Malmaison Oxford Hotel
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Reservations: UK 0871 508 8768, International +44(0)118 971 4700
About the Malmaison Oxford Hotel
Malmaison Hotel Oxford is an exciting hotel in the centre of this academic city. Formerly Oxford Prison, the building has undergone extensive renovation and is the first prison in the UK to be converted to a hotel.
The prison itself is a Grade I listed building and is largely unaltered; the cells, basement and many of the fixtures and fittings have been preserved, resulting in a hotel with a unique and eccentric character.
History of the Malmaison Oxford
There is believed to have been a prison on the Oxford Castle site since approximately 1166, and in 1236 the Chancellor of the University was authorised to use the Castle Gaol for imprisoning rebellious scholars. The intrinsic link between the prison and the University colleges was one of benefaction: in 1850 Christ Church donated 5lbs of meat each week and Oriel supplied six loaves of bread to the prison every fortnight.
Today’s prison was the result of major rebuilding in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. A correctional house, internal courtyards and new wings were added, and the site became surrounded by a castellated wall. The prison finally closed in 1996. When Oxford Malmaison opened in November 2005 it became one of the city’s most luxurious and quirky hotels.
Rooms at the Malmaison Oxford
There are 94 rooms at the Oxford Malmaison, with a choice of room styles. Many of the rooms are converted prison cells, with three cells per room having been knocked into a surprisingly spacious bedroom and bathroom. Other rooms are more conventional in layout, with the deluxe rooms and suites set out in the former Governor’s House.
Facilities at the Malmaison Oxford
Malmaison’s hard-earned reputation has been won as much by its food and drink as for its great bedrooms, and Malmaison Oxford is no different. The Brasserie and Bar are set out in the basement, and while the main room is spacious and open, there is provision of several smaller intimate rooms, ideal for private dining. Gruel and stale bread are not on the menu! There is also an onsite gym for burning off those extra calories.
Location of the Malmaison Oxford
The Malmaison Oxford Prison Hotel is situated next to the historic castle in the St. Ebbe’s area of the city. The location is ideal for accessing the attractions, shops, restaurants and colleges. The train and bus stations are within easy walking distance. A redeveloped area of Oxford, there are a number of new restaurants and bars around the Malmaison, including The Living Room, Tootsies, La Tasca, Prezzo, Carluccio's and HA! HA!. There is limited car parking on site, but a full valet car parking service is available to take the stress out of parking in one of the UK’s most car-unfriendly cities.
Faxt Box
To book your accommodation and/or conference at the Malmaison Oxford Hotel, please BOOK ONLINE, email us or call the Essential Travel reservations hotline on 0871 508 8768 (from in the UK) or +44(0)118 971 4700 (from outside the UK).