Browns

281 Iffley Rd, Oxford OX4 4AQ

Rating: 4.0 ★ (41 ratings)

Details

Browns. The Randolph Hotel, by Graduate Hotels, is a distinguished five-star establishment in Oxford, standing proudly in a Victorian Gothic building opposite the renowned Ashmolean Museum. This landmark hotel, constructed in 1864, masterfully blends its rich history with a refreshed, whimsical, and distinctly British design aesthetic, making it an instantly recognisable feature of the city. Its interiors are thoughtfully curated, drawing inspiration from the prestigious Oxford University and its celebrated alumni, creating an atmospheric setting that feels both grand and playfully eccentric. The hotel exudes a unique character, offering guests a gateway into Oxford's academic legacy and cultural charm.

Inside, The Randolph Hotel offers 151 individually designed rooms and suites, each reflecting a quirky yet classic British style with bold hues and elaborately printed wallpaper. Guests can expect comfortable beds, modern private bathrooms featuring Malin+Goetz amenities, and conveniences such as tea and coffee facilities. Dining options include The Alice, an all-day British brasserie serving seasonal dishes with a contemporary twist, and the famed wood-panelled Morse Bar, where author Colin Dexter penned some of his Inspector Morse novels. For relaxation, a subterranean wellness centre provides a thermal suite with steam, sauna, and an ice fountain, alongside a range of holistic treatments.

This elegant hotel is particularly well-suited for travellers keen to immerse themselves in Oxford's rich history and academic atmosphere. It appeals to those seeking a luxurious city break, cultural explorers, and visitors with connections to the university, offering an ideal base for exploring nearby colleges and attractions. The central location, combined with its distinctive character and attentive service, ensures a memorable stay for guests appreciating heritage and a touch of modern eccentricity. It truly stands out amongst Oxford's historic luxury hotels, providing genuine comfort within a familial atmosphere.

Visit Website

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Share this:

OR WhatsApp Facebook Email

Location

Opening Hours

Monday: Open 24 hours | Tuesday: Open 24 hours | Wednesday: Open 24 hours | Thursday: Open 24 hours | Friday: Open 24 hours | Saturday: Open 24 hours | Sunday: Open 24 hours

Contact

http://www.brownsoxford.com/

Comments

Divya Narain
25 Aug 2023
1.0 ★
I would strongly recommend against staying at this family-run property and if you do, please book via an online platform. DO NOT, in any event, be lured into make a direct booking with them - in my opinion, they are very unethical in their dealings. Do not be fooled by their warm and nice exterior. The room I stayed in was OK although the bathroom was small and the furniture old. But another guest, a friend of mine, told me that his mattress was a bowl of soup - they haven’t replaced it in what must be 10 years. It's a bit of a hustle - they only get away with it because decent lodging in Oxford is hard to come by.
Vineet Abhishek
19 Aug 2023
1.0 ★
Shady people. They come across as very refined initially, but but lack all forms of humanity once you get to know them. Extremely crude people.

Nice location but overall experience is jarring. The father daughter duo who run the place are very rude and uncouth, something you don't expect. I don't recommend them at all, based on my experience with them. They tend to impress you initially but once you know them and the place for a couple of days, you realise the charade that they play out together.

Stay at this place at your own risk, and never ever pay them any advance if you are from outside the UK/Oxford. They will disappear with the money without showing an iota of remorse.
vini
19 Aug 2023
1.0 ★
Probably the worst place I have stayed in Oxford/London area. Smelly beds, very small bathrooms and hosts who come across as rudest people in the whole of UK! They charge a bomb for substandard services. Don't be fooled by the photos.
Kathleen Greene
28 May 2019
5.0 ★
We really enjoyed our stay at this wonderful hotel! This hotel runs on a lot of trust which was really lovely - there is no reception but instead we collected our keys from a key safe and on departure left them on our desk. Our room was an en-suite equipped with a vanity desk and large mirror, kettle, TV, complimentary WiFi, and hand and body wash from a local business. When we first arrived, housekeeping had left a lovely bed and breakfast tray with a selection of teas, milk, sugar, teapot, and mugs. On the 2nd floor of the hotel there is a dresser with more sugar and mugs, and a fridge with cold water and milk - all complimentary! Though breakfast is not included in the room price, there is a cafe downstairs (Silvie) which serves most excellent food with locally sourced ingredients - a really lovely addition to our stay! We had such a nice time at this hotel and would definitely recommend it to anyone staying in Oxford - it’s just outside the city centre (30 minute walk or a 10 minute bus ride, bus stop literally outside the front door) and there’s a Co-op down the road. We will definitely stay here again if we’re ever in the area!
Becky Craven
24 Feb 2018
5.0 ★
Just wanted to say thank you for a lovely stay at Browns on my birthday. Browns is close to great restaurants, pubs, bars and gastropubs (Magdalen Arms - highly recommend) in East Oxford and a short bus/taxi/cycle ride into the centre. (Not too long a walk, if it's not snowing!) Staff were really friendly and efficient, the bed was gigantic and very comfortable, and the room a great temperature. I loved the refillable bottles and glasses for drinking water in the room, as I needed to rehydrate a little in the morning! Lovely smelling soaps in the bathroom, brilliant to reduce packaging and not use those terrible plastic bottles! Such a treat to wake up knowing you'll have the option to be eating a top notch breakfast and coffee without leaving the house. I hope I can find an excuse to stay again soon!

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER

Join 10,000 subscribers and never miss out on events happening in Oxford again!