Oxford has a new boutique addition that’s already sparking curiosity – a former Victorian public toilet has been transformed into a stylish apart-hotel in the heart of the historic city.

Known as The Netty, the project has reimagined the once-derelict underground lavatories beneath St Giles’ Road into two intimate suites blending period features with contemporary comforts.

The conversion preserves much of the building’s original character, including striking tiling and the curved subterranean layout, while introducing modern touches such as plush bedding, Wi-Fi, and chic bathroom fittings. Each of the self-contained rooms comes with a compact kitchen, making the space suitable for short city breaks or quirky overnight stays. You don’t need to be flush to stay here – rates start from around £110 per night.

Developers behind the project wanted to retain a sense of history while turning an overlooked piece of Victorian architecture into something that adds to Oxford’s hotel scene.

The location places guests within walking distance of the city’s colleges, museums, and cafés, offering a unique base for exploring one of England’s most visited heritage destinations.

The playful name, The Netty – a nod to the colloquial term for toilet in parts of the UK – underlines the light-hearted approach behind the renovation. It’s an unusual but fitting example of how creative reuse can bring new life to neglected urban spaces. For visitors seeking a boutique stay with a story, Oxford’s loo-turned-hotel is likely to become one of the city’s most talked-about addresses.

The Hoxton has opened its first Scottish hotel in Edinburgh’s Haymarket. The property welcomed its first guests on 23 June 2025, marking the brand’s sixth UK site and a major step in its expansion.

Housed in a row of Georgian townhouses, the hotel offers 214 rooms ranging from compact “Shoebox” categories to spacious suites. Interiors retain original features such as high ceilings and sash windows, paired with mid-century touches, bold fabrics, and artwork sourced from Scottish creatives.

Facilities include an all-day Italian restaurant, a lively lobby bar, and flexible social spaces that double as work areas. A programme of rotating cultural events and exhibitions will connect the hotel with the city’s creative community.

The Hoxton already operates properties in London, Amsterdam, Paris, and Barcelona, but this is its first venture north of the border. The Haymarket location was chosen for its transport links and proximity to both the city centre and the growing business district.

With the launch of The Hoxton, Edinburgh, the group brings its design-led, community-focused style to the Scottish capital, offering a new option for visitors looking for a boutique stay with contemporary flair.