Following a substantial refurbishment, the 4* Mercure Oxford Eastgate Townhouse Hotel has unveiled beautiful interiors in keeping with the style and heritage of the city.
Situated on a quiet street in the center of Oxford, the picturesque 17th century building, home to the Mercure Oxford Eastgate Townhouse, was originally a coaching inn known as the Flying Horse. The inn then became known as the Eastgate Hotel for its position on the site of the east gate in the original city walls. It is believed that underneath the original building runs a tunnel connecting the hotel with Magdalen College, just one of a network of ancient tunnels running under the city. Guests can bask in the glow of famous novelists including J.R.R Tolkien and C.S Lewis who frequented the hotel whilst being Fellows at Merton College and Magdalen College respectively.
The hotel’s entrance draws inspiration from the iconic cycling culture of the historical university town with an exterior signed with a classic and colourful bike. This bicycle theme is assimilated into the interior design throughout the hotel, as well as other locally-inspired historical references, to make this a unique place to stay.
A contemporary yet comfortable reception and lounge area has been designed with quirky features adding to the unique character of the hotel.
64 bedrooms have been refurbished including a brand new suite, showcasing a luxury bedroom with lounge space. An elegant colour scheme with muted tones and accent colours are complemented with traditional furniture with bicycle spoke inspired details. Mercure flagship properties also feature headboards in the guestrooms that exhibit local artwork, images or scenes of the area and the Mercure Oxford Eastgate Townhouse is no different; digital prints of punting boats and local statues with an ornate vintage-style frame, again perfectly blending old styles with the new, a running theme throughout the hotel.
The refurbishment also includes an upgrade of the Mercure Oxford Eastgate’s Townhouse dining facilities to incorporate the refined High Table Brasserie and the Library Bar and Lounge. The hotel is also proud to host the recently opened Marco’s New York Italian restaurant with signature dishes such as the Italian burger topped with mozzarella and crisp prosciutto.
