The Netty is a rare find in Oxford’s hotel landscape, combining an offbeat backstory with a thoughtful approach to hospitality. Opened in June 2025, this boutique property reimagines a Victorian gentlemen’s toilet block, built in 1895 beneath the busy streets of St. Giles’. After more than a decade out of use, the former public convenience has been transformed into a two-suite retreat that is as much a conversation piece as it is a place to stay.
The entrance is impossible to miss, a bold red door at street level, hinting at the playful attitude that defines the experience. Guests descend their own private staircases to reach the suites, which are named, with a wink, Number One and Number Two. Each suite accommodates two guests and features a mix of vintage furniture, high ceilings, and tactile finishes inspired by the Ashmolean Museum’s collections. The original Victorian tiles have been preserved, grounding the design in Oxford’s history. Playful details abound, from a light pink toilet and theatrical shower curtains to miniature plaster-cast artifacts that reference the city’s cultural institutions.
The Netty’s layout is intentionally intimate. There’s no reception desk, no restaurant, and no room service – just a dedicated helpline for guest needs. This stripped-back approach puts privacy front and center, making the hotel feel more like a private pied-à-terre than standard accommodation. For travelers who appreciate independence, this is a welcome change from the norm. Rates start at £170 and go up to £300 per night, reflecting both the exclusivity and the design pedigree on offer.
Each suite at The Netty has its own distinct character. Number One is light and cheerful, with pastel-pink wallpaper, designer leather seating, and scalloped brass lampshades- an atmosphere that feels like summer indoors. Number Two is more dramatic, finished in navy blue and deep red, and includes flourishes that nod to the nearby Playhouse theatre. Both spaces are finished with care, balancing comfort and a sense of fun. The beds are plush, the lighting is thoughtfully layered, and the bathrooms, while compact, are cleverly designed to maximize both style and utility.
Beyond the physical space, The Netty’s story sets it apart. The conversion from a disused public toilet to a boutique hotel is a testament to creative thinking and a willingness to challenge convention. The project highlights Oxford’s evolving approach to hospitality, where history and modernity aren’t just blended, but allowed to play off each other. The Netty is proof that luxury doesn’t have to mean scale, and that the most memorable stays are often found in the most unexpected places.
For visitors, the hotel’s location is another draw. St. Giles’ is one of Oxford’s most dynamic neighborhoods, with the Ashmolean Museum, Playhouse theatre, and a host of independent shops and cafes just steps away. Whether you’re in town for culture, food, or simply to experience a different side of the city, The Netty offers a base that’s both convenient and characterful.
Discover more of The Netty in our gallery:
The Netty is not for everyone, it’s designed for travelers who value originality, privacy, and a sense of humor in their accommodations. But for those who want a story to tell and a stay to remember, this tiny hotel delivers. It’s a one-of-a-kind retreat that captures the playful, creative spirit of Oxford, all tucked away beneath the city’s bustling streets.
For more on the evolving boutique hotel scene, visit DSCENE’s hotel page.
The Netty Oxford
Address: St Giles’, Oxford OX1 3JS, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 1865 515688
For more info and booking visit thenetty.co.uk.
