Off Oxford High Street and opposite Magdalen College, this 17th-century converted coaching inn was often visited by the famous novelists J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S Lewis while being fellows of Oxford University. Oxford’s main shopping district is 10 minutes’ walking distance. The historic Mercure Oxford Eastgate Hotel has bright air-conditioned rooms that have internet access and a TV with satellite channels. Mercure Oxford Eastgate Hotel is a good central base for exploring Oxford, only a 5-minute walk to the city center. Numerous colleges, museums and punting on the river are a short walk away.