There are many historic hotels in Oxford, but nothing stands out like the MacDonald Randolph Hotel. The architecture of the hotel is impressive with its Victorian gothic style and luxurious accommodations. The five-star hotel is such an institution that it was featured in Inspector Morse. The Morse Bar in the hotel is named after the television show. The Randolph opened in 1866 and was named after Dr. Francis Randolph, an 18th century benefactor who was the Principal of Saint Alban Hall (Merton College). One of his monetary gifts built the Randolph Galleries, which is now part of the Ashmolean Museum. A fire in 2015 damaged 5% of the 150-year-old hotel, but it reopened in 2016 with a￡6.5 million refurbishment.
Located on Beaumont Street in Oxford, the hotel has a prime location. There are several schools nearby, such as the University of Oxford, Trinity College and Exeter College as well as the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford Playhouse and Gloucester Green Town Square. For luxury items, it’s not far from the Bicester Village Outlet Centre. It’s also a great spot for a cocktail with its two bars, the Morse Bar and the Cartoon Bar. The Cartoon Bar is the newer of the two that features an outstanding selection of champagnes and gins. There is fine dining in the renowned Acanthus Restaurant with seasonal dishes. The hotel has many events throughout the year, including food tastings and tours. Don’t miss their famous Afternoon Tea in The Drawing Room!
The interior of the hotel is just as elegant as its exterior. There are 151 luxurious rooms, each individually decorated. From the standard room to the Randolph Suite, each type of room has unique characteristics, such as beautiful views, a flat-screen mirror TV or a lounge. There are also accessible rooms with widened door frames and handrails in the bathrooms. In addition to the charming rooms, there are a number of amenities to make your stay even more convenient, such as the MacDonald Randolph Spa, gym and on-site parking. For weddings, the hotel offers a number of packages and plenty of space, from small gatherings in their suites to large affairs in their grand ballroom. Also, the hotel offers festive parties for Christmas and New Years. No matter the reason for your trip, the MacDonald Randolph hotel is a historic property that highlights the very best of England.