Login

Photo of Malmaison Oxford

“Fantastically modern interiors and stunning atrium in this atmospheric castle and former prison. Sleep in converted cells with original fittings and Gothic colours. New, airier rooms are also available in the additional buildings. Good brasserie food and a smart neon-lit cocktail bar.”

“Fantastically modern interiors and stunning atrium in this atmospheric castle and former prison. Sleep in converted cells with original fittings and Gothic colours. New, airier rooms are also available in the additional buildings. Good brasserie food and a smart neon-lit cocktail bar.”

Hotel Review

Oxford’s former prison has undergone an impressive transformation to become one of Malmaison’s most quirky and original hotels. The vast, three-storey central atrium is spectacular, mood lighting and red carpets lining the steel walkways. Here, converted cells make up the surprisingly comfortable and ultra-modern bedrooms, with original, heavily dented doors and window bars spookily intact. Get some air in the grassy Exercise Yard or sip cocktails in the brooding Visitors’ Room: a truly unique experience. Good food in the Brasserie, once used for solitary confinement. Prison puns abound in the hotel’s literature.
 

Written by Fiona Duncan

Recommended For

  • City Style
  • Modern hotel in the heart of historic Oxford
  • Learning
  • Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology
  • Museums
  • University Museum of Natural History
  • Designer Shopping
  • Visit the many smart boutiques
  • Local markets
  • Oxford Covered Market
  • Other Activities
  • Oxford River Cruises
  • Sights nearby
  • Bridge of Sighs
  • Close to nightlife
  • Great walks
  • Theme hotel
  • Former prison, and you sleep in the cells.
  • Sit-out Terrace
  • Free wifi
  • Contemporary
  • Child friendly
  • Quirky
  • Pet friendly
  • Historic
  • Restaurant

Facilities

  • Room service
  • Breakfast
  • Safe
  • Parking
  • Bar
  • Meeting Room
  • Cots available
  • Private dining room
  • Sit-out Terrace
  • Free wifi
  • Wifi
  • Suites
  • Child friendly
  • Pet friendly
  • Restaurant

Activities

  • Learning
  • Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology
  • Museums
  • University Museum of Natural History
  • Designer Shopping
  • Visit the many smart boutiques
  • Local markets
  • Oxford Covered Market
  • Other Activities
  • Oxford River Cruises
  • Sights nearby
  • Bridge of Sighs
  • Close to nightlife
  • Great walks

Map & Location

What's Nearby

Other Reviews

Malmaison Oxford

Near Oxford’s city centre, the thick walls of this former prison offer guests the chance to sleep in a converted cell complete with barred windows and iron doors. Contemporary furnishing, a buzzing cocktail bar, and a popular brasserie make this hotel a memorable and unique base for exploring the 'dreaming spires'.

Originally published by The Telegraph (view article)

Prisons converted into hotels – in pictures

The Malmaison hotel in Oxford was converted from Oxford prison

Originally published by The Guardian (view article)