Macdonald Randolph Hotel

Macdonald Randolph Hotel descritpion

In the heart of Oxford, opposite the Ashmolean Museum, The Macdonald Randolph Hotel offers sumptuous bedrooms and a luxury spa.
The Spa at The Randolph features a candlelit walkway to the stylish treatment rooms, and there is also a bio sauna, ice fountain, hot tub, mini gym and aroma steam room.
The elegant rooms have high ceilings and period features, and each offers a modern en suite bathroom. Rooms also have satellite TV, mini bars and tea and coffee facilities, and some have WiFi.
The Restaurant at the Randolph serves a range of dishes from across Europe.
The Randolph Macdonald is just metres from The University of Oxford Colleges. The picturesque riverside and boathouses are a 15-minute stroll, and Oxford Railway Station is half a mile away.

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Facilities of Macdonald Randolph Hotel

Pets ：Pets are allowed on request. Charges may apply.

Food & Drink ：Restaurant | Bar | Breakfast in the Room

Internet ：Free!WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.

Parking ：Public parking is available on site (reservation is needed) and costs GBP 28.50 per day.

Reviews for Macdonald Randolph Hotel

Review 1：The "Executive Double Room" didn't look very "executive", it was too far from the lobby, and with no view. Poor breakfast menu, not efficiently organized.

Review 2：Nice building, good location.

Review 3：We had paid in advance for a full English breakfast, however, when we arrived in the ballroom, we were seen to a table, asked if we would like a drink, to which we ordered tea, and was told someone would be over with a menu... The tea arrived very quickly but 20 minutes later we were still waiting for a menu. My partner approached a waiter, who was extremely apologetic, and within 5-7 minutes, we ordered and was eating a very delicious breakfast. Just disappointed it took so long!

Review 4：Gorgeous hotel, was given an upgrade which was very kind and a bottle of champagne for my fiance's 30th birthday. Room was lovely and bed was so comfortable, could have stayed another night.

Review 5：Having written to explain that our visit was to celebrate my husband's 60th - we were truly impressed at the trouble that had been taken for us - thank you so much.

Review 6：Repairs meant the room was miles away from reception and I had to be taken there by staff each time. The exit took me through the wrong door and I ended up outside the building in the car park. I honestly think those room should not be used until everything is fully operational again. I had to ring twice for a breakfast menu to hang on door. Corridors are long, dull and anonymous. Think the hotel rooms are somewhat dull and upstairs is uninspiring. Bacon was VERY fatty with breakfast.

Review 7：Downstairs is pretty.

Review 8：The room is so small you have to move around it carefully, especially with a step between the bathroom and the bedroom. Our window is frosted looking at a brick wall, making the experience so claustrophobic that we couldn't sleep. I am lactose-intolerant, but at breakfast, their (5-star?) kitchen couldn't even scramble an egg for me without milk. I booked the Randolph as a special birthday gift, but I ended up feeling embarrassed. This is the worst £200 I have ever spent.

Review 9：Receptionist very helpful.

Review 10：The only Critism I would have is that there is still refurbishments going on at the hotel, but it won't last forever.

Review 11：The Staff and hotel are amazing! You can understand why so many famous people stop there, it's the obvious choice in Oxford

Review 12：Being charged extra (2.75) to order their eggs Benedict, even though I did not have the included English brkfst as a choice, was a rub. Logically I had less food, fare should have remained the same as a substitute. It was excellent however.

Review 13：Top notch hotel across from a museum? What is not to love? It was well located, quiet, beautiful remodeled room, warm towels, turn down, chocolates, great bar tender, efficient staff, great breakfast, perfectly done eggs

Review 14：I was disappointed that no murders occurred while I was in the Morse Bar!

Review 15：The whole place is teeming with staff helping you. The room I had was spacious, with two large comfortable armchairs and another comfortable chair at the desk.

Review 16：Even with air con the bedroom was stuffy I found a used plaster on the floor and hair in the bathroom I thought breakfast was unimpressive

Review 17：Location couldn't be bettered

Review 18：Staff during breakfast were unprofessional (heard one of them swearing in regards to staffing issues). We also waited 25mins for a cup of tea. Starter at dinner was absolutely inedible ( confi of duck served cold )

Review 19：Rooms were fantastic

Review 20：The journey to our room on the first floor which was via the second floor. A very long journey with luggage and was very poorly signed. Got lost because of missing directional signs a few times. Not good. We should have had a room on the second floor to save this awful inconvenience . The room itself was very dull and in dire need of decoration.

Review 21：Food ok thats all. The bed comfortable.

Review 22：The breakfast was appalling. The selection of continental items was well below par for a 5* hotel, as was the selection, quality, and service for hot food. It was all served in the ball room, which was oppressive and windowless. Worst breakfast we've had in a hotel for a long time.

Review 23：Great location; lovely staff.

Review 24：Expensive , poor car park facilities , awful smell in the bar , worst beer I have ever experienced , breakfast was mediocre at best , my partner is celiac so requested glutten free however she was still ill !!! Just an awful experience ! 3 star at best in my opinion. Will not be returning ! .

Review 25：Nothing

Review 26：Service in restaurant slow and disorganised, but we put this down to lack of staff (someone didn't show up for work?). Food in restaurant very average and at times substandard. Dinner was underwelming for a 5 start restaurant, very bland food, portions inconsistent and very basic menu. The menu was in par with average pub. Kitchen definitely needs new chef!

Review 27：Very friendly staff, clean room, very comfortable bed, Lovely fluffy towels, and the fact we could stay there with our blowed pooch.

Review 28：The hotels is old and smelled stuffy. The service in the restaurant was very slow and the food not so great

Review 29：The location was very good, the staff where very friendly

Review 30：I was really worried after reading the reviews as I had already booked the room. Upon arrival we were welcomed by a smiley member of staff but I was still sceptical. When we got into the room ( all my worries flew away as it was extremely tidy and very inviting. We had an amazing time. The staff were all awesome, the rooms were great ( we enjoyed it so much we moved to another room after extending our stay), breakfast was lovely, in general we were glad and achieved what we came for, a relaxing holiday!

Review 31：Had a great time on a short break with my wife. Location perfect, staff were great and the refurbished room was lovely. Breakfast v.good if a little slow on occasions. The cocktails in the Morse bar are worth the expense.

Review 32：Location was perfect, staff in the bar & lounge where mice & friendly. We had been upgraded from a classic twin to a king twin, this was lovely.

Review 33：Phones in room didn't work VERY small room...the smallest i've ever stayed in...so kept banging into things TV reception poor Could hear the guests in the rooms on BOTH sides Staff not very friendly or helpful Not what you expect from a 5 star hotel. (Definitely wasn't one)

Review 34：Great location and very clean.

Review 35：Some noise from room above, sounded like renovation being done.

Review 36：Excellent location. We were there for an overnight stay to visit the Ashmolean, so the location was perfect for us, also within walking distance of both the bus and train stations.

Review 37：We booked a room for 3 nights in mid Summer for a stay in December and soon found out that the hotel was offering a package which would have included breakfast and Christmas Dinner. I asked the staff whether I could change to this offer, and it was denied. A menu for the Christmas Dinner, to be posted in August, was never sent. Thereby ensued a protracted and very annoying mix-up about reserving the Christmas Dinner which resulted in our making arrangements at another restaurant. We were also not aware that the hotel was still undergoing extensive renovations. Moreover, the well-worn carpets and the sofas in the bar, the non-descript bedroom furniture typical of an American hotel chain, the facilities in the bathroom - the hair dryer's plug that could not fit into the bathroom sockets, the paltry toiletries(no shower cap!) - add up, at best, to a three star rating. A luxury hotel? Not in my estimation. Also, Booking.com debited the entire cost of the accommodation upon booking while the hotel's website states that payment will be made at the end of stay.

Review 38：We moved rooms 3 times. First room was overlooking the alley above theCaribbean Social Club. (I had requested a "quiet location")Second room had the accompanying sound of drums and beatbox from 11 A.M.until 6.30 (when we left for dinner) Not the hotel's fault butapparently coming from a flat close to our room (75) Room 270 was fineand peaceful but a nuisance having to re-locate 3 times........

Review 39：Lovely helpful staff.

Review 40：When you check in to a 5 star hotel you expect attention to detail, and unfortunately this was sorely lacking. The phone in my mum's room didn't work at all, and when she complained about it they said they would take a look, which never actually happened. In my room the heating didn't work for my whole stay. Also, despite being residents over Christmas, we were told that breakfast could only be ordered through room service. How do you order room service when your phone doesn't work?! Lastly, the service in the drawing room was UNBELIEVABLY slow: 30mins for a cold salmom and cream cheese bagel, and when I complained that it had no cream cheese I had to wait another 20mins for another one. No sense of urgency, just I guess complacency, and considering this is a 5 star hotel it leaves me with a feeling that I've been taken advantage of. If hotels like this one want to profit from the increasing traffic of Chinese tourists coming to Oxford they need to understand what a 5 star hotel in China is like: at least 2 levels above the Randolph.

Review 41：The staff were as helpful as they could be, considering the ongoing building work at the hotel. The rooms were pretty nice, and the effort made to create a Chrismassy atmosphere was good.

Review 42：I did not like having a room next to the air conditioning filters just because we paid less on a special deal. If your paying £800.00 or£200.00 you should still be treated in the same way, a lot of these hotels offer cheap deals but then give the customers the worste rooms which is very wrong

Review 43：The quality of everything and the attention to details by staff

Review 44：Smell of paint as some rooms were being painted. The spa was very disappointing and there was an extra charge. The steam rooms were not working. The cost of parking The price of drinks in the bar were excessive. For a five star hotel parking should be included.

Review 45：The location. Breakfast and service was excellent.

Review 46：Noise from a party in the ballroom was so loud that it was vibrating the furniture in our room. Eventually, the staff moved us to a quieter and better room, so we were very satisfied. Other customers weren't so lucky!

Review 47：Fantastic location, staff and service.

Review 48：Tiny cluttered room for £150!! Could of got somewhere nicer for the money, wasn't all that premier inn would of been nicer for the price

Review 49：Location very centrl

Review 50：Having to walk a long distance to get to room 176. The water from the taps in the bathroom gave out a stagnant smell, After paying £160 for the room I did not expect 2 beds pushed together, considering upon are arrival I was told that we had been upgraded it felt as though we had been put at the back of the hotel out of the way, not a very nice view overlooking some rooftops

Review 51：Good location and breakfast

Review 52：'Classic' room is small for the money. The hotel is being refurbished after a fire and they should lower their charges while the work is taking place. Downstairs areas are cramped at the moment. Dreadful breakfast.

Review 53：Large comfortable bed, newly refurbished bathroom

Review 54：All the Staff were very arrogant and casual towards services. I had to wait over an hour to get the Breakfast. No News paper. Room Phones were dead despite repeated reminders.

Review 55：Nothing. A bad Memory

Review 56：Nothing to eat on breakfast. The hotel is under reconstruction, so they gave us the far walk room, when we aske them to change they not happy. An everytime people walk outside our room, the wood makes sounds, so it was really anoying

Review 57：Heating to high which made the room very hot. Rumbling plant equipment which was just too loud to ignore - really noticeable in the night.

Review 58：Spotlessly clean, wonderful helpful staff, plentiful breakfasts.

Review 59：My Bedroom was freezing cold (I visited in December). Breakfast was lukewarm, small serving and took ages to be served. No toast and only 1 cup of coffee.

Review 60：Welcoming and friendly reception staff. Lovely Cocktail Bar.

Review 61：staff was not very helpful. Very cold over night looks like AC is not working and try to call reception phone is also not working. Holiday inn would be much better. walk 10 mint to your room.

Review 62：breakfast was ok

Review 63：Tv could only get one channel. Appreciate that the building work is necessary but having someone drilling into the wall and the headboard vibrating all day did not help

Review 64：Location

Review 65：Hotel was under repair and refurbishment, so not up to expected standard. 'Business centre' facilities were not available when I needed them and the front desk staff - including the manager - could not have cared less!

Review 66：Hotel is in a great location.

Review 67：Bathroom was cold as towel rail didn't work and water to wash basin only warm.

Review 68：Excellent location, very helpful staff & how clean, well equipped and comfortable the hotel was.

Review 69：Scaffolding in the window (bathroom privacy a big issue due to this!!!) and noisy floors

Review 70：Nice location, close to the city and the main shops. Really helpful concierge. Lovely Molton Brown complimentary items in the bathroom.

Review 71：Obviously the repair work detracts from the overall experience.the circuitous route to the room was interesting.

Review 72：The location and the general ambience were both very good. The staff were helpful as one expects of the Randolph.

Review 73：Room was clean and well designed but situated at the rear of the hotel facing rooftops. I understand that someone has to occupy this type of room but.......

Review 74：Staff and service fantastic. Location wonderful. Architecture and history fab.

Review 75：unacceptably difficult access to our room (There should have been a discount or a clear warning about this.) unpleasant smell in the toilet

Review 76：the architecture of the old victorian building the location

Review 77：There was a wait to get into the breakfast room, and this was not well managed.

Review 78：The hotel was partially damaged by fire earlier in the year, but was in much better shape than I expected.

Review 79：Being told we should come early to breakfast or it would be very slow - at price I would expect you to arrange staffing accordingly. Superior room did not have bath. Central areas need an overhaul.

Review 80：Staff were slow to react to a complaint that our room was very cold, took 3 times before it was sorted. Breakfast service on the Saturday was very busy and when served was not very warm.

Review 81：The location was excellent, conceige was very friendly and helpful.

Review 82：The charming staff and their service. I so wish I had twigged earlier that I could have brought my little dogs. I arrived cold and hungry. My room and particularly my bed were warm and comfortable and room service took care of the hunger!

Review 83：The temperature of the room was suffocating and we were told that the temperature could not be changed as it was set for a group of rooms. A sheet was provided instead of the duvet but it was a very uncomfortable 2 nights. We used the fan as suggested but it was thick with dust and we had to clean the base first.

Review 84：Very good location and a lovely hotel. Staff helpful and breakfast very good.

Review 85：Not a bad experience,just that I would have liked to have been able to make my bedroom much cooler. Access was a bit of a pain in the wind & rain.

Review 86：Super staff,especially in the restaurant.

Review 87：Pretentions outweighed by lack of delivery Evening bar staff aloof Cold breakfast meal, tepid tea & coffee Not value for money

Review 88：Location, location Day staff great valet staff helpful Comfortable Facilities

Review 89：This hotel is giving the Macdonald brand a bad name. I stay in many hotels for business and leisure every year including other Macdonald hotels. Never has a 5 star rating been so ill deserved. Apparently a fire in April is an excuse to behave worse than a 3 star establishment. From the noise of builders to dirty cutlery and disappointing food at breakfast to non-working heating, we had it all. Refunding the cost of 2 breakfasts really isn't enough to make me ever want to go back We'll try the Malmaison next time!

Review 90：The location is convenient. Do not use that as the headline of my review and make it seem like I was at all satisfied.

Review 91：Under staffing in the restaurant and drawing room. They claim to be 5 star but staff to a 3 star level. Staff were nice but run off their feet. Service incredibly slow...so much so that we were not charged for breakfast.

Review 92：Newly refurbished rooms

Review 93：Slow service, very limited room to sit downstairs (bar and tea room are tiny relative to footfall through the place), very expensive given that it was far from 5 star experience

Review 94：The location - but it trades on that.

Review 95：The room was a little tired and worn. Twin beds were very close together.

Review 96：Central location, room facilities, leaving luggage before and after booking in and out.

Review 97：Bedroom was cold: probably something to do with building works, although staff didn't admit to that. Only found electric heater in cupboard when informed by staff at Reception: better provision could have been made in advance.

Review 98：General standards, flexibility of availability, helpfulness of staff, very good mushroom soup.

Review 99：Saturday evening disco music heard from room. Very poor service at Sunday morning breakfast. Cold dining room on Monday morning breakfast

Review 100：Location of hotel. Quality of room vey good especially bathroom.

Review 101：Parking due to ongoing works On check out only one porter to help with luggage

Review 102：Reception and Bar Staff great On arrival there where three or four guys to help with the luggage

Review 103：The hotel had very old and dirty carpets, very noisy room doors closing ,was woken up several times due adjacent rooms doors. The SPA was closed after 6:30 on Sunday ,when we arrived !! Rooms very small for a 5 star hotel. The Smoke alarm was disconnected .Very disappointed and did not enjoy our stay.

Review 104：The evening meal was a little disappointing, and quite expensive for what it was. It was perfectly well cooked and presented, but it was a little underwhelming in it's taste. However the dining room is splendid and eating alone was not an issue, I felt very comfortable. The breakfast was also a bit disappointing.

Review 105：The location right in the heart of Oxford. The welcoming feel on entering. The sweeping wide staircase and the general feeling of grace and understated elegance.

Review 106：CONSTUCTION but I'm laughing ...next time it will probably be perfect...although breakfast could be a little better...better sausages next time please

Review 107：Location by Ashmolean

Review 108：I went down for a light lunch at 2.05.. I stood in the doorway of the lounge for well over 5 minutes while one waiter chatted to other guests & the other was serving but kept sweeping past, ignoring me. I asked what I had to do to be seated & was told to wait in the bar while a table was cleared. I waited to be collected for over 10 mins & returned - still no table cleared. I expressed my concern & was permitted to sit & the table cleared before me. It was busy but not overly so. I finally received my salad at 2.50. Also. room cold & first spare heater didn't work.

Review 109：Quality of fodd, both lunch when it finally arrived and breakfast delicious. My requests to have a walk in shower and early check in were both honoured.

Review 110：The fact that there isn't a residents lounge to be able sit quietly in comfort means that we had to sit in the room which was destined for refurbishment which meant that the armchairs were not comfortable.I would be interesting to stay again after the work has been completed.

Review 111：The location couldn't be better. The staff were excellent and extremely helpful and friendly.

Review 112：A 'heads up' by email, as to the traffic chaos being caused by road closures would have been good. I arrived in Oxford at 4pm and did not get to the hotel until 5.30 having driven round and round looking for a way to get around the closed roads. The road closures are a result of the hotel refurb, so it would have been good to be warned. Even then, I parked on a street 3 blocks away and walked. As a blue badge holder, this is unacceptable. I did telephone the hotel for help, but no-one could explain the route as I don't know Oxford!!

Review 113：Gorgeous room, staff wonderful. Room service very good although a bit pricey.

Review 114：Dreadful service at breakfast and long queues at reception. Building work going on after recent fire created a lot of noise early in the morning.

Review 115：Great Location. Lovely room other than building work outside. Great spa.

Review 116：My husband and I were celebrating our 10 year anniversary and truly appreciated the the card with wishes and the complimentaty bottle of champagne with chocolate that welcomed us in our room. We also received a free upgrade to the Four Poster Room.

Review 117：Hotel is being refurbished following a fire. Consequently scaffolding up, curtained areas inside. Very dark Staircases corridors and rooms quite tatty, need decorating. we were apparently upgraded to a executive or superior room, the standard room must be extremely basic. very overpriced and not a 5 star hotel. staff were very helpful

Review 118：location is good

Review 119：We were disappointed with disturbances in our room. We decided to come a night early as we needed a break, and felt this was a very highly recommended hotel. On the Sunday morning, while we were having a long lay in, room service knocked on our door. She said she would wait so we felt we had to rush to get out of our room. On the Monday morning, although we asked for a quiet room, we were woken by machine noise at 5.30am. Not the rest we had in mind!

Review 120：Location and friendliness of staff.

Review 121：Our room was very small for the amount we paid. We could not open the window in our bedroom consequently our room was very warm. The cocktail bar did not have any cherry brandy. We asked for white toast at breakfast but were given white and brown. We asked for a fried egg with a soft yoke but the egg was not cooked properly.

Review 122：We liked the bed and the bathroom. The staff were very helpful and pleasant.

Review 123：Room very stuffy even when aircon full blast, no walk in shower, minibar fridge not working. Builders still in hotel and from time to time very noisy. Expensive for what it is.

Review 124：Central location, newly redecorated room with nice little touches like cafetiere coffee in the room. Brand new bathroom. Quiet at night.

Review 125：There was a man who knocked on our door (room 313) from midnight to 12:30am on our first night. I called the front desk and after THREE attempts someone answered and sent someone up to chase him away. The next morning all I got was an apology and an explanation that the man - not a hotel guest- had drunk too much at the bar.

Review 126：The Location

Review 127：lack of shelving/storage in bathroom for personal toileteries. Shelf space taken up with hotel items. Initial panic as didn't find the tea/coffee making facilities in the wardrobe until later in the evening. Breakfast room a bit bleak - softer floor covering would help Have had more varied buffet breakfasts in much cheaper hotels, especially abroad Compared with our room, the original Victorian gothic decor does look rather dowdy but maybe that's what people like about the Randolph.

Review 128：Very comfortable bed but what do you do with all the decorative cushions/throw - seems poor to toss them on the floor. Sparkling bathroom all staff from chambermaids to front of house welcoming

Review 129：there was still a lot work going on inside the hotel to repair the fire damage. I was aware that there was still repair work being done but I did not realise that it would be inside as well as outside.

Review 130：The location is great for walking to most of the interesting places and it is across the road from the Ashmolean.

Review 131：The food and drinks were very expensive and not up to the standard you would expect from a five star hotel.

Review 132：The staff Were very helpful couldn't do enough for us. The room was more then comfortable.

Review 133：The staff were particularly helpful, friendly and accommodating.Specially thanks go to Nik on Reception, Will and Sam Concierge, Jose in the Morse Bar and the breakfast team who served me at 7.15am

Review 134：It was a considerable distance to our room, and it was like a maze, up and down different stairs and corridors, this is my only criticism

Review 135：ALL the staff we met were fantastic, they have a great customer service attitude and were helpful and smiley and made you feel that nothing would be too much trouble

Review 136：The location of the room at the back of the hotel with a couple of stairs that couldn't be avoided,plus charging a additional cost for the use of the spa?

Review 137：Central location.

Review 138：Hotel having construction now, bit annoying. The old furnishing needs upgrading.

Review 139：Excellent reception and services. Excellent breakfast. Awesome location. Super awesome staffs.

The Fine Print

Note regarding advance purchase:The credit/debit card used to book the Advance Purchase rate must be presented to reception on arrival at the hotel. Please note that failure to do so will result in an alternative payment method being required.The property had a fire in April 2015 causing some damage to the building. Please note that due to the repair of this damage, the hotel will have some areas that are covered in scaffolding, and the entrance to the hotel is temporarily on the side of the building.Please note that there is a charge of GBP 25.00 per dog per night.Please note, if a guest requires any type of extra bed or children's cot/crib, availability is upon request and needs to be confirmed by management. Please fill in your request in the Special Requests box at the time of booking.