Mollie’s Motel & Diner, Oxfordshire hotel review

WHILE motels are something more likely to be found in America, Mollie's Motel has brought them to the UK as a number of boutique hotels.

Having first opened Oxfordshire in 2019, (followed by Bristol and plans for Manchester this year), here's what to expect from their very first hotel near the Cotswolds.

Where is the hotel?

Just off the A420 road and a 25-minute drive from Oxford town centre, Mollie's isn't really within walking distance of anywhere, but that's what you'd expect for a motel on a busy A-road.

The easiest way to get there is by car, although you can grab a train to Oxford and then a bus or taxi to the hotel.

What is the hotel like?

Mollie’s Motel & Diner is the low-cost little sister of swanky members club, Soho House so expect some swanky luxuries in the rooms.

It’s kitted out with the same luxury furniture and toiletries as the other hotels.

It doesn’t matter that it’s not immediately near the shops either, as anything you’ve forgotten, they’ll have at the reception – including a great snack selection of Candy Kittens, Tony’s Chocolonely and chilled beer.

What are the rooms like?

The cosy, contemporary rooms have wooden panelled walls and velvet armchairs as well as all the frills.

This includes Dyson hairdryers and GHD straighteners as well as smart TVs and USB ports by the bed.

There’s an app that lets you check in and out virtually, work the television in your room to stream Netflix straight from your phone and access a virtual room key that you can share with other guests.

Bathrooms are crammed full with Cowshed soap, shampoo and lotion – not the small bottles either, so you can completely slather yourself in the stuff without panicking about running out halfway through your stay.

To cut down on wasteful plastic water bottles, there is a hot and cold water tap in the corridor with glass refillable bottles.

Don't worry if you need a hot drink as there is a free tea and coffee station is in the lobby.

Large groups and families, should book a cosy four-person bunk-bed room, some of which interconnect to doubles.

What is there to do at the hotel?

If you're itching for a drink, then there's a pub just a 15-minute walk down the road.

The impressive diner is where most guests spend the evening, or there's the lobby, with comfy sofas and a chic working space with plenty of charging sockets.

There's also a mini shop selling toothpaste and toiletries, as well as gifts like chocolate bars and even branded Mollie's Mugs.

The likelihood is, though, if you're staying here then you'll be heading off into Oxford city centre for the day.

Here you can take a walking tour of the famous university and it's incredible architecture or go on a punting trip down the river.

What is there to eat and drink there?

There isn't much else nearby but just opposite is the equally trendy Mollie's Diner.

Expect classic American dishes with huge burgers, sloppy hot dogs and fried chicken waffles.

There are a few token healthy options, such as green salads and fruit smoothies but the huge pieces of lemon-meringue pie can't be missed.

Stay for breakfast for dishes including pancakes and eggs Benedict.

How much are rooms at the hotel?

Room-only doubles cost from £70 per night. Click here to book.

Is the hotel family-friendly?

It's super family-friendly. Kids will love the pod-like bunk beds, that look as if they're built straight into the wall.

The diner is always full of families too and there's a menu especially for little ones that offers the same grub, only smaller.

Is there access for guests with disabilities?

Yes, Mollie’s accessible rooms have bedside call buttons as well as ease of access to attached rooms and wheelchair accessible bathrooms.

Looking for a place to stay? For more hotel inspiration click here