Historic Fifteenth Century Oxford property reopens as voco™ Oxford Thames

Oxford Thames re-branded today under IHG’s newest upscale brand voco™, offering a distinct, unstuffy and exciting new hotel experience for guests. The 104-room refreshed hotel embodies the characteristics of voco™ with exclusive features and distinctive hallmarks, setting it apart for a memorable stay.

Located on the banks of the River Thames, voco™ Oxford Thames is set in 30 acres of stunning grounds and is a short distance from the historic University city of Oxford and popular designer outlet destination, Bicester Village.

Every guest will experience the voco™ signature ‘come on in’ warm welcome, promising a swift and simple check in, with dedicated voco™ hosts available throughout the guest’s stay as resident experts and a locally inspired welcome treat - a shard of honeycomb.

With a history dating back to the Middle Ages and the Knights Templar, the hotel blends historical character with 21st century style to create a unique setting for any memorable occasion from weddings, to family escapes, and corporate events. It is the only hotel in the area with a private jetty and a helipad. The hotel guest rooms benefit from the voco™ design concept with thoughtful comforts like cosy bedding made from 100% recycled materials, Aveda amenities in larger dispenser bottles with naturally derived ingredients, and fast Wi-Fi so guests can relax and indulge some ‘me time’ when they stay at voco™.

Guests can enjoy a taste of ‘voco™ life’ with seasonally inspired British cuisine carefully crafted by our award-winning chef in the Conservatory Restaurant or catch up with friends and family over drinks in The Crusaders Bar and Lounge. The Oxford Thames Spa and Leisure Club is a fully equipped health club with an indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam room and gym for those looking to truly unwind and relax.

Being on the River Thames, wildlife is a key aspect to voco™ Oxford Thames. Each spring the Crusaders Courtyard offers a safe haven for parent ducks to bring up their young before they take their first swimming strokes in the Thames. With the introduction of two bee colonies earlier this year, not only is the hotel helping to provide a home for bees, but in the near future honey will become an important ingredient on the restaurant menu.

Elle Garner, General Manager, voco™ Oxford Thames said: “We are incredibly excited to be the third hotel in the UK to join the voco™ family. voco™ is all about delivering a hosted guest experience alongside retaining the individuality of the hotel and its history. The team are thrilled to be bringing IHG’s new brand and service culture to life in Oxford and look forward to welcoming guests, new and old, with a warm voco™ welcome.”

Sustainability will continue to play a foundational role of the voco™ experience, with various initiatives already available throughout the hotel. All bedding at voco™ hotels is made from 100% recycled materials, glass water bottles replace over 300 plastic bottles in every guest room per year and aerated shower heads reduce bathroom water usage. In addition, miniature toiletry bottles have been replaced with large-format Aveda bottles, and plastic straws swapped for a biodegradable alternative.

Rooms at voco™ Oxford Thames start from £130 a night for a room only.

To learn more about voco™, visit: www.vocohotels.com