The hype
Travelers are obsessed with the 'budget-luxe' value, specifically raving about the rainfall showers and high-quality hair tools.
Mollies Motel
$95-130 / night
Book this if You want the Soho House aesthetic and Cowshed products without the membership fee or the mortgage-level price tag.
Why People Love It
- Soho House design pedigree (Nick Jones) at Premier Inn prices
- High-end in-room tech: Dyson hairdryers, GHD straighteners, and app-based keyless entry
- The attached diner serves killer burgers and shakes that draw locals from miles away
Quick Take: A glorified roadside motel that somehow feels like a boutique city stay, provided you don't mind sleeping next to the A420.
Reviewed by @AvandraTravel: I’m obsessed with this spot for a girls' trip! It gives total Soho House energy (hello, Cowshed products and Dyson dryers!) but without the crazy price tag. Plus, the diner food is iconic and it’s the perfect base for hitting the Bicester outlets.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The sink is located in the bedroom entryway, not the bathroom, which many couples find awkward for privacy and noise.
- You appreciate design details like grooved timber paneling and terrazzo floors
- You are a family needing affordable but cool bunk rooms
- You are driving through the Cotswolds and need a reliable, safe, and stylish pitstop
Cleanliness & Maintenance
9.5
- Housekeeping: Impeccable. Reviews consistently use words like 'sparkling,' 'spotless,' and 'pristine.'
- Bathroom hygiene: The rainforest showers are kept scale-free and grout is bright white. No mold reports found.
- Maintenance: The property is relatively new (2019) and feels it. Everything works, from the app key to the AC.
- Linens & towels: Egyptian cotton sheets are crisp and high quality. Towels are fluffy, not the usual thin motel sandpaper.
- Odors & scents: Smells like Cowshed products (herbal, fresh) rather than stale carpet or cleaning chemicals.
Sleepability™
8SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Corridor noise from other guests (hard floors)
- Diner music/crowds if staying in rooms closest to the restaurant
Before you book
Good to know
- Download the Mollie's app before arrival for seamless check-in and EV charging payment
- The General Store in the lobby sells essentials like toothpaste and phone chargers if you forgot yours
- The diner stops serving food at 10pm, so don't arrive too late if you're hungry
What to pack
- Wellies or hiking boots for muddy Cotswolds walks nearby
- Your own tea bags if you're particular (though the hallway station has decent options)
- A reusable water bottle to fill at the filtered taps
Room Genie
Best picks
- Bunk Rooms: Perfect for families or groups of 4, featuring two setups of bunk beds
- Interconnecting Rooms: Ideal for larger families needing privacy
- Rear-facing Double Rooms: Furthest from the diner for maximum quiet
Rooms to avoid
- Ground floor rooms near the reception/diner entrance if you dislike foot traffic noise
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would love a quiet room on the upper floor, as far away from the diner entrance as possible. If available, a view towards the fields rather than the car park would be appreciated.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there a gym or pool?
No. This is a motel, not a resort. There are plenty of walking trails nearby, but no fitness center or pool on-site.
Is breakfast included?
No. You pay for what you eat at the diner next door. Expect to pay around £10-£15 for a full meal.
Can I bring my dog?
No. Mollie's Oxfordshire is strictly no-pets, except for registered service animals.
Is there EV charging?
Yes, there are rapid chargers and overnight charging points. You can book/pay for them via the Mollie's app.
How do I check in?
You can use the Mollie's app for a digital key and skip the desk entirely, or check in traditionally at the reception.
Is it noisy being on the A420?
Surprisingly, no. The windows are triple-glazed and soundproofing is a frequent highlight in reviews.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'General Store' in the lobby offers free tea and filter coffee for guests—you don't always have to go to the diner.
- ✨
If the diner is packed (it often is), you can order takeaway from the drive-thru and eat in the lobby lounge.
- ✨
The 'Mini Mollie's' menu for kids is excellent value and keeps the little ones happy.
5 things to know before you go
💡The sink is in the bedroom, not the bathroom—brushing your teeth while your partner sleeps is a challenge.
💡There is no wardrobe, just a few pegs and a shelf. Don't bring a steamer trunk.
💡The 'room service' is effectively just you walking to the diner for takeaway.
💡The water pressure in the rainforest showers is shockingly good for a budget hotel.
💡You might spot a celebrity or two—Soho House members often use this as a crash pad.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Mollies Motel is located and what's nearby.