TRIBUTES have poured in for Michael Grange, the general manager of the Randolph Hotel, who has died.

The 61-year-old, in charge at the prestigious five-star hotel for the past 12 years, died at his home in the city, the Macdonald Hotels Group announced on Monday.

After a devastating fire at the Randolph in April 2015, Mr Grange led the £6.5m renovation project, which was completed last year.

Friend KT Bruce, a freelance photographer, said she was saddened by the news and praised Mr Grange for dealing so calmly with the fire and its aftermath.

Mrs Bruce added: “He cared deeply about his staff and all the guests who stayed at the Randolph.”

Oxford City Council leader Bob Price said Mr Grange had been a ‘great ambassador for the city and for tourism’.

He added: “He have a very good welcome to all the hotel’s visitors and was a great supporter of local charities, including Helen and Douglas House hospice.”

Mr Grange, who was not married and had no children, had previously managed the company’s Bath Spa Hotel for eight years during 39 years’ service with the company.

Donald Macdonald, founder and executive chairman of Macdonald Hotels Group said: “This is truly devastating news. Michael was a universally popular and greatly admired hotelier and his many friends and colleagues will be in shock.

“He was the complete professional, with a unique combination of warmth, attention to detail and charm.”

Mr Macdonald said Mr Grange was ‘enormously proud’ of the hotel’s five-star status and added he had built up a professional team, setting standards not just for Oxford, but for the UK as a whole.

Mr Macdonald added: “He played an instrumental and inspirational role in ensuring the hotel quickly returned to normality after the major fire at the Randolph."

“He loved the city and will be terribly missed by everyone who knew him - colleagues and guests alike.”

Following the blaze at the Beaumont Street hotel Mr Grange was in charge of the refurbishment, including the opening of new Acanthus restaurant and Cartoon Bar.

Dr Antony Richards, chairman of the Inspector Morse Society, said Mr Grange was a ‘genial host’ who always gave a warm welcome to society members when they visited the hotel’s Morse bar.

Last year the hotelier and his staff celebrated the Randolph’s 150th anniversary and a book on its history was published.

No further details surrounding Mr Grange’s death have been revealed.