Underground Public Toilet Gets New Lease on Life as Boutique Hotel

Whispered into existence by

The Netty, a cozy boutique hotel located down a flight of stairs, in the middle of St. Giles Road, in Oxford, used to be a public toilet for over 100 years.

Originally built in 1895, during the reign of England’s Queen Victoria, The Netty served as a gentlemen’s toilet until 2008, when it was closed for safety reasons. It remained unused for 11 years before its owner finally decided to give it a new lease on life as an unusual boutique hotel. It is now regarded as one of the most unusual places to stay in all of Oxford, and even though it’s “not for everyone,” according to hotel manager Ana Pinheiro, it definitely has its own distinct charm.

Photo: BBC

“Our vision was to create a space that appeals to travellers looking for a personalised experience,” Pinheiro told The New York Times Style Magazine. “We want every guest to appreciate the surprising details that make this space so unique. A great deal of thought has gone into creating Oxford’s most novel accommodation offering.”

 

The Netty, an old Geordie term for an outhouse, offers just two sweets which start from £170 ($227) per night. There is no reception, restaurant, or room service, but guests do get access to a help line for any help they might need, as well as a complimentary cocktail on arrival.

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