A great opportunity has been missed in the recent makeover of Oxford’s most venerable hotel, says Sarah Barrell.

Makeovers: they’re all the rage. Take a grand old hotel and do something oh-so-aching-moderne with the décor that it eclipses much of the original elegance. Not so with The Randolph, but sadly in this case, more would in fact be more.

Last year, this landmark hotel was promoted to AA Five Star status in recognition of both its service and its recent renovations, including the addition of a spa. Investment or no, the new look resembles the holdings of a fusty old dowager who has neither the money nor the vision to revive her rambling property.

Read more: http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/stay-the-night-the-randolph-oxford-958371.html