Growing up in America, the concept of a motel has never been lost on me. While you were traveling on the road, a motel was always such an easy stop off point to rest your head for the night during a long drive. Because in the states, long drives are something of a rite of passage. You’ll hop in the car and drive for hours on end, until you’re too tired to keep going. That’s when you want to find a place to kip for the night.
You can rock up to a motel just off the roadside and likely grab a room if you’re in a pinch. Usually, they aren’t the cream of the crop in terms of places to stay in America. Or that was never the case when I was growing up…
However, this has never been the case in the United Kingdom. Throughout our travels up and down the country I have never come across a motel before. I didn’t think they existed here! Let alone one as beautiful as Mollie’s Motel.
So, how did I find this hidden gem of a spot? I was doing some research for my Valentine’s Day Instagram concept when I decided to recreate a few iconic characters (hello to Johnny and Moira from Schitt’s Creek). So I knew I needed to find a motel to give this a go. Little did I know that Mollie’s would be the perfect spot including everything I was looking for.
Three things you can expect at England’s only motel:
Exceptionally dreamy interiors
Mollie’s Motel is without a doubt a dreamy Insta-worthy escape for the night. Walking into the lobby is like walking into a cosy but incredibly stylish made.com showroom. Personal touches make the difference with filter coffees and teas available 24/7 for guests to pop down to grab.
Alternatively, the rooms are very much a minimalist scandi type of design. It’s a no fuss room but intentionally so. Comfortable beds make for a night’s sleep you’re not quite ready to pull yourself out of.
And the bathroom tiles are exactly what I’m trying to recreate in our very own flat. Cowshed products are in each bathroom as well which adds a certain touch of luxury. I felt incredibly inspired by the space and left feeling like I have some serious designing to do back at my flat and maybe some decluttering…
Experience an authentic American Diner
It’s true, I’ve always been a sucker for a good ole’ American diner. I was so excited to see that Mollie’s Motel has a fantastically cool diner located at the front of their building property. It’s convenient for passers by to pop in for a spot of lunch or dinner on the road – and especially so for any visitors staying for the evening.
A large open plan style space, there are cosy booths for partrons to sink into for a few hours time if they so chose to do so. Alternatively, sleek tables line the outskirts of the restaurant. During our lunch, the diner filled up incredibly quickly, so it’s definitely a not so well kept secret on the outskirts of Oxford after all.
Back to lunch – it was the perfect day for it as we were finally going off our Whole30 meal plans and meant I could go for exactly what I wanted – the grilled cheese. My ultimate favourite and shockingly I’m just like Goldilocks kind of picky, it’s challenging to get it just right. I ordered it without hesitation and it’s one of the best I’ve had in a long time. Served with a pickle! Joe choose to grab an irresistible brunch.
The American Dream well and truly lives right here. Small touches that make all the difference continue to resonate throughout Mollie’s from motel to diner with local beers available in frosted glasses, and a cheeky suggestion from the staff to let loose with a double gin and tonic. Order their fluffy pancakes in the morning or a bowl of their granola, both are equally delicious. Oh! And of course, anywhere that has filter coffee refills is always going to be a winner in my eyes too.
A staff that loves what they do
The staff at Mollie’s really were brilliant. We had great chats with them in the diner and at the motel itself too. From recommendations on where to visit in Oxford, what to order, you name it, we could talk about it. And the service was that perfect mix of, “freshen up your coffee?” as well as popping by every now and then to make sure we had everything we needed. And from what I saw looking around, they were just as helpful to anyone else walking through their doors.
And I have to say that the typical American motel experience isn’t present whatsoever at Mollie’s Motel. It’s an absolutely beautiful space to rest your head for the night and a fun place to eat and drink along the way too. It doesn’t feel like you’re just off the motorway whatsoever.
Of course, the price tag for the night is absolutely perfect for anyone looking for fantastic quality on a budget. Rooms start at £50 which I think is so unbelievably good value for money here.
As a bonus, you’re only just outside of Oxford so a quick drive in means you can experience the best of both worlds.
A few spots to keep in mind on a day out in Oxford:
Drinks at The Varsity Club
One of my favorite things to do when visiting a city is to find the best rooftop bars. And TVC won’t disappoint. Mind you, you’ll have to trek up quite a staircase to get to the top. But there, you’ll find 360 views of the city while also enjoying a glass or two at happy hour. They even have blankets and heaters for when the weather perhaps, isn’t quite as warm as we’d like. But on a nice sunshiney day grab a rosé and park yourself for the afternoon.
Get a little touristy at Christchurch College
If you’re new to Oxford, I’d absolutely recommend that you add Christchurch College to your list of “tourist” things to do. The grounds are beautiful and if you’re a bit of a Harry Potter nerd like me, you can see where they filmed some of the scenes and inspiration for places like The Great Hall. I love exploring here and try to go back every few visits.
Lunch at The Bear Inn
It’s a small little spot, but The Bear Inn is a favourite pub of mine to return to, time and time again. Cosy fireplaces, wooden tables and benches plus a certain old scent of stale ale makes it complete. Of course, their classic pub sandwiches are always a go-to as well if you’re looking for an easy lunch.
The Valentine’s recreations
I almost completely left these out of the post! I came up with the concept of recreating famous tv/film couples for Valentine’s Day as an Instagram idea and Mollie’s Motel was the perfect filming location for a few of these. We recreated…
When Harry Met Sally
Schitt’s Creek’s Johnny and Moira
So… have you ever stayed at a motel before? What was your experience like? I can’t wait to return to Mollie’s someday!
Kelly xoxo
Ps. Our night’s stay at Mollie’s Motel was complimentary, but as always, all opinions, photos and views are my own.