HOTEL of the week

MACDONALD RANDOLPH HOTEL, OXFORD

WHAT AND WHY: This Oxford institution has welcomed the great and good since 1866, but it’s lucky to still be standing after a beef stroganoff flambé incident set the hotel alight in 2015. After a year-long restoration project, the Randolph is back in business. Only a fraction of the original building was damaged, so it’s lost none of its period pomp but all the bedrooms have been refurbished in lavish

style. From carpets so deep you risk losing sight of your feet to thickly embroidered curtains and plush velvet throws, you are in no doubt that this is one seriously posh hotel.

ON THE MENU: Let’s start with what’s not: beef stroganoff. The biggest addition to the Randolph Mark II is the splendid new Acanthus restaurant: all oil paintings, chandeliers and a ceiling so high it has its own weather system. We booked in for a threecourse Sunday lunch (€36) which left us feeling as plump and padded as the leather seats. Afterwards, we waddled to the Morse Bar, made famous as the spot where the great TV inspector pondered cases over a pint of real ale. Expect to hear punters giving their best “Lewis!” after a couple of liveners.

WHILE YOU’RE THERE: The Randolph now

has a cosy Elemis spa in the basement. Do not try to remain awake through the signature facial, resistance is futile. Outside there’s culture literally on the doorstep - our room looked out on the Ashmolean Museum (free admission). We visited Oxford on a sunny spring weekend though, so opted instead for a stroll past the university colleges and gardens, down to the River Cherwell. Alternatively the hop on, hop off bus tour (€17/10 adults/children for 24 hours) will take you to all the key sights, including the Bodleian which doubles as the Hogwarts library in the Harry Potter films.

WAKE UP CALL: The Summer Retreat Spa Break package starts from €197pp for one night and is available until August 29. macdonaldhotels.co.uk