The Randolph is the grande dame of Oxford hotels. It stands on Beaumont Street, directly across from the Ashmolean Museum and a short walk from Broad Street, the Bodleian and Christ Church. The building dates from the nineteenth century and has a Gothic Revival exterior, a grand staircase and public rooms with a traditional feel. It has long been associated with the television series Inspector Morse, and the hotel bar carries the detective's name. Guests who like their history served with a view of the spires find it a natural choice for a special stay.
Location and getting around
The hotel sits in the middle of the city, about a five minute walk from the Ashmolean and a ten minute walk to Radcliffe Square and the main colleges. The railway station is roughly a fifteen minute walk away, and buses and taxis run from the nearby streets. Most of the places in this guide are reachable on foot, which makes the hotel a good base if you want to avoid using a car in a city where parking is limited.
Rooms and facilities
Rooms vary in size and layout because of the historic building, from compact doubles to larger rooms and suites, and some overlook Beaumont Street or the museum. The hotel has a restaurant, a bar and a lounge where afternoon tea is served, and a fitness room. Check room descriptions before booking because older buildings can have uneven floors, narrower bathrooms and noise from the street, and ask for a quieter side if that matters to you.
Who it suits
The Randolph suits visitors who want a classic setting and a central address, such as couples celebrating an occasion, parents visiting students and fans of the Morse series. Rates tend to rise on graduation weekends and in summer, so book early. It is also a good option if you plan to spend the day at museums and colleges and want to return to a comfortable room between visits. Families will find larger rooms and connecting options on request, but check availability before you rely on them.
Dining and atmosphere
The hotel is as much a place to spend an afternoon as to sleep. Afternoon tea in the lounge is a long-running Oxford tradition, and the bar draws locals in the evening. Because the building is large and historic, noise can carry in corridors, and lifts and stairs vary by wing, so ask for a room near the lift if you have heavy luggage. Rates vary a good deal between a low-season weekday and a graduation weekend, so compare dates if you are flexible.
Breakfast is often sold separately from the room rate, so check what your reservation includes. The hotel can also help with ticketing for tours and concerts, which is useful when you are arriving without a plan. A stay here pairs well with the Ashmolean across the road in the morning, a stroll along Broad Street at midday and a guided evening walk after dinner.
Why stay here
- ✓Opposite the Ashmolean Museum
- ✓Restaurant
- ✓Morse Bar
- ✓Afternoon tea
- ✓Fitness room
- ✓Free Wi-Fi
- ✓24-hour front desk
- ✓Walk to the colleges
Good questions
How close is The Randolph to the main sights?+
It is about five minutes from the Ashmolean and ten minutes from Radcliffe Square, so most sights are within walking distance.
Why is the bar called the Morse Bar?+
The hotel appeared in the Inspector Morse series, and the bar carries the detective's name as a nod to that link.
Is the hotel good for families?+
It can be, since it offers a range of room sizes, but check availability of larger or connecting rooms before booking.