Located in a picturesque historic building, the Hotel Oxford has a classically and somewhat conservatively decorated lobby, with a modern chandelier, yellow brocade couches, brown carpets, and a stained-glass window over the hefty wooden front desk. Free newspapers are also available in a small sitting area off the lobby, which has a couple of red striped Louis XIV chairs, an antique writing desk, and yellow brocade armchairs, and looks into the bar through an ornate wrought-iron grill. The modern breakfast room is a bit dark, with a lighted ceiling, striped tan floors, and black-and-white art on the walls; Massimo’s Restaurant has wood-and-leather bistro chairs, columns, and colorful artwork. The Ristobar has a modern feel with recessed lighting, flat-screen TVs, striped green couches grouped into small seating areas, and a stone bar. An interior courtyard is filled with a few potted plants and limited wooden seating.

The Hotel Oxford is located in Rome's central, well-heeled Sallustiano neighborhood, about 10 minutes away from the Villa Borghese, Piazza della Repubblica, and Porta Pia on foot. The Piazza Fiume is just a four-minute stroll away, and the Borghese Gallery is about 11 minutes away on foot. The nearest bus stop is two blocks away, and three metro stations are within a 15-minutes radius on foot. Loads of upscale shops, cafes, and restaurants are all also within walking distance. The Trevi Fountain and Spanish steps are around a 15-minute bus or subway ride from the hotel, while the Ciampino Airport is a 30-minute drive (or hour-and-a-half train ride). The Leonardo da Vinci International Airport is also about a 30-minute drive (one-hour train ride) away.

Some of the Oxford's 54 guest rooms are more recently renovated than others, but all have hardwood floors, cream or taupe bedspreads, and desk chairs for extra seating. Light-wood furniture holds a flat-screen TV and the minibar, which has a limited range of drinks. Architectural sketches or black-and-white snapshots of Roman street scenes adorn the walls. Most rooms have courtyard views, while a few larger rooms have additional living areas with couches. But there are serious downsides: Rooms in lower categories are small and cramped, and some rooms smell heavily of smoke. Plus top-floor rooms don't have elevator access, so guests must use the stairs for that final flight. Bathrooms are done in neutral-hued tiles, with modern white sinks and tile showers. Hairdryers and Fragonard toiletries are provided, and some bathrooms have rainfall showerheads.

A range of room sizes are available, from Standard Single Rooms catering to solo travelers, to Family Rooms that can house a group. The Hotel Oxford also offers six private serviced off-site apartments, the M&G Appartamenti, which include multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, washing machines, and either kitchenettes or fully-equipped kitchens. There's a fee for daily housekeeping at the apartments.

The free American breakfast buffet is a highlight for most guests and offers cereal, eggs, meats, bacon, cheeses, fruit, pastries, tea, and coffee. Both Massimo’s Restaurant and Ristobar get good reviews from guests, as well, though the menus are limited. Room service is also available. Both the front desk and business center are open 24 hours a day. Laundry services are available, and Wi-Fi is free throughout.