Removal men turned up at the Randolph Hotel to take away some old furniture ahead of a six-month refurbishment.
Last year the five-star hotel in Beaumont Street was bought by American chain Graduate Hotels and which suggested the hotel’s name could change.
But last week bosses confirmed it would be keeping its historic name.
Read more: Randolph Hotel will keep its name
Seventy-five out of 84 staff were shocked when they were told they were being made redundant ahead of the refurbishment.
The removal staff said today the furniture from the hotel could be used in other Graduate hotels.
Philip Lewis, the hotel’s general manager, said earlier: “We are proud to be investing significantly into the thoughtful renovation of this iconic property.”
Read more: Randolph Hotel to close for six months and make staff redundant
The chain said earlier it had been a “difficult decision” to make staff redundant.
Mr Lewis added: "Mr Lewis added: “Like almost every hospitality operation during this pandemic, we are sad to have to make redundancies.
“We have spent significant time with staff guiding them on future career choices.
Read again: What the Randolph Hotel could look like
“However, we are unable to employ a full staff while undertaking an entire property refurbishment.”
Precise details of the redesign have not yet been revealed by Graduate Hotels.
A possible name change to Graduate Oxford has now been ruled out.
The chain already has a Graduate Oxford hotel in Mississippi in the United States.
The hotel has not booked in any guests after Saturday so that the refurbishment can get under way.
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