Run by the former owners of the outstanding Beaconlight Guesthouse, the Oxford sits in the heart of the West End along a quiet lane and is decorated in the spirit of a British country house. Rooms come with linen robes, CD player/radios, phones with voice mail, and beds that have 480-thread-count linens and fluffy duvets—rooms on the ground floor have wood-burning fireplaces. You can save a bundle by booking either the Merton or Hertford rooms, which share a bath; the Worcester Room has its own private entrance. The evening wine hour is a great time to mingle with fellow guests. All phone calls within the continental United States are free. Pros: Highly professional and friendly service, peaceful and charming West End setting, beautifully furnished. Cons: Some rooms share a bath, it's a relatively long walk to East End businesses, quiet locale may not work if you want to be in center of action.
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