Two new hotels to incorporate into your staycation itinerary this summer are the Graduate Cambridge and The Randolph Hotel. Both open July 1st 2021 and are part of the Graduate Hotels collection whose design is inspired by the unique heritage of university towns and cities. #TeamCoco got a sneak peak of these stylish abodes ahead of their opening next month.

The Graduate, Cambridge

Positioned along the idyllic banks of the River Cam, the Graduate Cambridge is surrounded by the University of Cambridge, within walking distance of several colleges, and a stone’s throw from the city’s best restaurants, bars and shops.

The hotel’s design incorporates the history of the city, making the river the focal point with various accessible views, especially in the lobby bar. Colour palettes, patterns and textures in the public areas reflect the green surroundings of fields and the glorious English countryside. With the punting boat rentals located just outside, the design brings local inspiration into the hotel, with punting boats incorporated in the bookshelves in the lobby, an installation by local craftsmen. The lobby is home to a hanging DNA installation to celebrate Rosalind Franklin, a pioneer in the development of DNA at the University of Cambridge. The guest rooms have an abundance of “Cambridge Blue”, with wallpaper replicating school gates, punting boats on either side of the bed, whimsical lamp shades in the shape of a penny coin and striking wood and leather desks to give a studious library atmosphere. The bathrooms have scenic pastoral wallpaper and mirrors in the shape of the university crest.

Garden House restaurant is nestled on the banks of the River Cam. Adam Wood, formerly of London’s award winning Perilla will lead the kitchen with his focus on open-flame cooking and seasonal East Anglian produce. Garden House will be a relaxed, and seasonable contemporary restaurant in one of Britain’s best loved and historic cities. Graduate Cambridge will comprise Garden House and Garden Bar, as well as a café and flexible social space. The Graduate is the perfect base for anyone looking to explore this vibrant city over the summer.

Nightly rates at Graduate Cambridge in a double room start from £189 inclusive of VAT. For more information please visit https://www.graduatehotels.com/cambridge/

The Randolph, Oxford

Located in the city’s cultural epicentre, The Randolph is situated within the University of Oxford and its iconic colleges, including Trinity and St. John’s. The hotel is on the doorstep of St. Giles Street and its bustling restaurants, bars, as well as the world-famous Radcliffe Camera and Ashmolean Museum. The design of the 151-room hotel takes inspiration from the university’s history, paying homage to its storied innovators and alumni.

Interior design details include bold hues, textural elements inspired by the region’s natural resources and local art which will tell the narratives of Oxford’s past. Previously the Macdonald Randolph Hotel, the property has been renovated and transformed throughout, all the guest rooms, the lobby and social spaces ooze a preppy college vibe. Guests can relax in the intimate snug, a cosy nook between restaurant and private dining with a bohemian spin on a traditional English library space. The Morse Bar is a nod to the iconic 90’s TV detective show that was filmed at the hotel and is the ideal place to kick back with a drink after a day discovering Oxford.

Nightly rates at Randolph Hotel in a double room start from £229 inclusive of VAT. For more information please visit https://www.graduatehotels.com/oxford-uk/

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