed
140 sq feet, located in an annex building
Relax - Private hot tub
Internet - Free WiFi
Entertainment - Digital channels
Food & Drink - Electric kettle, shared/communal kitchen access, and room service
Sleep - Blackout drapes/curtains and bed sheets
Bathroom - 2 bathrooms, shower, free toiletries, and a hair dryer
Practical - Desk, iron/ironing board (on request), and wardrobe or closet
Comfort - Daily housekeeping and heating
Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Shower
- TV
- Hair dryer
- Desk
- Heating
- Electric kettle
- Wardrobe or closet
- Daily housekeeping
- Room service
- Blackout drapes/curtains
- Free WiFi
- Private spa tub
- Shared/communal kitchen access
- Bedsheets provided
-
Twin Room, Shared Bathroom, Annex Building
2 Twin Beds
140 sq feet, located in an annex building
Relax - Private hot tub
Internet - Free WiFi
Entertainment - Digital channels
Food & Drink - Electric kettle, shared/communal kitchen access, and room service
Sleep - Blackout drapes/curtains and bed sheets
Bathroom - 2 bathrooms, shower, free toiletries, and a hair dryer
Practical - Desk and iron/ironing board (on request); cribs (free) available on request
Comfort - Daily housekeeping and heating
Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 3 (2 Adults)
- Shower
- TV
- Hair dryer
- Desk
- Heating
- Electric kettle
- Daily housekeeping
- Room service
- Blackout drapes/curtains
- Free WiFi
- Private spa tub
- Free cribs/infant beds
- Shared/communal kitchen access
- Bedsheets provided
Guest Reviews
- Escape29352447343 (2/5): TERRIBLE! - This guesthouse is absolutely TERRIBLE! It had cockroaches in our room and a woman in the next door room had male visitors all night! And the cleaner was, with, guests who were vulnerable. As they were staying there as temporary accommodation for homelessness. Take my advice and DO NOT stay there...
- robert (2/5): - Apart from the bathroom, which looks new, the property is run-down and dirty. The room was cluttered with unusable furniture and was dirty. The mirror was too low and not secured properly to the wall. The partially closed curtains would not open or close. The entrance area is overcrowded with junk. The walls are so thin I could hear people talking in other rooms.
- Mandhir (4/5): - A tiny room in a guest house with makeshift arrangements. Bed mattresses are not proper, and noise from the neighbouring rooms / street can be disturbing. Tea/Coffee bags were available Location has some dining options and bus stop just a road across
- Verified traveler (2/5): - 1. Door lock keep catching, struggling to turn the keys 2. Broken lamps 3. Unsafe socket, loose covers 4. Very old tv/dvd, looks like its going to fall off the bracket 5. Dirty windows sills & dated decors/curtains
- Kulbir (2/5): Hell Hole - Everything about this place was terrible. Wouldn't stay here again even if you paid me.
- Richard (4/5): Poor but acceptable cheapie - This place is an acceptable cheapie. It's run down, nothing matches and thins are a bit crooked but it's ok. However, I got 5 insect bites there and one got infected and I was in a and e 2 days later
- Gregory (8/5): Decent, very affordable stay in Cowley - As advertised, inexpensive and functional. The host was accommodating and the location is good, on Cowley Road, with a bus stop right across the street. The house is not new or recently refurbished and the furnishings are haphasard, but wvebrything was clean and functional. A good place to stay on a budget.
- Jorge (2/5): Stay away from this place - Judging for the outside of the property we could have guessed that the inside was terrible. All the plants are dried, there was even an abandoned cooler. The hotel sign is half falling from the post where it is attached. The front key doesn’t work well. The room key wasn’t working and neither was the door knob. We complaint to management. they removed the door knob and didn’t fix the keys. It was difficult to open and to lock the door with the key, and they didn’t fix that. Towels were clean but very used, some of them had holes and stains on them. Pillows were flat and uncomfortable. The fridge was very dirty. No towels racks, etc. The only positive thing was the service crew, who brought us towels and were really helpful.
- Jorge (2/5): Stay away from this place - Judging for the outside of the property we could have guessed that the inside was terrible. All the plants are dried, there was even an abandoned cooler. The hotel sign is half falling from the post where it is attached. The front key doesn’t work well. The room key wasn’t working and neither was the door knob. We complaint to management. they removed the door knob and didn’t fix the keys. It was difficult to open and to lock the door with the key, and they didn’t fix that. Towels were clean but very used, some of them had holes and stains on them. Pillows were flat and uncomfortable. The fridge was very dirty. No towels racks, etc. The only positive thing was the service crew, who brought us towels and were really helpful.
- Jorge (2/5): Stay away from this place - Judging for the outside of the property we could have guessed that the inside was terrible. All the plants are dried, there was even an abandoned cooler. The hotel sign is half falling from the post where it is attached. The front key doesn’t work well. The room key wasn’t working and neither was the door knob. We complaint to Jack, the owner and he removed the door knob and didn’t fix the keys. It was difficult to open and to lock the door. Towels were clean but very used, some of them had holes and stains on them. Pillows were flat as a magazine. Fridge was very dirty. No towels racks, etc. The only positive thing was the lovely Junita, who cleaned our room and was really helpful.
- JackEdward98 (2/5): AVOID AT ALL COSTS, cameras everywhere inside and out! - I waited for 45 mins with no answer, none of the phone numbers provided worked. when I was finally inside he had told me the booking was cancelled with no warning leaving me stranded and out of pocket. entire place looked filthy, like a hoarder.
- Stephen (4/5): - Shower didn't work, 2 TVs in room , neither would work
- Jeffrey (6/5): - The room was clean and the bathroom had been recently remodeled. Checking in was a bit difficult with the management not on premise. The owners are making efforts to upgrade the property and could spend some time tidying up the front parking area and entry which is not very inviting.
- Sam (2/5): It wasn’t THAT bad, but 1 star is fair - Cheapest place to stay in Oxford, I only really needed a hotel to get ready in and sleep. The initial room they tried to give us was in a different building, and it was literally just a bedroom in someone’s grotty house - stank of smoke and not safe! Do not book the room with the shared bathroom. The room we moved to was acceptable given the cost (albeit incredibly dated and dirty), but that is about it.
- Ellis (2/5): - The propertys unsafe, run down, service or lack of is poor, only good thing was the price, everything else was terrible
- luke (4/5): - Shower not working People in and out till silly o clock in the morning Very run down
- G3123XRlaurenm (8/5): Clean, comfy, convenient! - This guest house was comfortable, clean, and convenient, and does not deserve the negativity it has received. News flash, you have to pay hotel prices for an actual hotel. Check in was unconventional but easy. The establishment looks a bit run down but was perfectly tidy and clean and comfortable. We were two young women and felt perfectly safe. It is located downtown close to many resources and the O2, which was great because we were out for a music gig. We didn't realized we were going to need to stay overnight until the day before and were happy to find something affordable and close by last minute. It is a perfect location for young travelers who just need a convenient, affordable place to sleep. If you want a luxury hotel, go there instead of ruining the rep of people just trying to make a living. I would 100% stay here again if I find myself in Oxford again.
- Verified traveler (2/5): Only for the needy and despite. - The hotel is a mess, very cheap for a reason. Went to hear a concert at the O2. Should have known better and read previous reviews. Shame as the property is in a prime location to make a killing. Needs a good scrub
- Brian (2/5): - I would not reccomend this facility to anyone Apart from the dog barking all night in the adacent room the boiler came on and off all night and the bathrom extract did not time switch off This is over and above slamming and squeaky doors and floor boards it was awful
- Spadders (2/5): Disgusting place - I wouldn't even give this sh1thole 1 star, but the app doesn't allow that!!! Absolutely filthy place. The other occupants, who clearly live there full time, were drunk & obnoxious, & smoking in the rooms! Shouting & hurling abuse at each other, then screeching at the top of their voices, on the communal landing, at 3am!!! There was a dog barking in the back yard throughout the night.... you will not get any sleep here!! Blood stains on the door handle. Disgusting bathroom. Dirty cups. Don't even think about using their towels! The worst place I've ever stayed - I know it's convenient for the O2 academy, but I'd rather have slept on a bench in the nearby park.
- Verified traveler (2/5): Do not stay here! - We arrived at the agreed time, no-one there to meet us. Eventually we got the keys to our room but were met by the resident drunk on the stairs. The whole place stinks of cigarettes. The room was filthy! Toilet was broken. The resident came back to the room next door, shouting, screaming and swearing. Not pleasant. We only booked this guest house due to being walking distance to the O2 Academy, but we got back from the gig to shouting, loud music, doors slamming, people running up and down the stairs. This did not stop until gone 5am. Outside there is a poor dog tied up in the yard, that barks all night, and rattles his tin food bowls. The owners/staff are not interested in listening to any complaints or concerns. Please do not give this place your money, I would not return even if they paid me.
- J3401ETmiah (2/5): horrible, vile, disgusting - ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTING!!! DO NOT BOOK!! came with family and friends and were due to share the same house but, only found out the day of arrival that we wouldnt be in the same house. Our friends were in a separate building completely. Our duvet covers had cigarette burns in it, one was disgusting has so many stains. on one of the other duvet covers, the stains were dried vomit and when I showed the owner, he said “we change the sheets (underneath) no one sleeps on the top”! okay they might not sleep on top but they do vomit on it! Our friends moved to another hotel as their bathroom was shared with 3 other strangers and with small children its not ideal but as the owner wouldn't refund both rooms, and it was late, our children were very tired, he’d changed our duvet covers whilst we watched we had to stay. The floor boards were damaged, shower mouldy, fridge mouldy, hairs on bed that were definitely not ours, absolutely grim!!! Would never recommend, My standards aren't particularly high - Ive roughed it around Thailand and never had such a bad experience. AVOID AT ALL COSTS.
- yvonnefK9887MA (2/5): Unprofessional and dirty - The owner called me the day of check in to tell me I wouldn’t be staying in the main house. I had tried unsuccessfully to email and call the owner that day earlier about leaving my bags there before check in but the phone line rang out. Upon arrival at the guest house, there was no one there. A “manager” came out of her downstairs bedroom. Despite me having already paid, herself and another man spoke in another language for 10 mins about payment and worked on a cash machine while I just stood there. Eventually they gave me a key and told me to walk 3 mins to the next house. Both houses stank of weed and were incredibly dirty. The heating was on full blast in my room the entire three days that I was there. The bathroom stand of cigarettes. Everything was dirty and old. The walls were so thin and you could hear everything going on in the room next door. In the kitchen, there were barking any utensils. The shelves in some cupboards had completely fallen in. The sitting room/ dining area consisted of mismatched furniture, again , old and dirty. I received a call at 10pm by the owner again on the first night to remind me to not flush anything other than toilet paper down the toilet as my toilet was “special” and he didn’t want it to get blocked. The ad and website says there is breakfast provided- massive lie. It was the worst over night stay in my life
- Sarah (4/5): It was ok for a solo business trip - Hotel room was as described but very dated and the light did not work. Ok for a basic trip not spending much time in the room
- Verified traveler (4/5): Only stay here if you're desperate - The place was so disappointing, we ended up leaving in the early hours of the morning, because we weren't able to sleep there anyway. The place is incredibly noisy, with people constantly coming and going throughout the night. The room, advertised as a double, actually contained three beds in a way that clearly violated all fire safety codes. All beds had thin and incredibly creaky mattresses, with every move you make causing yet more noise. Check-in was also terrible and took nearly an hour. The lady checking people in couldn't do anything without a live video call with her boss, and spent almost the entire time we were checking unsuccessfully trying to get a card machine to work.
- Joanne (4/5): Wouldn’t stay again - Good location, but not very clean.
- Crushedlollypop (2/5): The worst guesthouse in the country - NEVER BOOK! Worst place we have ever stayed in! Didn't answer when we tried to check in, came back and hour later and then got moved to another guest house. Terrible conditions, untidy, stained bedding, broken fridge, kettle unstable and no heating and door not locking. Complained but no answer so we left after 3 hours. Still being refused compensation, have just gone quiet and ignored us. Save your money.
- Jack (2/5): - I took a chance on this property due to the cheap rates, and assumed that the property couldn’t actually be as negative as the reviews made out. However, I was proved wrong. The ‘hotel’ was actually a HMO located near the advertised property, the front door or which seemed to be left permanently unlocked. I was taken to a room at the top of a staircase, making my way past racks of clothes in the corridor (presumably from short/long term lets) to a room with 3 single beds in it and a broken fridge. The whole room was exceptionally dirty, with a curtain that didn’t cover the window and multiple roach traps dotted around the room. The room stank of smoke, and the shared toilets and bathrooms had broken fixtures and fittings. I can easily imagine many people would’ve felt unsafe. Upon complaining I was ‘moved’ to a different property altogether a 10 minute walk away - for which the address was written on a piece of paper for me and then I was provided directions. How this property has a 3-star is completely beyond me, and I would strongly recommend you avoid staying here.
- Janet (2/5): - Filthy dump. Asked for photographic proof of identity despite having paid in advance!
- Rachel (2/5): - Upon arrival we thought we had come to a hostels, realising we had no choice but to stop here as other places in the area was fully booked. The pictures on the web site must of been taken sometime ago as it now resembles a horror movie. Me and my husband thought there was a possibility of us getting mugged or raped through the night. The kettel kept switching itself on and off and the shower got legionnaires writen all over it. We did survive the ordeal but never again will we make this mistake. If you do book after reading this GOOD LUCK XX.
- vaseysfairsa (2/5): Booking cancelled at last minute - Booked this place on booking.com for one night and got a message off booking.com saying booking had been cancelled so called and man who spoke poor English told us he could get us a roo after all very suspecpus. Then got yer another text sayot had Been cancelled again and tried to call back but phone off hook. Had to book elsewhere over 30 miles away.... then got another phone call off him yelling down the phone where are you. Told we booked elsewhere and yelled more down phone and wouldn't listen.
- clive (2/5): - The dirtiest hotel I have ever been in. It was that dirty we booked into an hotel. Avoid this place like the plague.
- Titus (4/5): - The security and door locks are very poor, with no deadlocks or door-chains.
- Fernando (4/5): - Property is well located in Cowley, surrounded by restaurants and walking distance to the center. The hotel is ill maintained, the room is not comfortable, the TV did not work, it was not very clean, in summary, we expected more for the price we paid. Would not return
- Valentina (4/5): - It s really close to the city center
- NickiCongram (2/5): Terrible Experience - The place is filthy. Initially we were left outside. When we got in the host was rude and abrupt. We went here as it is close to the O2. This is the only redeeming feature. The room was filthy. The door was broken so we did not feel safe at all. The heating was also on all night and broken. The shower was unusable . I could go on but please don't stay here especially if you are women alone.
- Valentina (2/5): - Central to some good dining options. Water did not drain from shower. Very tired hotel.
- Rachel (4/5): Disappointing stay at location - Started by being met owner at the Guesthouse that we have paid for a room in. We went into the main area of this property which was very cluttered and looks extremely dirty. We was asked to fill in a couple of forms which we did and after doing this we were informed that we was staying at a different property that was a 5 minute walk away. We left this property and our car there and walked to this new location. Once arrived we ended up in to what I can only call a student property and we went to our room. Once in our room, we was treated with a small room that had an en suit which was as described however most of the furniture was dated/broken with many fittings needing updating. The bedding was clean and clean but old towels had been provided for us even though all towels was different. There was a tv provided in room however there was no remote to control this. The bathroom was small and had lots of clear repairs attempted however could do with more and completing correctly. The shower and sink had little water pressure and showing in the morning was frankly hard work. The location of this property was good for what we needed as it was 30 minutes from the city centre which is where we was spending the evening and had parking which was important to us. Overall whole experience was little bit disappointing and was glad only stayed for one night - clear to say we left quiet early in the morning. Positives - parking and locations Negatives - there are many…
- Darren (4/5): Awful place - The location wasnt to bad . The rooms security was dreadful as i had to put the bed against the door so i could sleep . Ensuite was falling apart and filthy even food waste in the sink. £66 was dreadful its more like a £25 per night guesthouse . Avoid if possible. Surely there are standards and authorities that govern this .
- Nicola (2/5): - Dirty, noisy, unfriendly and uncomfortable. Room and bathroom were flithy. Broken radiator was on all night. Not safe or secure.
- Pamela (2/5): - The toilet was so dirty, i couldnt even stay there i had to move out..
- Rebecca (2/5): - I did not read enough of the previous guest reviews before booking. There were multiple issues that caused me to give it the low rating. Broken and missing pieces of the shower door, toilet flush button, curtains coming off the gods, burn holes in fabric dresser cloths, dirty dead plant displays on interior reception and outside at entrance, threadbare rugs through t property, dirty mini fridge, inoperable tv covered in dust, pillows that could not be fluffed, a dog barking during the night in the room next to mine. and. Someone kept putting the dog outside and bringing its back inside from the enclosed area outside which was just outside my bedroom windows. I had arrived early after a very tough travel day and night. I was allowed to check in. The attendant asked for my payment and when I reminded and gave me a receipt because the room was already paid for. I suspected I was nearly double charged for a room that was well below all standards. I should not have stayed after seeing the conditions but had no other options. I messaged Expedia shortly about my concerns and listed the concerns at the beginning of my stay but did not get a response. It was just the worst place I have ever stayed and I have concerns about the accuracy of the rating etc .
- Ashoka (8/5): Basic stay which fit my purpose - Responsive and helpful host/owner, average condition property. You get what you paid for.
- Robert (4/5): - For .. It was warm, had an ensuite bathroom plus plenty of Tea and Coffee. There was a great pub oppossite with cocktails for £3.50 Angainst ..The whole place was scruffy, the room smelt strongly of smoke, the matress was cheap and uncomfy the pillows were barely an inch thick. The door key was a bad cut and took a lot of fiddling to lock the door. And a lot of money for what it was.
- PAMELA (2/5): - The dog barking outside our window and throwing himself at our window was upsetting. The listing said 15 minute walk to center, it’s more like 35-45. Although it’s says room service and housekeeping there isn’t any. Rooms were extremely small and closet was unusable. Fan in the bathroom never shut off even though I requested it be fixed on our first day.
- F4210IJsams (2/5): Ew - Don't stay here. It's disgusting... Everything is dirty, the rooms are not cleaned at all, nothing worked and rude owner, waited ages outside... Please do not stay here, even for a cheap room for the night it is not worth it
- H9581XZ_ (2/5): Not exactly what was expected - Photos on the website were made somewhere else but not in this guest house! Rooms are dirty and stuffy. Towels were with stains and bathrooms themselves were filthy so it was decided that it was better not to wash at all. Do not recommend and really upset about the place.
- tracy (8/5): - I was contacted in a friendly and welcoming manner. I was given a seat in the office to check in. The shower was clean. The other guests lovely. What great customer service. Oh I need more room to write. The bed and linen was hygienic. This man has his priorities in order. In fact I told a lie to myself. The outside is excellent too. We are spoilt for choice, you can use the kitchen for breakfast and you can have a cup of tea/ hot chocolate/ coffee in your room at your desk. Telly in your room. Pvc window opens out onto a view of trees and small back gardens/green area. Your key is given to you and other people checking in at the same time. Your brought upstairs and shown around. You can come in any time As you have your own key. It is 100 Per cent from me. Amigos... Tracy
- Tim (2/5): - Don't stay! Spend more and feel safe
- Alberto (2/5): Never again - Terrible place dirty room to small the worse place I've ever been.
- John (2/5): Avoid at all costs! - What a hovel. Obviously the health and safety inspectors have never visited this place. We have had to apologise profusely to our sub-contractor who we put up there for a couple of nights. Moved him out as soon as we could find another hotel.
- Verified traveler (4/5): Very Dusty - The apartment was very poorly maintained and in a very old condition with rust and dust everywhere ! The whole place needs a lot maintenance and cleaning! The bathroom was not very clean either, the base of the shower was rusting! I wouldn’t recommend it if you have more than a night to stay and are desperate !
- Denise (2/5): What a hovel - I was travelling with an 82 year old. THis guest house should not be on anyones books let alone yours i’m shocked,upset and embarrassed to have taken my friend to this house. It was a health and fire risk . You were supposed to sort it out on Saturday but failed to ring me. Someone from your company needs to check this accommodation . I’m waiting now for an E. mail from you since talking to Joy on chat. THe pictures are nothing like the place we stayed in but I think he had three properties and they must have been from one of the others. We never showered or unpacked . We left the premises in the morning as soon as we got up 8 ish and didn’t get back till 8 and went straight to bed . He bed was he only thing clean thank god .It was a total nightmare . The kettle was filthy also all the wooden furniture ,ripped curtains it was an absolute hovel. I’ve been using you for many many years and have never stayed n a place as disgusting as this . Wat a waste of our train fare and visit to Oxford totally ruined.
- Lavinia (4/5): - It was dirty Too expensive for what they offer
- Festus (4/5): Hardly any customer service - The service was not as I anticipated would be from the details provided on the website. I was made to vacate my booked room twice due to the fact that I was informed another party required it due to the facilities within the room.
- Highcoaster (4/5): Mixed emotions - We had made up with the host to arrive at one point of time. No one there. Except two other guests. One let us in and we called the host. He sand, just go to room 2. You will get the key later. The beds were comfortable but the really bad thing was the weak WiFi
- Verified traveler (2/5): Filthy over priced! - This property should not be on hotels.com It’s dirty wholly overpriced. Our room was not as advertised. A 3m x 4m room with three beds that took up any form of floor space. Beds were extremely uncomfortable. Cheapest of the cheap! We had cigarette butts in our room on the floor. When we spoke to ‘management’ they said “but the walls are freshly painted yesterday”. They kindly cleaned up the cigarette burns with a dirty mop. The bathrooms are shared and utterly filthy. Due to me complaining, we were offered another room in addition the the horror we already had. In this case it’s was a tiny room with two bed crammed in and a strong smell When we checked out one of the rooms had What appeared to be 10 people in there. I would never recommend this hotel and I may report it to the council.
- Robin (6/5): - Seemed a bit run down could do with a clean and polish Up grade on bedroom furniture at the same time
- Angelina (6/5): Disappointed - The bed was ok but the room is smell of cigarettes cause of the others room was smoking in their room plus toilets i can see the cigarette ashes on the floor.i have to buy air fresher for room and keep open the windows despite cold and the heater is off.the room is cold and smells of cigarettes
- Jeremy (2/5): Don't. Just don't. - This is a classic case of read the reviews before booking. The greeting was at best luke warm, although more realistically it wasn't an actual greeting, more like I'd interrupted my host's favourite TV show. A few vague instructions to fill in some bits of paper and I was shown to my suite in the annex. The condition of the annex (that makes it sound quite chic, eh?) was very much in the late 70's East Berlin style. Function over character. Lots of cheap laminate. Every expense spared. After the chap had fiddled with the room lock for ages (I had the same problem later) the door swung open and my cell, sorry, my bedroom was revealed. The bed linen was very fresh and clean. That's the good bit. If I was able to turn down the heat from the radiator I reckon I'd reverse global warming overnight. But I couldn't. The TV was a screen propped up against the wall. The bed frames straight from a film set after making a series on National Service. The shared bathroom (I didn't book en suite) was grim. There was clearly long-term residents at the place and were probably getting their stay paid for by the authorities and so had the room full of their toiletries; the shower alone had around a dozen bottles in it. The toilet - no, I can't write about it. Suffice to say someone probably had a bad curry. The point of me booking was to go to a gig, have a few beers and not worry about the drive home. I stayed dry and was gone before midnight. Basically I spent £63 for parking.
- loulabelles69 (4/5): Disappointing but great location - I booked this guesthouse because of its excellent location near to the O2, an easy stroll to Oxford City Centre, and because parking was available. Unfortunately these were the only good things about it. The place is in need of a total makeover. The room itself seemed clean enough, but everything was old, and the curtains were ripped. The bathroom was very shabby. Twice when we left the room we returned to find the toilet seat was up on both occasions. As we were a mother and daughter staying, we knew that it was not us that had left the loo seat up, so we assume the owner was using the toilet in our room rather than going elsewhere. When we were in the room later, after the gig, the owner actually tried to come in our room again and hastily retreated when he realised we were there. When I questioned him he said something about looking at the tap. My daughter was very nervous that he would come in again. In the morning I was woken very early by someone visiting the guest house and talking loudly in the hall. This was followed by someone repeatedly using the microwave that was strangely located on a chair, in the hallway directly outside my room, so was constantly pinging away for at least 15 minutes. I paid £79.00 for this room, with no breakfast, so would have expected far better quality for this amount.
- Verified traveler (8/5): It’s great for short-stays :) - The stay was nice, we had an en-suite room which good handy. Unfortunately one of the towels that were left for us was dirty. But I brought my own which came in useful. On the bright side the comfort was really nice, I had a pleasing night, the bed was comfortable so both me and my partner had a good night. The location was really good too!
- Nicholas (4/5): - Friendly staff, but the place wasn't great - Not v clean, old dishes left around, dirty, just generally not well kept.
- Tom (8/5): - Nice enough room in a shared property with a shared bathroom and locks on the doors. Arranged to meet the property to manager by phone, but that was simple enough. A nice location on Cowley road, next to a bus stop, and near various pubs, cafes and restaurants. .
- Verified traveler (2/5): You get what you pay for. - Awful. Not a guest house but very very cheap student accommodation. My fault for booking so cheap. Man was rude and the wiring inside his office area made a third world slum wiring look professional and safe.
- 494alisonm (2/5): Absolutely disgusting hovel - I have stayed in many places around the world and many hostels. This is the worst place ever. Filthy and run down. Stayed one night and would never want to ever repeat the experience. Check out newspaper article where a journalist visited it to see why it was the worst rated guesthouse on Oxford. Everything that this journalist wrote about was what I experienced too. They couldn’t even find matching pillow cases and one of them was splattered with paint which says it all really!
- Verified traveler (6/5): wont be stayin again! - Not a good start, as we got there to check in at 4pm as stated, to find a note, 'if no answer, i have gone out, try again shortly, or ring this number'. So had to wait on the doorstep, with luggage only to find that if we wanted a private bathroom as opposed to a shared one, we would have to walk 5-10mins down the road to another building. Shower didnt work, properly, and wasnt very clean... the bed was clean and comfortable, which was a good thing, that and your own key. Location was within half hour walking distance of places to visit, with bus stop right outside. Checkout was at 10... a lil before this time, i was jus finishing my morning coffee when the cleaner knocked on door and said its time for you to leave now! a messege i sent to the hotel before checking in, never got a reply! The place lacks love and attention!
- Carl (2/5): Poor - Really poor security, basically a hostel that was situated 200 yards down the street from B&B, beds and furniture in a real poor state. someone banging on the communal door at 2am, messages from owner at 1130pm the day before arrival asking what time we were checking in and what rooms did we book?? Wife left her £200 straighteners in the room (her own fault) however not even a callback from the B&B
- Verified traveler (6/5): - I was very apprehensive upon arrival as the property looks rather unwelcoming. We have struggled to contact the owner, but once they called us back, they made the check in process easy (however lots of paperwork to fill in). The room itself was a nice surprise, as we did not expect much! It was basic, but clean, kettle, tea/coffee and even biscuits were provided. TV working, hair dryer and an iron was also there. Room was dated, but we could not complain. And such a great distance to the shops and the City Centre- the bus stop almost at the doorstep. We were lucky to park at the property, so this was additional bonus. Overall, after the first impression, we were satisfied.
- Hollie (2/5): What a joke! - Our stay can be described as nothing more than awful, absolute disgrace! We arrived late evening, was let in and taken into a small office to sign some papers, there was no friendly greeting what so ever, in fact he looked absolutely miserable. We went to our room when was next to where his office/kitchen/ living space was. When we were trying to sleep the owner was constantly walking up and down the hallways and stairs, sounded like a bloody elephant, also switching lights on and off constantly, banging doors closed, opening the backdoor when then lit up our room and then slamming the door again, then again, pacing corridors and stairs whilst playing a loud video on his phone. This was at around 1:30am, we opened our door and asked him to be quiet, all he did was turn off the video but proceeded to stomp up and down the stairs and hallways while flicking light switches on and off! Nome of us had any sleep and the owner was very aware that we had to be up very early in the morning. What a joke! As for the room, there was mould on the bottoms of the net curtains, the single bed was creeking and cracking everytime I moved, in the morning I noticed there was cello tape around the bed frame! The flusher on the toilet was broken and we found hair in the bed, and the furniture just looked as though it would fall apart. Do not stay here can't even say its good value for money because I have stayed in places of a similar price and had much better service, sleep and a much nicer room
- JodieA26 (2/5): Poor, filthy and run down - This ‘guest house’ is in a poor state, dated and filthy. On arrival the owner wasn’t welcoming and where you check in is a mess (you feel like your making a dodgy deal in a back room). The entrance door is blocked by vans or cars so it is very difficult to squeeze through with luggage, so park there at your own risk. The hall way is full of clutter and random bits of electrical items and empty fish tanks. Bedrooms 1 and 2 are off this narrow hall way. Upstairs on the first floor was where we stayed, room 5, which was actually quiet from the traffic - that’s the only nice thing. I recognise our room from the photos on the website and it’s not what it looked like. They have squeezed a single bed and double bed in there so there is literally no room to move and the tv/ sky box etc is anchored to the wall above the persons head, secured with a bungee!!! The single bed is in front of the draws and dress mirror. Theres no spare plugs and you have to move the kettle round the room away from the tea and coffee station to boil water. The curtains don’t hang properly and the pillows are uncomfortable. The mattress is comfy to sleep on surprisingly. Now the bathroom. Theres power cabling in the shower to the unit which looks dodgy and is a mess, the shower leaked with the door shut so there a puddle when you get out which is rotting the floor away under the Lino which you can press down a lot, there is also a patch like this near the sink. The floor mats have holes in. The worst thing was the toilet brush which was covered in poo - yuk! Looking at the reviews saying ‘it’s spacious’ and ‘it’s a nice place would stay again’ have clearly been paid to say so. Stay here at your own risk.
- K (2/5): - I didnot use the kitchen as it was so dirty the was old food sitting on top of the oven from the thursday morning i turning up to i went on Saturday there was out if date food in the fridge moulds on food in the cupboard and there was a lady on the top floor of where i was staying that was selling her self as she was taking blokes up and down all night the place was not cleaning the two days i was there it was so dirty
- Verified traveler (4/5): - The bedroom was clean bt everything is just too old . The office was horrible it looked like a ghost room . These guys need to be a bit serious . It's only that I didn't have any other option otherwise I didn't like the place
- kevin (2/5): Extremely poor standard - No covid sagety measures no hand sanitizer, staff and guest not wearing face masks
- ellej93 (2/5): Worst stay ever - We went to visit oxford for a family trip. We arrived at Athena Guest House in the evening where we were left outside in the cold for at least half an hour with elderly grandparents and a baby, while the person there tried to figure out which rooms we were supposed to be staying in. They had ignored previous enquiries my sister had made in the run up to our visit. The lady in charge spoke loudly on the phone and ignored my sister who was trying to ask for help about details she had to fill in. This lady then went on to demand that one person made the payment for the whole group before we saw the bedrooms. It is now clear why, because the rooms were in very poor condition and there was no disability access. The person in our party that is disabled was carried up the stairs and into the property and could not access the sink in her room. I was sent to a different guest house with other members of my party. We were expected to share a bathroom with strangers (during a pandemic), the room was unclean, the floor was peeling, chair ripped and it stank of cigarette smoke. Our fire alarm had been covered in foil to stop the detector working. I refused to share a bathroom with anyone that wasn’t from my party and after this we were moved to a different property down the road from the original house and my entire family, which was upsetting . It still stank of smoke, was still in desperate need of an upgrade and cleaning, the shower was dirty, sky box not working, curtains wouldn’t close fully and the other member of my family had issues with the lock on their door. There was not a single staff member at this property and I felt very intimidated and unsafe. There were people shouting outside the property and banging the doors throughout the night. If I could give them no stars I truly would, it ruined an amazing family trip and left us all very upset. Nothing worse than filthy surroundings and rude/unhelpful staff.
- Verified traveler (2/5): Do not book. - Very poor condition. Floors are filthy, bathroom filthy. Water leaking through the ceiling when the guests above take a shower. TV has no picture only sound. Room was not cleaned in time for check in. Only cold tap is working. Shower is either cold or burning hot. Not hygienic at all.
- James (8/5): a - Nice
- Dombashaba (4/5): - The state of the front door alone was enough for me to question my choice and when the door opened I could see the carpet in the hall and stairs was dirty. The room we booked was en suite and it was a good size but furnished from a yard sale with nothing matching, filing cabinets for bedside tables so you caught your legs getting in and out of the (hard) bed. The bathroom wasn't bad, clean, as was the bed but the towels had evidence of the last user's hair. Arguably the worst aspect of the room was the curtains, which were hanging off the rails. Good touches were a fridge in room and we found two fans in the cupboard, large TV and plenty of channels although the TV screen wasn't the best, lines and colours wandering up and down.
- Mark (4/5): glad to leave - Turned up at around 5:15 to check in, I was on the phone to Hotels.com at 7:20 as there was no one in, finally at 7:35 someone appeared and then said they had no record of my booking but funny they found it after I showed them confirmation of my booking My room looked like it had not been cleaned also I woke up the next 3 days with the smell of nicotine and tar down my throat as the person before me used the en-suite as a smoking room In all fairness I used the room to only sleep in, as sitting in my car was more enjoyable than sitting in room that was dirty and smelt of smoke.
- Verified traveler (2/5): - Didn’t like the fact they never got back in touch the next day AS PROMISED !!! to confirm booking this resulting in me having to find alternative accommodation last minute. Very poor service ...
- Verified traveler (6/5): - We walked in to this guys house and it seemed quite shaddy. He had us all sign some paperwork whilst he sat at a desk in what could only be his dining room surrounded by reciepts. He didnt really want to chat and wasnt overly friendly, just said what he needed to say but he did show us to our rooms. As for the rooms, they are not as nice as the photos. I would suggest they are like student accomodation at university.
- Nicholas (4/5): Clean bedroom but everything else is shabby. - We turned up and the outside looks like it hasn't been touched for years, paint off the door and generally looks like a dos house, the pictures are defiantly over ten years old. Turning up on a wet night it really did look like the Bates Motel. It looked so rough I didnt want to pay till I saw the room and having been shown the room we were satisfied that it was clean and decided to stay. As mentioned the room was nice and clean, the bed was comfy and although there was no TV remote as we were only staying the one night it was bearable. Yes it does need modernizing and it is shabby in the halls, but we got a good nights sleep and survived the shower. Its not a place to take someone who you want to impress.
- Verified traveler (10/5): - To location is lovely...
- Verified traveler (6/5): - It’s basically what you’d expect for the price. Kind of run down. Dingy en suite bathroom with a shower that has no water pressure. It’s OK if you just want a convenient place to sleep. It is very convenient for getting into Oxford city centre, with a bus stop pretty much right across the street.
- Verónica (4/5): Wasted potential - The place has so much potential, it’s a pity they don’t re-invest what they make. It’s falling to pieces, dirty, disorganized, cramped with stuff... the only advantage is that it’s close to the O2 academy.
- Rebecca (10/5): - Overall really nice hotel, bed not as soft for me so I didn’t sleep well but this I don’t feel is the hotels fault.
- elaine037 (2/5): Stay away!! - Stayed here for 1 night as it was close to the 02. Very limited car park on site do had to park on the street. Should have turned around at the front door which was very uninviting. Green fish tanks in the hallway and bags of stuff. Went through to the back room to check in. Absolute bomb site, paperwork and junk everywhere. Chinese man took payment and showed us to our room. Room was freezing as all the windows were open. Probably to get rid of any lurking smells. Checked the bed first, bedding was actually crisp, white and clean. Curtains were all ripped, furniture needed replacing, mattress was too small for the bed so had a bit gap where you could see cardboard covering the slats. Bathroom was somewhat clean but needed a major redo. When we returned after our night out we struggled to get in the front door. The key doesn’t fit right. During the night the front door rang so others obviously had the same problem. My partner turned over a couple of times when he got into bed and felt the slats give way so he spent the whole night frozen to one spot in case he fell through the bed. I slept quite well considering. Didn’t bother with the shower the next morning was safer to wait til I got home. Left the keys on the bedside table and got out fast. Will definitely not be staying here again. Feels dirty, unsafe and needs major improvement. Only good point was the location was 5 mins walk to the 02.
- Verified traveler (4/5): - Our main door was not as secure as we wud of liked , all the units in the room were sticky. But worst of all the bes was shocking , wobbly and rickety , worst nights sleep . Also there was sick outside the property.
- Verified traveler (6/5): - Property was a bit run down but our room was clean. The fridge in our room was noisy and kept us awake most of the night - there was also food left in it! The WiFi didn’t work and parking was an issue. However it suited for one night and location was pretty close to the centre.
- Lola D. (2/5): Dirty accommodation - They couldn’t find our reservation. The listing did not prepare us for what we found. Office looked like the home of a hoarder. Mis hung curtains, run down furniture. Old TVs that didn’t work. Noisy street, opposite a pub. No parking.... get the picture??
- Tookoolforafool (2/5): Oxford visit - Shockingly dirty greet in this guys separate building 400 metres from hostel. Filthy stained kitchen table cloths. Paperwork and junk all over the place the only homely sort of feel was about 200 DVDs that no one would enjoy in 2019. Online price of stay £50. He told and charged us £59! We let him keep the change. CCTV, TV and wiring in office looked a mess. Rooms don't even go there if you could call them that. Cozy sheets but chose the double bed to find it practically is falling apart. So rickety and loose its frightening and loud must wake everyone up in other grotty rooms. Were welcomed by the sight of a kettle and tea but a shockingly old tv and the box isn't virgin or sky hell knows what it is but just as useless as the telly itself. Totally ripped off I've slept in far better hostels b&bs should be a luxury not hell on earth. He should just call it bed. Because there is no morning breakfast. Free wifi is the least you deserve at this price. Don't waste your money here. Unless you want comfy sheets. Expect to feel heavily pissed off with the effort it took to get the room get to the room to learn the condition of it. Absolutely filthy and outdated from the office to the rooms. Yes youd be better off sleeping rough for the fact what your sleeping on would feel alot safer. This man Chinese or whatever nationality needs a serious wake up call and invest the money we spend properly or close doors for good. Place isn't fit for rent unless desperate for a nap. Hostels are palaces vs here. Of course when I saw the reviews already learned there had to be a good reason and alot of downfalls well we learned it quickly
- Odyssey298962 (2/5): Horror show - I have never been compelled to do a review on this site but feel I must, so here goes. If I died on the operating table and woke up in hell ,this would be it, you would be better off sleeping in a doorway than paying money for this poor excuse for a b&b
- Verified traveler (2/5): - Staff not around, service seemed disorganised. And i don’t see why i need to add more characters to this review
- Melanie639 (2/5): Shabby smelly dump - Never ever stay at this place. We had pre-booked 3 rooms. It is a smelly, scruffy place. The lady who answered the door barely spoke English and knew nothing about our booking. We were sent on foot, down the road 10 minutes walk to a house with no reception. The cleaners were there and would not give us our keys. We then went back up the road to Athena again. Eventually were given keys for the house. They only accepted cash.we wasted an hour trying to get keys. When we went back to the house the rooms stunk of smoke. Very scruffy. Broken furniture. Curtains hanging off. At 1 am other people entered the house. No staff worked on site. Felt very vulnerable not knowing who was in the building. A truly awful place. Like a squat.
- Verified traveler (8/5): - Money for value so it is worth for what I paid for.
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