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Summary of reviewsSturdys Castle is praised for its serene countryside setting, offering a perfect base for exploring nearby attractions such as Blenheim Palace and Oxford. Guests find it a practical choice with ample parking, easy road access and a peaceful environment ideal for nature walks.
The breakfast experience is highly celebrated with many guests enjoying freshly cooked, plentiful and delicious full English breakfasts. The variety caters to diverse tastes including traditional English and Indian cuisine. Breakfast service is efficient and friendly, though the pre-ordering process is somewhat divisive among guests.
Dinner at Sturdys Castle also receives accolades. The pub and Indian menu options are appreciated for their variety, flavor and generous portions, particularly the curries which are a standout. The overall dining experience is enhanced by the good atmosphere and courteous service, despite minor critiques regarding menu variety and occasional overcooking.
Rooms at Sturdys Castle are noted for being clean, spacious and comfortable. Guests particularly enjoy the courtyard rooms for their privacy and quiet. While some find the decor a bit dated, the rooms are generally seen as cozy and well-maintained with practical amenities and plenty of parking. A few points for improvement include minor cleanliness issues and decor updates.
The hotel's cleanliness is consistently praised with the majority of rooms and common areas described as spotless and tidy. Minor issues such as dusty corners and grout stains were occasionally noted, but these did not detract significantly from the overall positive impressions.
The standout feature of Sturdys Castle is its exceptional staff. Review after review underscores the friendliness, helpfulness and professional demeanor of the team, from the front desk to the breakfast service. Guests feel genuinely welcomed and cared for, contributing significantly to their enjoyable experience.
While Wi-Fi quality is inconsistent with some guests finding it weak or unreliable, TV connectivity is generally good. The hotel ensures a hassle-free parking experience with ample and easily accessible spaces.
Beds receive high marks for comfort, adding to the restful atmosphere of the rooms. Though some guests noted preferences for different mattress firmness, the overall feedback highlights comfortable and cozy beds.
Accessibility features are well-received with ground floor rooms available and convenient parking. Despite some minor shortcomings in the wheelchair bathroom design, the accessible rooms and well-maintained paths ensure a practical stay for guests with special needs. The hotel's location near park-and-ride services into Oxford further enhances its accessibility.
Overall, Sturdys Castle is highly recommended for its strategic location, excellent breakfast and dinner options, cleanliness, comfortable rooms and exceptional staff, making it a great choice for visitors looking to explore South Oxfordshire and beyond. Show more
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Motel with Parking
This motel provides on-site parking for guests. It is located on Banbury Road.
Accessible Motel
Room Types
Double RoomFeatures include free unlimited WiFi, a TV, tea/coffee making facilities and an en-suite bathroom with a power shower. All rooms feature Sky TV and Sky Sports. An electric fan is available.
Twin RoomFeatures include free unlimited WiFi, a TV, tea/coffee making facilities, and an en-suite bathroom with a power shower. All rooms feature Sky TV and Sky Sports. An electric fan is available.
Superior Double These rooms feature a king-size bed, unlimited free WiFi, a flat-screen TV and an en-suite bathroom with a power shower and a bath. Slippers and a dressing gown are also provided. Additional amenities include Sky TV and Sky Sports.
Guest Reviews
8.5
Very Good
Location
Nestled in a serene countryside setting, Sturdys Castle boasts an excellent location for visitors eager to explore some of England's most notable attractions. Just a short drive from Blenheim Palace, the hotel is perfect for guests planning a day trip to this historic site or attending events like the Nocturne Live show. The proximity to Blenheim is consistently highlighted, making it an ideal base for those looking to immerse themselves in the splendor of the palace and its grounds.
The hotel's location also offers easy access to Oxford with convenient park-and-ride services available for those wishing to visit the city without the hassle of parking. Whether traveling for a course at the Oxford School of Drama or exploring the local village of Woodstock, guests find Sturdys Castle a practical choice.
Surrounded by fields, the hotel provides a peaceful retreat where one can enjoy the natural beauty of the area and the sound of birds in the morning. Country walks are plentiful right at the doorstep, adding to the location's charm.
Though situated in a somewhat remote area, this does not deter travelers; a vehicle is recommended for reaching nearby attractions and towns such as Bicester Village and Silverstone. The convenience of having ample parking and straightforward access from the main roads further enhances its appeal.
Guests appreciate the cleanliness and comfort of the rooms, along with the warm welcome from the friendly staff. Overall, Sturdys Castle's strategic location, coupled with its tranquil surroundings and accessibility, makes it an excellent choice for visitors aiming to explore South Oxfordshire and beyond.
Breakfast
Sturdys Castle boasts a breakfast experience that has left many guests thoroughly satisfied. Reviewers often highlight the high quality and plentiful nature of the full English breakfast, describing it as superb both in quantity and quality. The offerings are freshly cooked to order, ensuring meals that are served hot and with a fresh taste. There are plenty of choices available, including both traditional English and Indian cuisine options, catering to diverse tastes.
Guests frequently commend the breakfast for being delicious and well-prepared with specific mentions of dishes like poached eggs, Eggs Benedict and the full English and vegetarian breakfast, all receiving high praise. Ample portions and excellent presentation are common themes and many emphasize how fresh and enjoyable the food is. Not only is the breakfast satisfying in terms of food, but the service also receives positive notes for being prompt and friendly.
Several guests note that the process of ordering breakfast the night before, although not universally loved, aids in the efficiency of morning service. Despite a few minor critiques such as occasional cold items or lack of variety in bread choices, the overall consensus leans heavily positive. The breakfasts at Sturdys Castle stand out not just for their taste and quality, but also for their ability to cater flexibly to guests' needs, resulting in an enjoyable start to the day for many visitors.
Dinner
Sturdys Castle consistently receives positive feedback for its food offerings, particularly for dinner and breakfast. Guests frequently highlight the delicious, well-cooked meals and commend the first-rate chef. The evening meals, featuring both pub and Indian menus, receive special praise for their variety, flavor and generous portions. The curry, in particular, stands out as a favorite among diners.
Breakfast also garners excellent reviews for its quality and ample choices. While the vegetarian options are noted as somewhat limited, the menu otherwise offers a wide selection of dishes that cater to various tastes, including fantastic gluten-free options. Guests appreciate the good pub atmosphere and courteous service, adding to the overall dining experience.
Some minor critiques mention occasional overcooking and a desire for more variety in the menu. Despite these few drawbacks, Sturdys Castle is generally recognized for providing substantial, high-quality meals at reasonable prices, making it a highly recommended dining destination.
Rooms
Sturdys Castle offers a welcoming stay with cozy, well-maintained rooms. Many reviews indicate the rooms are clean, spacious and comfortable with some even described as enormous. Especially appreciated are the separate rooms located in a courtyard away from the main hotel, which provide a sense of quiet and privacy. Guests mention the rooms are well-appointed and well-furnished, featuring comfy beds and adequate facilities. Additionally, ground floor rooms are available, enhancing accessibility. Although the decor might be seen as a bit old-fashioned by some, most guests find the rooms bright, warm and cozy, well equipped for a pleasant stay.
The hotel's practical amenities, such as plenty of parking space and thoughtful room details like accessible sockets, are frequently noted. The large and airy accommodations are consistently praised for being spotless and tidy. A few remarks point out minor inconveniences like occasional cobwebs, cold rooms upon entry or dated aspects in need of a little care. However, overall impressions are positive, emphasizing a comfortable and clean environment, making Sturdys Castle a sensible choice for travelers seeking value and comfort.
Beds
Visiting 'Sturdys Castle' offers a comfortable stay, highlighted by the overwhelmingly positive feedback on the beds. Guests repeatedly comment on the comfortable and cozy nature of the beds, contributing to a restful night's sleep. The rooms are often described as clean and welcoming, adding to the overall comfort.
Across the board, the beds are noted for being very comfy and large, providing a good night's rest. While most guests enjoyed the soft pillows and cozy environment, a few mentioned preferences for firmer or softer mattresses. A couple of reviews pointed out that some beds could benefit from an upgrade and that certain headboards and bed bases need replacing.
Despite minor criticisms, the general consensus is that 'Sturdys Castle' prioritizes guest comfort, making it a great choice for a peaceful retreat.
Cleanliness
Sturdys Castle consistently receives praise for its cleanliness, which stands out as a strong feature of the hotel. Guests frequently highlight the rooms as being clean, spacious and well-maintained. The overall cleanliness of the venue is impressive with many areas, including the parking lot and open spaces, described as spotless and tidy.
While most evaluations underscore the high standards of cleanliness, a few areas were pointed out that could use some attention. Some guests noted occasional issues such as dusty corners, cobwebs and stained carpets, indicating room for improvement in detailed cleaning tasks. The bathrooms sometimes fell short of expectations with mentions of grout stains and toothpaste marks. Despite these minor drawbacks, the hotel's general room cleanliness remains commendable with numerous guests describing their rooms as very clean, comfortable and welcoming.
The positive feedback extends beyond the rooms to the friendliness and helpfulness of the staff, which enhances the overall experience. Guests frequently emphasize the hotel's comfortable and fresh environment, ensuring a pleasant stay. In summary, Sturdys Castle largely upholds a high standard of cleanliness, making it a reliably clean and comfortable choice for visitors, though with some areas needing periodic attention.
Staff
At Sturdys Castle, the highlight of many guests' stays is undoubtedly the exceptional staff. With numerous reviews praising their friendliness and helpfulness, it’s clear that the team goes above and beyond to make each guest feel welcomed and valued. The staff's positive and accommodating nature shines through with mentions of their courteous and professional demeanor. Guests appreciate the warm and cheerful attitude that pervades the atmosphere, ensuring that nothing is too much trouble for the team.
The staff's efficiency and willingness to assist with various needs, including accessibility concerns, contribute significantly to a seamless and enjoyable experience for visitors. From the welcoming front desk personnel to the attentive breakfast staff, every interaction is characterized by a genuine effort to provide outstanding service. Even in instances where the hotel might be short-staffed, the existing team members work diligently to maintain a high level of service.
Overall, whether it’s the charming friendliness, the proactive support or the exceptional attention to detail, the staff at Sturdys Castle consistently receive high praise, making the hotel feel luxurious and ensuring guests have a memorable stay.
Wi-Fi
Sturdys Castle offers plenty of parking options, providing convenience and ample space for visitors. Rooms are situated away from the main hotel building, adding to the sense of seclusion. However, the quality of the Wi-Fi is inconsistent. While some guests experienced great reception with no dropouts and secure access, others found the Wi-Fi to be weak, slow or unreliable with some suggesting not to rely on it. Despite these issues, TV connectivity appears to work well. Overall, the hotel provides a comfortable stay with easy parking, though Wi-Fi can be hit or miss.
Parking
Sturdys Castle offers guests a highly commendable parking experience. The parking facilities are characterized by an abundance of space, ensuring that visitors seldom struggle to find a spot. With terms like "ample parking," "plentiful," and "large car park" recurring throughout reviews, it is evident that the car park is designed to accommodate a considerable number of vehicles comfortably. The convenience factor is highlighted by the phrases "easy parking" and "good and easy." Additionally, the car park is noted for its easy access and well-maintained condition, further enhancing guest satisfaction. The ample free parking provided is a standout feature, contributing to a stress-free stay and it is appreciated for being both clean and spacious with sufficient parking even when a bus stop is located outside the property. In summary, Sturdys Castle ensures a hassle-free parking experience with its well-organized, spacious and easily accessible parking facilities.
Accessible
Sturdys Castle offers commendable accessibility features for guests with disabilities. The hotel provides ground floor rooms, which can be easily arranged upon request, ensuring that mobility needs are catered to. The rooms are located away from the main hotel building, enhancing privacy and reducing unnecessary movement. Parking is convenient and features well-maintained paths suitable for wheelchair access. Guests note easy access to their rooms at any time with secure key systems in place.
The hotel is advantageously positioned near a convenient park & ride into the city, simplifying transportation. It is also connected to an underground system, providing additional travel options. Sturdys Castle's location near the main town central and local attractions offers guests straightforward opportunities to explore the area. Despite its proximity to a busy road, the rooms remain quiet with windows closed.
While the wheelchair bathroom was mentioned as not ideally suitable, the overall accessibility is praised and the surrounding amenities and easy access to Oxford enhance the appeal for guests with special needs.
No, Sturdys Castle doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Sturdys Castle.
No, Sturdys Castle doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Sturdys Castle.