Hotels in Oxford MS

There are only a handful of hotels and motels, most of them chains on the outskirts of town that cater to the parents of college kids and other travelers to the university.

Among the cleanest and most modern are the Comfort Inn, 1808 Jackson Ave. S. (tel. 662/234-6000), which has an outdoor pool ($80 plus tax); the Days Inn, 1101 Frontage Rd. (tel. 662/234-9500; $70 plus tax); and Holiday Inn Express and Suites, 112 Heritage Rd. (tel. 800/465-4329 or 662/236-2500). Rates run about $99 double.

Call ahead and book early if you want to reserve a room at one of the city's bed-and-breakfast properties, which are often booked during weekends when Ole Miss has home football games or other major events. You won't see it advertised much because the place is always full, but try to book a stay at Puddin' Place, 1008 University Ave. (tel. 662/234-1250), a spotless, cheerfully decorated 1892 house that has two large suites with private bathrooms. The owner is in the process of adding a private cottage in the tree-shaded backyard. Gourmet breakfasts are included in the room rates, which usually run $115 double (during Ole Miss football season it's $350 for the 2-night-minimum weekend stay, and the hotel sells out these weekends months in advance).

For guests who don't mind rather simple furnishings and a lack of pizazz, try the Oliver-Britt House Inn, 512 Van Buren Ave. (tel. 662/234-8043). The white-columned, red-brick structure has a front porch packed with potted plants and flowers. There are five guest rooms, all with private bathroom but no phone. Rates run $105 to $150 double; continental breakfast is available weekdays, and a full breakfast is served on weekends.