Anna Nuttall

Last week I took myself to Oxford. It was a spontaneous trip and very last minute. On this trip, I booked an overnight stay at the Macdonald Randolph Hotel Oxford.

One minute I faced the prospect of being home alone for 2 nights, the next minute I was on a train to Oxford. It all started when Richard went away on business and I had this spurred of the moment idea to take myself away as well. I was on my way to babysit my niece for a few hours when I thought, ‘heck why not go to Oxford’. It was better than sitting in an empty place after all. So I went looking on trainline for cheap train tickets and then used my handy app: booking.com for a good hotel to stay over for the night.

Macdonald Randolph Hotel Oxford appealed to me instantly when I went looking for a hotel. As it was right in the heart of the town centre near the train station, so no need to trek some unknown roads trying to find a back alley hotel. It also looks gorgeous from all the photos. I just love the architect of the hotel building. Also, the price appealed to me as well, as for a 5-star hotel it was reasonably priced. Ok, it blew my entire budget out of the water and I won’t be able to eat for the next month. But for the price, you felt like you were in good hand and not being ripped off.

I booked it and started to plan my journey. To keep the cost down and to make this a cheap trip to Oxford, I cooked myself a huge big meal before leaving. I also went to my local Tesco and got myself a small packed lunch.

When I got to Oxford and started walking up to my hotel, I had a good feeling and knew instantly I picked the right hotel. It can be pretty scary going somewhere unknown on your own, but I felt at ease and knew I was in safe hand.

I checked in with the friendly receptionist and went to my room. For the price I was expecting a broom cardboard size room, nothing fancy. But my jaw dropped when I got in. The room was a lot bigger then what I expected and the bathroom was just a dream. Well, you can see from the pictures. But I felt really lucky with myself.

My room has a huge king-size bed, a minibar, TV, and lovely walking in rainforest shower. Also, some lovely Molton Brown sample products which I couldn’t wait to try out.

After I saw the room, I didn’t really fancy going anywhere out on the town. I was on my own and didn’t know where everything was, so I just stayed in my room for the evening. I thought it might be better to check out Oxford in daylight.

So instead I gave myself a top to toe pampering. Macdonald Randolph Hotel Oxford actually did have a spa; I know what you are thinking – so close yet so far. I must say, it was tantalizing for a spa addict like me. Almost like dangling a carrot in front of rabbit eyes. But I couldn’t afford a spa treatment but made a vow that next time I will go in and have a treatment. I gave myself my own special spa treatment using not only Molton Brown sample products but using Nuxe products as well.

I had a nice evening pampering myself and giving my skin and hair a good ole deep clean. Something you don’t always do at home. I also tucked myself in my giant bed had a few nibble of my packed lunch and watched some film on the TV. From the travels and, from in the morning looking after 3 years I was pretty shattered and ready for a good night sleep. I have to say, I dozed off very quickly as the bed was like sleeping on a cluster of clouds. Very soft.

Overall I was 100% impressed with Macdonald Randolph Hotel Oxford, and I recommend it to anyone looking for a lovely hotel stay in Oxford. The room was divine, adored the little attention to details such as having a hairdryer and coffee machine. I only spoke to the receptionist briefly while I was checking in and out, but she was smiley and really friendly. I have promised myself to come back, and use not only their spa but also their breakfast in bed service. A worthy 5-star hotel in Oxford.