FAQS

  • Observatory Retreat is in Jericho, a lively neighbourhood close to central Oxford. Independent cafés, restaurants and shops are nearby, and Oxford city centre is approximately a 15-minute walk away.

  • The house accommodates up to seven guests. There are three bedrooms, plus a separate dressing room with the option of an occasional single bed for a seventh guest. Two bedrooms can be configured either with a Superking Bed, or Twin Single Beds. Please contact us if you would like help deciding which layout would best suit your group.

    A travel cot is available on request for an infant. When all sleeping places are occupied, the cot can only be accommodated in a parent’s bedroom.

  • Yes. Observatory Retreat has a private, approximately 100ft south-facing landscaped garden, with outdoor seating, a dining area and a separate garden studio.

  • Yes. There is garage parking for one compact car on a neighbouring street. The garage is not on the property itself. Please contact us before booking if you are unsure whether your vehicle will fit.

  • Yes. There is wireless internet access throughout the house and in the separate garden studio, which provides a space for working or reading away from the main living areas.

  • Families are welcome. A travel cot, highchair, books, games, films and Lego are available. However, the house is arranged over three floors, so please consider the stairs when deciding whether it suits your family.

  • IThe house is arranged over three floors and guests need to be able to use stairs. Please contact us before booking to discuss your requirements and review the floor plan.escription

  • The house is non-smoking, pets are not accepted, and parties or events are not permitted. Please contact us before booking if you need to discuss an assistance animal or any specific access requirements.

  • Our usual minimum stay is a week. Short breaks of three to six nights may be available at short notice, or in shorter gaps between other bookings; please contact us with your preferred dates.

  • Yes. We welcome enquiries for stays of 28 days or more, including academic visits and extended stays in Oxford. Contact us with your dates, group size and requirements for a personalised quote.

  • Yes. We’re happy to hold dates for a short period while you make your plans. Depending on the enquiry, we can usually hold them for 24 or 48 hours and will confirm when the hold expires. Your booking is confirmed once we’ve agreed the booking and received the required payment.

  • Yes, Observatory Retreat is listed on the main online travel platforms. We’re also proud to have been selected by Plum Guide, which vets its holiday homes for quality, design and hosting. Our property is listed there as Oxford Blues.

    This is our owner-hosted website, where you can check availability and contact us, Rosie and David. Booking here is always the cheapest way to stay, though we understand that some guests may prefer to book through another platform.

  • Booking directly through this website is always the cheapest way to book Observatory Retreat. You’ll also be in touch with us, Rosie and David, before and during your stay, without going through another platform. You can check rates and availability, ask questions about the house and discuss any particular requirements.

  • Direct bookings use secure card payment through Stripe. A 25% deposit confirms the booking, with the balance due 60 days before arrival. For bookings made within 60 days of arrival, full payment is required.

  • For guests booking through Online Travel Agents (Airbnb, Booking.com, Vrbo, Plum Guide), the cancellation policy shall be as per the terms and conditions detailed on the listing.

    For all other bookings, guests who cancel at least 60 days before Check-in will get back 95% of the amount that they've paid. Cancellations made between 60 and 30 days before the arrival date: 50% of the rental fee will be refunded. Cancellation made within 30 days of Check-in, will not get a refund. In the event that, following a cancellation, Short Stay Oxford is able to re-let the accommodation for the period booked (or part of it), 50% of the re-let income, net of any commissions, will be refunded to the Guest.

  • Check-in is after 3pm and check-out is before 10am. Please contact us in advance if you need to discuss different timings; we try and help where we can but these cannot be guaranteed.

  • Yes. We require a £750 security deposit, held against your card rather than taken as a payment. It provides protection against damage and other charges set out in the rental agreement, such as excess cleaning or incorrect waste disposal.

    We understand that accidents happen, and we don’t generally worry about the odd broken glass or plate. If anything is damaged during your stay, please just let us know. Equally, if you notice any damage when you arrive, please take a photo and tell us at the beginning of your stay.