Escaping the routine and spending a night away from home is, for many, a simple way to break up their daily routine. What if instead of a traditional hotel you could sleep in a more unlikely space? The idea may seem absurd, but there are those who are willing to pay for a truly out-of-the-ordinary experience, like this man, who decided to spend a night in the “weirdest hotel” in the United Kingdom.
That’s precisely what Phil did, a curious traveler who decided to spend a night in one of the country’s most bizarre accommodations. Located in the heart of Oxford, The Netty hotel does not stand out for its excessive luxury or panoramic views, but rather for its unusual history: the space functioned, for decades, as a Victorian public bathhouse.
From 19th century toilet to boutique hotel
Built in 1885 as a men’s restroom, the building that is now considered the “weirdest hotel” in the United Kingdom operated for more than a century until it was closed in 2008 for safety reasons. The space remained abandoned for 17 years, until the owners of the Galaxie Hotel decided to transform it into a truly unique accommodation unit, reports the British newspaper Express.
After gaining approval for the project in 2019, they breathed new life into the old underground space and created a boutique hotel that quickly became an attraction in its own right.
An experience documented in detail
Phil, with more than a million followers on TikTok, wanted to share his peculiar stay with the world. “You can spend money and sleep in a public bathroom”, he joked at the beginning of the video, explaining later that the interior had been completely renovated into luxury accommodation.
The reservation cost him 130 pounds (around 150 euros), and access to the room was via a one-way street and a small sign at ground level, which indicated the descent into the old WC.
Surprising comfort and detail
Upon entering the room, Phil was amazed at the transformation. “The quality is brilliant, this is not just a way to make easy money. There was planning, design and, most importantly, ventilation”, he commented, quoted by the same source.
The space included a king-size bed, a modern bathroom, and even a well-stocked mini-fridge, with drinks and small cocktails included in the price. “This is the weirdest place I’ve ever stayed”, he confessed, comparing the experience at the hotel to being in a Roald Dahl story, with cars and motorbikes passing by while he slept.
Curiosities under the traffic
One of the most unusual features of The Netty is precisely its location. Below a busy roundabout, the room offers a peaceful environment inside, even though vehicle noise is a constant presence throughout the night.
Phil couldn’t resist exploring the surroundings and climbed the stairs to the surface, where he discovered the current public bathrooms, curiously located under a cemetery.
Reactions and questions from followers
After sharing the video of his experience, comments soon appeared, according to the same source. Many asked how much the minibar items cost and were surprised to learn that they were included in the stay. Others were intrigued by a possible “smell” characteristic of the space’s past.
“You can’t smell anything! We completely forget where we are as soon as we lie down”, assured Phil.
A different and memorable night
Despite the noise caused by heavy vehicles and motorbikes, Phil ended the experience on a positive note. “I really enjoyed my stay”, he said the following day, quoted by . The Netty shows how even the most unlikely spaces can be reinvented and transformed into tourist destinations, offering visitors an unforgettable night and a good story to tell.
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