The city of dreaming spires, also known as Oxford, England, is a popular destination for both book lovers and historical buffs alike.  It is most famous for hosting the oldest English-speaking University in the history, as well as the fact that it is the home to many famous scholars.  On the other hand, the city is becoming very much a cosmopolitan city; therefore the amenities are endless when shopping for accommodation in Oxford.  The most common reason that tourists choose accommodation in Oxford is due to the wonderful holiday cottages that are located in the countryside.   

Holiday cottages are not only popular in Oxford, but also in other locations in the United Kingdom.  Many tourists stay in cottages in Oxford even if they are not planning on visiting the actual city centre.  This is due to the fact that London is not very far away, as well as other popular cities.  Therefore, you can enjoy the seclusion of the countryside, while still being close to all of the bustling towns and activities.   

Cost Advantages 

One of the most popular reasons that holiday cottages remain the preferred choice of accommodation in Oxford is because of their affordability.  Many of the cottages are privately owned, therefore, you are paying the owner directly without encountering the charges from the middle man.  They also offer a great value for the cost, since you will have much more privacy and space.  This is very different from hotels, in which you pay a fairly large sum for a small cramped room in an overcrowded building.   

Design Aspect 

Another varying factor that distinguishes holiday cottages from hotels or other types of accommodation in Oxford is the design characteristics.  Hotels tend to be generic and stuffy.  You truly feel as if you are conforming to all of the other travelers or the tastes of the hotel owners.  However, with a holiday cottage, they have much more character.  The amenities included in the cottages have a much more lifelike feel, and the rooms are usually much more cozy.
 
Booking Details 

If the holiday cottage is being rented out by a rental company, then the property owner typically pays a percentage for commission.  In return, the property management company takes care of the cleaning and maintenance of the cottage.  This is beneficial for the owner if they are not able to visit the cottage after every guest departs.  The owner also does not have to be there to do the key handover.   

Just because the owner deals with a rental company or property management company in order to rent out the holiday cottage does not mean that the prices will not be affordable.  Since many of the cottages are located out in the countryside, the owner takes this into consideration by having an affordable rental price.  In other words, they know that you will have to drive a bit farther in order to park or find a transportation system to get into the city centre.   

In earlier years, it was not as easy to find valuable accommodation in Oxford, such as holiday cottages.  You would typically have to book through a travel agent in order to find the independent owners, or you would have to book a room at a hotel.  With the invention of the Internet, you can view pictures of the cottages and pick or choose between which holiday cottage suits your needs.  With the click of a mouse you can instantly have your entire vacation and accommodation in Oxford planned and paid for.