This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
It’s famous as one of the world’s most iconic shopping streets and one of London’s most popular destinations. So if you’re looking for a four star hotel in Oxford Street, then you’ll want location, quality and affordability all rolled into one – at the Rathbone, we offer that perfect combination. The Rathbone Hotel is close the bright lights of the West End and offers 4 star quality, exceptional service and a uniquely tranquil location within a stone’s throw of Oxford Street itself.
The Rathbone – One of London’s Best 4-Star Hotels
When you come to London, there are hundreds and hundreds of places to stay, from £20-a-night youth hostels to London aparthotels and some of the finest hotel suites in the world. Whatever you’re prepared to spend, you’ll be looking for value for money and here at the Rathbone, that’s exactly what you’ll get.
As one of the best four star hotels near Oxford Street, our aim is to strike a balance between quality, style, comfort and price and we believe we have the perfect mix.
Close enough to touch the glitz and glamour of the West End, we are also one of the best known Charlotte Street hotels, located next door to the quirky tranquillity of its boutique shops, cafes, bars and restaurants. If you need any help at all finding places to eat, tickets for shows or attractions or indeed any advice on enjoying London, our reception and concierge staff will be glad to help you out.
Each of our 72 air-cooled rooms has been refurbished to an excellent standard and we cater for tourists, families, couples on a romantic break and business travellers. Indeed, the benefits of staying with us are plentiful:
- Enjoy a free continental breakfast every day you’re with us
- Super-fast wi-fi is free if you book direct on our website
- We have an outstanding bar and room service menu
- You get money-off discounts at a great choice of local restaurants and health spas
- Our amenities and facilities are amongst the best you’ll find in London
Most importantly, as a leading four star hotel in Oxford Street, we know how to make our guests feel welcomed and comfortable. We’re proud of our customer service and thanks to the incredibly positive feedback we receive we have a Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor.
Travelling In and Around Oxford Street
If you’re worried about how to get around London while you’re at the Rathbone, you needn’t be. There are no less than four tube stations within a few minutes’ walk – Tottenham Court Road, Oxford Circus, Goodge Street and Bond Street – as well as dozens of bus routes that will take you all over London.
For the more energetic amongst you, there are lots of Santander bike stations dotted around the city from where you can hire bikes and the instructions are clear and easy to understand.
If you’re coming to the hotel by car, there are a number of NCP car parks close to the hotel but please check prices before you park as they can work out to be quite expensive.
A Short History of Oxford Street
Along with Rodeo Drive and L’Avenue des Champs-Élysées, Oxford Street is one of the most famous shopping streets in the world and certainly London’s busiest. It’s one of the top London attractions, and stretches approximately 1.2 miles from Marble Arch at its western end to the junction with Tottenham Court Road at the eastern end. It has around 300 shops and restaurants and welcomes over 200m visitors every year, but it hasn’t always been like that.
Known as Oxford Street from the 1720s, the thoroughfare follows the route of a Roman road called the via Trinobantina that connected Colchester to Hampshire. It became famous (or infamous) as the journey taken by condemned men from Newgate Prison to the Tyburn gallows, close to where Marble Arch now sits but further into the eighteenth century the road was developed after being bought by the Earl of Oxford and for a time it was popular with entertainers such as bear-baiters and masquerades. Into the nineteenth century, the road took shape and retailers started to move in as well as seeing the first hotels – many of which have survived as some of Oxford Street’s 4 star hotels. This 19th century expansion was the start of Oxford Street’s reputation as one of the world’s premier shopping and hospitality streets.
The catalyst for the retail boom was undoubtedly the opening of Selfridges in 1909. Harry Gordon Selfridge’s eponymous store was funded with £400,000 of his own money and he stayed on as Chairman of the Board until his retirement in 1941.
Oxford Street took some big hits during World War II, particularly during September 1940 when Selfridges and John Lewis were bombed but thanks to endless cups of tea and a bulldog spirit, Oxford Street was rebuilt to its former glory and in the 1960 and 70s, the street became famous for its music venues such as the 100 Club.
Among many others, Oxford Street is famous for its window displays. Every Christmas the big department stores put together some incredibly creative displays in their shop windows and it’s worth a trip just to see them! While you’re there, don’t forget to look up at the Christmas lights. The tradition began as far back as 1959 and each year, they are ceremonially switched on by a beloved celebrity. In 2015 they are being switched on by none other than Australian pop queen Kylie Minogue!
Why Choose The Rathbone?
As a family-run 4-star Oxford Street hotel, we’re consistently rated as one of the very best Fitzrovia hotels. We put a very high premium on offering every guest a warm welcome, customer service that’s second to none and the sort of facilities and amenities expected from the best four star hotels in London.
To book for Christmas, New Year or indeed any time of year, contact us today and we’ll give you all the information you need.