In that time I have visited places such as Rome, Havana and New York City but few hotels have compared to the one I stayed in this week. I live in and although my flat is homely and cosy, I decided to spend the night at one of the city’s most highly regarded hotels to see the city from a tourist perspective. The Randolph Hotel on Beaumont Street holds five stars and, after last week’s stay there with my partner Jordyn, it is clear to see why this is the case.
Upon arriving at the hotel we were greeted by a valet who took the car away and walked us into the main foyer of the building which was originally opened in 1866. Instantly I was struck by the grandeur and stoicism inside the main entry hall with large banners of Oxford University crests hanging from the high ceiling. This inclusion of the university branding is due to the Randolph being bought by Hilton in 2019 and being turned into a Graduate Hotel.
Hilton has hotels in classic UK university cities which are themed around educational institutions with a second stay location in Cambridge. The academic theming was completely on point with each staff member presented with a student card which explained their career and experience thus far. Each room key card features a famous Oxford graduate and ours was former UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.
Make of that what you will. Yet unlike Maggie, I was for turning as I entered the bedroom and noticed just how lovely the décor was as well as how spacious it was. My head.