Beaumont Street, Oxford, United Kingdom | (888) 710-7049
Grand, imposing Victorian Gothic architecture and historic touches throughout
Set in heart of historic Oxford opposite the university
Regular site of famed British TV series
Elegantly ornate, traditional interiors offer nice places to congregate
Certain rooms are wheelchair-accessible
Sumptuously decorated restaurant and Morse Bar serve tasty cuisine
Modern, basement spa features a hot tub and sauna
Meeting spaces are available for business travelers
Free Wi-Fi (though it can be patchy)
Some rooms a little shabby and dated
Decor might feel staid for some tastes
Certain features are pricey, including spa entry
Fitness center has just a few cardio machines
It's hard not to be impressed by the 19th-century Gothic architecture of this upscale landmark hotel. Its sumptuous interiors are no less striking, though rooms are lacking the polish you'd expect from a property of this caliber. The location couldn't be better for exploring Oxford center, and _Inspector Morse _fans will recognize the decor from frequent shoots at the hotel. Overall, it might be a little old-fashioned for some, and rooms aren't fully worth the price, but the building and its setting are certainly quite special.
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Scene
Imposing Victorian Gothic hotel awash with traditional period detailing
Built in 1864 by Oxford architect William Wilkinson, the Macdonald Randolph is a fine example of 19th-century Victorian Gothic Revivalism, with its imposing facade of lancet windows and ornate eaves with a wrought-iron portico. Inside, the lobby is no less striking -- period detailing from Corinthian columns, elegantly vaulted ceilings, and stained glass windows all blend to create an impressive scene of traditional Victorian refinement. Keep in mind, however, that parts of the property can certainly feel a little stiff and old-fashioned if a more formal decor isn’t your thing. Consequently, clientele tend toward those with more traditional tastes, as well as fans of the Inspector Morse detective TV show in which the hotel has been featured heavily.
Location
Set in Oxford's historic heart opposite the renowned university
The hotel is located on a busy street corner right in the heart of the historic city of Oxford, across the street from the famous Oxford University and Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology. It's also just a 10-minute walk (half a mile) from Oxford train station. Heathrow Airport is about 48 miles southeast, or almost an hour away driving, while getting to London takes more than an hour by train or car.
Rooms
Individually-styled rooms lack five-star pizzazz
The Macdonald Randolph's 151 rooms range in categories from standard units to suites. They are individually decorated but all in a strictly traditional fashion, with patterned fabrics, neutral tones, and antique-style furnishings. Decor lacks the flair you'd expect from a hotel that bills itself as five-star, and some rooms feel a little dated. In-room amenities, too, are all there, but lack real high-end quality. Bathrooms, however, are generally finished in a smart, homey style, with shower/tub combos, heated towel railings, and Molton Brown toiletries.
Features
Sumptuously traditional dining and a contemporary basement spa
The Restaurant at the Randolph offers fine dining in a baronial hall-style room with large windows overlooking Beaumont Street and the Ashmolean Museum. Named after the fictional detective, the Morse Bar is also sumptuously decorated and was featured regularly in the long-running TV show. The basement spa is well-designed and modern, offering a range of treatments as well as a hot tub, sauna, and sensation shower. Keep in mind there’s a charge for entry, and it isn’t cheap. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property and on-site parking is also offered, though it's pricey as well.
