THE new American owners of the Randolph Hotel have decided that it will keep its historic name.
Last year Graduate Hotels bought the five star Beaumont Street hotel from the Macdonald group and suggested the name would change to Graduate Oxford.
Now it has announced that the hotel will be called the Randolph Hotel, part of the Graduate Hotels collection.
Read more: Randolph Hotel to close for six months and make staff redundant
It does appear to be a change of heart, as the company's website had already displayed an image of the hotel alongside the Graduate Oxford name.
The Graduate Oxford logo on the company's website
Last week it emerged that 75 out of 84 staff were being made redundant as the hotel prepares for a six-month refurbishment programme starting on October 17.
Read more: What the Randolph Hotel could look like after a revamp
Philip Lewis, the hotel’s general manager, said: “We are committed to the distinct history and importance of the Randolph Hotel within the Oxford community and look forward to keeping this as part of the hotel’s identity when we reopen next year.
“We are proud to be investing significantly into the thoughtful renovation of this iconic property.”
The chain said earlier it had been a “difficult decision” to make staff redundant and that employees were now being directed to future career choices.
Mr Lewis added: “Like almost every hospitality operation during this pandemic, we are sad to have to make redundancies.
Read more: American chain buys Randolph Hotel
“We have spent significant time with staff guiding them on future career choices.
“However, we are unable to employ a full staff while undertaking an entire property refurbishment.”
The chain said Mr Lewis has been personally mentoring staff to help them find new jobs.
Oxford Civic Society chairman Ian Green said he was delighted the Randolph name was being retained.
He added: “The name has been embedded in the culture of the city since late Victorian times so I’m delighted it is being retained.
Read again: Popular village pub to close
"Hopefully it will just say ‘The Randolph’ on the outside - it could look a mess if they display the whole title.”
Oxford Civic Society chairman Ian Green
AJ Capital Partners is investing a significant sum in the refurbishment.
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