UPDATE: A unique transformation has taken place in Oxford as a former public toilet is now welcoming guests as a luxury boutique hotel named The Netty. Located beneath St. Giles Road, this reimagined establishment is set to open its doors, offering a one-of-a-kind stay in a space with a rich history.
Once a lavatory serving Oxford’s elite since 1895, this underground facility closed in 2008 and remained dormant for over a decade. Now, it offers two stylish “sweets” available for booking at approximately £170 ($228) per night.
Inside, guests will discover modern amenities such as heated floors and rain showers, all while surrounded by charming vintage details and arched brick ceilings that pay homage to its past. Manager Ana Pinheiro expressed the hotel’s vision: “We want every guest to appreciate the surprising details that make this space so unique,” she told The New York Times Style Magazine.
Unlike traditional hotels, The Netty breaks the mold with no front desk or room service. Instead, a 24-hour helpline serves as a concierge, ensuring guests receive personalized assistance throughout their stay. Visitors can step directly from their subterranean lodging into the vibrant heart of Oxford, armed with fascinating stories about their unusual accommodation.
This is not an isolated case; similar transformations are capturing public attention. In London’s Fitzrovia, a former Victorian restroom now operates as a coffee shop known as The Attendant, featuring preserved porcelain stalls repurposed as seating. Meanwhile, Café Achteck in Berlin serves craft beer in a once-disused WC, highlighting a growing trend of converting quirky spaces into unique experiences.
As nostalgia, sustainability, and creativity converge, The Netty exemplifies the potential for even the most humble spaces to find new life. As guests descend the steps into this repurposed restroom, they are met with an intriguing blend of history and luxury that captures the essence of Oxford.
With its official opening just around the corner, anticipation is building. The Netty promises an unexpected adventure, combining the charm of its past with a modern twist that is sure to attract travelers seeking something out of the ordinary.
Make sure to stay tuned for updates as the buzz continues to grow around this remarkable hotel, redefining what luxury accommodation can mean in today’s world.
