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Tamesis Guest House (formerly the Isis Guest House)

Experience clean, cozy rooms and free breakfast at Tamesis Guest House in Oxford. Located on Iffley Road, just minutes from Cowley Road's vibrant scene and O2 Academy, with easy bus access to the city centre. Ideal for travelers seeking affordable, kid-fr

45 Iffley Rd, Oxford OX4 1ED, United Kingdom View on map
7.8/10
Good Based on 29 recent guest reviews
Free Wi-Fi Free breakfast Kid-friendly Smoke-free
What recent guests emphasize

Tamesis Guest House: comfortable stay with helpful staff

Visitors appreciate the tidy rooms and excellent breakfast, alongside attentive service. Practical drawbacks include lack of heating and air-conditioning, making some rooms cold. The central location and bohemian atmosphere attract travellers seeking easy access to Oxford’s vibrant local culture.

Guests often praise

  • Clean and comfortable rooms with basic amenities
  • Friendly and helpful staff who go the extra mile
  • Complimentary breakfast described as excellent
  • Convenient location near bus stops and city centre
  • Quiet, smoke-free environment suitable for children

Worth knowing

  • Rooms are not heated or air-conditioned; some guests found them cold
  • No on-site restaurant, pool, fitness centre, or airport shuttle available
  • Not pet-friendly but kid-friendly accommodations offered
  • Accommodation resembles student housing and may feel basic
  • Extra blankets may not be provided, so requesting them in advance is advisable

Best for

  • Visitors looking for budget-friendly lodgings near Oxford city centre
  • Guests who prioritise friendly, personalised service over luxury
  • Families seeking kid-friendly and smoke-free environments
  • Travellers interested in exploring the lively Cowley Road neighbourhood
  • Those wanting easy access to Oxford’s cultural highlights and public transport
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About this property

Welcome to Tamesis Guest House (formerly the Isis Guest House)

Tamesis Guest House, formerly known as the Isis Guest House, offers visitors to Oxford a simple yet inviting place to stay. Located conveniently at 45 Iffley Road, just a short bus ride from the city centre, it provides easy access to Oxford’s vibrant attractions. This guest house scores a solid 3.9 out of 5, reflecting a generally positive guest experience with room for modest improvements.

Guests appreciate the clean and comfortable rooms, which meet essential needs without luxury trappings. While the absence of air conditioning and direct restaurant facilities might be noted by some, the complimentary breakfast and free Wi-Fi add considerable value. Families will find the guest house child-friendly, though travelers with pets may need alternative arrangements.

The genuine warmth of the staff emerges as a highlight. Their attentive and helpful approach enhances the overall stay, creating a welcoming atmosphere amid humble surroundings. This personal touch often outshines the guest house’s limited amenities.

Situated in a lively neighbourhood known for its Bohemian flair, Tamesis Guest House is ideal for those seeking to explore Cowley Road’s cultural scene—from its colourful Carnival to diverse global eateries and live music at the O2 Academy Oxford. The guest house’s location serves as a practical launchpad for discovering the local vibrancy while retreating to a quiet, smoke-free environment.

Some reviews mention minor drawbacks, such as chilly rooms due to window gaps and the lack of extra blankets, suggesting that the property could improve guest comfort with small adjustments. However, these issues do not overshadow the overall satisfaction voiced by many visitors, especially those looking for an affordable, no-frills stay with easy access to the city.

In summary, Tamesis Guest House is a trustworthy choice for budget-conscious travellers eager to immerse themselves in Oxford’s eclectic culture. It strikes a careful balance between practicality and personable service, making it a notable option for short-term stays without pretense. Visitors leave feeling welcomed and well-positioned to experience the city's charm.

Summary compiled by GoHotelly editors from verified guest reviews, partner descriptions and editorial notes.
Facilities & essentials

What's on-site and what you should know before you arrive

The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.

Most popular facilities

Free Wi-Fi
Free breakfast
Kid-friendly
Smoke-free

Not available at this property

Pool
Air-conditioned
Pet-friendly
Restaurant
Airport shuttle
Fitness center
Verified guest reviews

What recent guests are actually saying

Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.

EB
Ece Bakala Dec 06, 2025
8.0

Clean and comfortable rooms. The city centre is 5 minutes away by bus and the closest bust stop is around the corner. Me and my friend enjoyed our stay overall. However, our room was so cold all the time. There was a gap between the two windows, I think that was why. I wish extra blankets had been provided at least…

PS
peterjohn smyth Nov 11, 2025
10

We stayed at the Isis earlier this summer and could not have been happier with our visit. It is after all just student accommodation so the critical reviews are judging unfairly. We found the room comfortable, the bathroom had everything we needed, and the breakfast was excellent. Most of all I can't praise the staff highly enough - every one of them went out of their way to be kind and helpful. We shall certainly stay there again.

Location & neighborhood

Where you'll find Tamesis Guest House (formerly the Isis Guest House)

Oxford, United Kingdom

Bohemian neighbourhood known for Cowley Road Carnival, global eateries & bands at O2 Academy Oxford.

  • Oxford 31 min Walk
  • The Plain 2 min Walk
  • St Clements Street (Stop C) 6 min Walk
  • Heathrow Airport 1 hr 1 Car · 1 hr 25 Transit
  • London Gatwick Airport 1 hr 36 Car · 2 hr 22 Transit
  • London Stansted Airport 1 hr 42 Car · 2 hr 43 Transit
Things to do nearby

Worth the walk or a quick ride

Curated spots travelers usually pair with a stay in United Kingdom. Distances are rough real-world times, not straight-line.

Ashmolean Museum 11,688 reviews

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4.7 · Museum
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Bodleian Library

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4.6 · Library
Christ Church 1,561 reviews

Christ Church

St Aldate's, Oxford OX1 1DP, United Kingdom

4.5 · College
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