We booked off line as we had a wedding to attend close by and they were full. We are so glad we stayed here instead of the place where the reception was being held further down the road. We arrived at 10:30 Saturday morning and asked if it would be possible just to leave our bags and go to the wedding as we understand it is far to early to expect to room to be ready. The gentlemen on the desk, Thomas, said don't worry our suite directly above was not allocated last night so I will upgrade you into that. Well we could not have been more happier, 3 rooms all joined together, great bed and all for £59. Breakfast was offered via email at an extra £10 per head which we accepted and was fantastic. Free secure parking around the back, only advice I would say is if your arriving by 4x4 then you may struggle to get through the very narrow arch which passes through the hotel to the car park, obviously it was built for old stage coaches not huge gas consumers. We will certainly return.

Stayed here as part of a Red Letters Day offer of Dinner Bed & breakfast inclusive, Checkin was brisk & efficient. Allocated room over looking the road but after a few moments in the room (which was very nice) decided to change as the traffic was audible through the non double glazed windows.

Given room 52 which apparently has a ghost, thankfully I did not know this until after I read the hotel information directory the following morning although it was chilly perhaps eerily cold due to the ghost. Room was pleasant & large but a bit old fashioned. The radiator was under the window which was not much use after you closed the curtains for the night... there was no other form of heating which might have helped. Small fridge in cupboard along with biscuits & tea/coffee making facilities. Room over looked the rear on the hotel gardens which I assume would look very nice in the summer sun.

Bed was comfortable so slept well, despite the coldness of the room. Bathroom was clean & adequate but a tad on the old fashioned side again in keeping with the rest of the hotel. Floor boards were lovely & creaky which added to the character of the building. It was a shame to read there used to be a cocktail bar in the basement cellars many years ago but had to be closed owing to Health & Safety regulations'....

Ate dinner in the restaurant which is essentially a ballroom/hall which was very empty apart from 2 other parties. Waitress was friendly and quite oddly the catch/fish of the day was pangas, a Vietnamese white fish, so much for serving British as trumpeted in the hotel brochure. Starters of pate & smoked salmon were good as was the fish. Did not have desert as the offer was only a 2 course meal with wine.

Breakfast the next day was in the same room. No one was there to greet you when you arrived or to check your name off the guest register which was a bit odd considering they charge for breakfast normally. Breakfast items were warm rather than hot & some like the potato rostis were slight under cooked & stuck together but it was mostly acceptable. Tea & toast was brought to us after we ordered. There was a selection of cereals, cheeses & fruits along with some Banbury Cakes ( like an Eccles currant cake ) from the local bakery.

The location is great, right by Banbury Cross and with it own free car park out the back, perfect. It is right by the Odeon so easily spotted & the building itself is quite distinctive. Easy to walk to nearby bars & the big shopping centre. Nice place to stay but perhaps when the weather is warmer or bring your own heater

Lunch at Whateley Hall was a very pleasant experience. The staff were very helpful and friendly and the fish was particularly good, full of flavour. Vegetables were fresh and properly cooked, no sogginess.