The Shaven Crown

“ saw some bad comments on line before we went. Totally unfair.It's great for a 3star hotel. We loved it - room very adequate, staff polite, would go again

“ This is really an "all age" hotel for people who do not require holiday camp type entertainment. We saw children of junior school age as well as people of our age group (70-ish) and many in between.
The manager and bar staff were efficient, yet friendly and laid back. Food was accurately described on the menu, and was served in generous quantities at the right temperature and without undue delay, given that many items were clearly cooked to order. Beer and wine were of good quality and well presented.
We ate in the hotel bar at night, in the small restaurant area for breakfast, and had a drink in the garden. All were pleasant areas. Clearly, the hotel lived up to its reputation that dates back to Queen Elizabeth I and probably earlier. Too much modernisation would spoil it. The rooms were a little small by modern standards, yet had been fitted out to make good use of the space available. There was a good quality plasma screen TV, kettle with tea, coffee and biscuits, with generously-sized cups. The bathroom was compact but functional, with a good electric shower and efficient extractor fan.
The hotel stood out as good value compared with rooms available at hotel chains in the Oxford Area when I booked on line. My only worry was that the lower price might conceal a place run by Basil Fawlty, however I read a review on the internet before I arrived, and it was soon clear when I arrived that there was an atmosphere of efficient informality. Guests entered into the spirit of good humoured co-operation required for double-parking in the slightly small but otherwise adequate off street car park behind the hotel. No wheel clamps here - just old fashioned good manners.

“ Top Tip: 1. Eat in the restaurant.
2. This is good walking country. I recommend a book on the Cotswolds from Jarrold's pathfinder series, or the Oxfordshire book from their Short Walks series. The walks at Minster Lovell and Blenheim Park are a short drive away and we also visited Blenheim Palace after the walk.
3. Kelmscott Manor, former home of William Morris, near Lechlade, is well worth a visit but you need to check the rather limited opening hours to avoid disappointment.