First look inside Randolph Hotel in Oxford as opening moves closer

In 2019, Nashville-based Graduate Hotels bought the five-star Beaumont Street attraction from the Macdonald group and suggested the name would change to Graduate Oxford.

But in October 2020 it then announced that the hotel would remain the Randolph Hotel, part of the Graduate Hotels collection.

Randolph Hotel manager Philip Lewis Picture: Ed Nix

A major redesign of the interior and the 151 bedrooms got under way in October and is expected to be completed and ready for reopening in August.

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While the American chain is placing its stamp on the historic hotel, with a new foyer, redecorated bedrooms, a flagship all-day brasserie, and modernised ballroom, its heritage is not being ignored.

The large letters spelling out ‘Randolph’ will remain over the building’s Magdalen Street facade, and the wood-panelled Morse bar near the Beaumont Street entrance is to retain its name.

How the ballroom will look at the Randolph Hotel Picture: Graduate Hotels

General manager Philip Lewis, who was appointed in July, 2019, has given the Oxford Mail an exclusive first look inside the revamped hotel.

He said: “With the Old Bank, the museums and Blenheim Palace reopening, it’s a big signal to visitors that Oxfordshire is opening back up and I would like to think people feel the same way about the Randolph.

General manager Philip Lewis looks at the new bedroom design at the Randolph Hotel Picture: Ed Nix

“Oxford is the gateway to the Cotswolds for tourists and there is a lot of cooperation between ourselves, Bicester Village and Blenheim Palace - the hotel is also a member of Experience Oxfordshire.”

Father-of-two Mr Lewis, who lives near Witney, added: “The hotel was running at 84 per cent occupancy before the pandemic and we are hoping to go beyond that.”

He revealed Graduate Hotels’ multi-million pound investment included a new ‘misting’ sprinkler system which would be activated in the event of a fire.

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Last year, 75 out of 84 staff were made redundant, as the hotel prepared for the refurbishment programme. Mr Lewis added: “About four or five previous members of the team have applied for positions and there could be more to come.

How the new reception area will look at the Randolph Hotel Picture: Graduate Hotels

"Before we closed we had about 120-130 members of staff and we expect to employ a similar number although it’s a tough market for recruitment.”

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A multi-million pound revamp took place following a blaze in 2015, which occurred when some beef stroganoff caught fire. Mr Lewis added: “That work, which including installing a new kitchen, air conditioning and ventilation was not wasted."

A new bedroom design at the Randolph Hotel

Double rooms will start from £229.