We stayed the first 3 nights of our trip at The Buttery. We had a top floor room (as requested). It was in the front facing the street. We did have some noise late into the night for 2 nights. On the 3 Rd night it rained and I guess that moved the people inside. If I stayed again I would ask fir a room facing the back to avoid the noise.

Probably not surprising about the noise, given the location. I have used http://www.universityrooms.com/ twice, to stay at Keble and at Christ Church, with no noise at all. Loved being able to eat breakfast in the dining halls.

Interesting. Certainly would have explored it if I had known about it.

We will be staying at the Marlborough House Hotel http://www.marlbhouse.co.uk/en-us/home.aspx - I have no idea if it's the best place we could have chosen. It's definitely not an older or historic property, but it's only for a night. It will be our first hotel upon arrival in England - they will have a car to pick us up at LHR, so that alone is a big plus for us. We have a car rental arranged for the following day - heading off for a vacation in the Cotswolds, with our next night in Burford, and then on to our cottage in Chipping Campden for a week.

@yestravel - flanner posted the link back in November, you must have missed it. Note that Keble is a bit further from the absolute center, but I preferred it to Christ Church.