An Oxford hotel group, voco Oxford, is once again helping local residents shake off the so-called ‘Monday blues’ by offering a complimentary luxury stay to mark Blue Monday 2026.
Blue Monday, which falls on the third Monday in January each year, is widely referred to as the saddest day of the year. In 2026, it lands on Monday 19 January.
For the fourth consecutive year, voco Oxford is marking the occasion by giving one lucky local the chance to enjoy a free overnight escape at one of its two Oxfordshire hotels.
The prize offers a stay at either voco Oxford Thames, located on Abingdon Road in Sandford-on-Thames, or voco Oxford Spire, its city-based hotel. The winner will enjoy a deluxe room worth £500, set either within the historic College Hall at voco Oxford Thames or the central Oxford location at voco Oxford Spire.
The complimentary stay also includes dinner at one of the hotels’ restaurants. Guests staying at voco Oxford Thames will dine at Napiers, while those choosing voco Oxford Spire will enjoy a meal at Deacons. Both restaurants offer menus focused on seasonal dishes made using locally sourced produce.
Wendy Procter, General Manager of the hotels, said:
“Blue Monday has become a tradition for us at voco Oxford, and this year marks the fourth time we’ve turned it into something far more uplifting.
“January can feel heavy for so many people, so we wanted to give our local community a chance to escape the blues – even if just for one night.
“Offering a complimentary stay is our way of spreading a little joy and reminding people that small moments of comfort can make a big difference.”
The winning guest will be able to bring a companion of their choice and will also receive breakfast the following morning at their chosen hotel.
Local residents are invited to nominate themselves for the giveaway. Entrants are asked to explain, in no more than 200 words, why they deserve the night away. The successful nomination will be selected at random by the hotel team.
