Malmaison Oxford occupies part of the old Oxford Castle prison, which closed in 1996 and has been transformed into a quarter of restaurants, shops and a hotel. Guests sleep in rooms created from the old cells and landings, with the heritage of the prison kept in the architecture. The hotel sits on the western side of the centre, a short walk from the Westgate shopping centre, the station and the colleges, and it works well for visitors who like a dramatic setting and a modern boutique style.
Location and getting around
The castle quarter is about ten minutes on foot from the main colleges and close to the railway station, which is useful for rail travellers. The Oxford Castle and Prison tour is on the doorstep, and the canal path and Jericho district are within walking distance. The area is lively in the evenings with restaurants and bars, so it suits guests who want a social atmosphere.
Rooms and facilities
The rooms keep some of the original features of the prison buildings, with high ceilings and unusual layouts, combined with contemporary decor. The hotel has a bar and brasserie, and breakfast is served on site. Because the building is historic, room sizes and layouts vary, and some rooms may be dark or compact. Check the description of the room you book and consider upgrading if you want extra space.
Who it suits
It suits couples, friends and history lovers who enjoy the story of a prison turned hotel, and it is a good choice for anyone who wants to be near the station and the Westgate. Light sleepers should ask about quieter rooms because the quarter can be busy at night. Families are welcome, but some rooms are small for larger groups. Rates are generally lower than those of the High Street hotels, and the hotel offers a distinctive stay for the money.
Dining and atmosphere
The castle quarter around the hotel has a number of restaurants and bars, so you can eat out without leaving the complex. The hotel's own brasserie serves breakfast and dinner, and the bar is a popular meeting point. The prison story is part of the design, with cell doors, galleries and exposed brickwork, though the rooms themselves are comfortable and warm. If the idea of sleeping in a prison feels odd, look at the pictures first and choose a room type that suits you.
A stay here pairs naturally with the Oxford Castle and Prison tour and a ghost walk in the evening. For a calmer morning, walk along the canal in Jericho or head to the Westgate for shopping, then cross to the colleges in the afternoon. Rail travellers can leave early for London or Heathrow coaches.
Why stay here
- ✓Former prison building
- ✓Brasserie and bar
- ✓Castle Quarter restaurants
- ✓Near the railway station
- ✓Near Westgate shopping
- ✓Free Wi-Fi
- ✓Breakfast available
- ✓24-hour front desk
Good questions
Is Malmaison Oxford really in a prison?+
Yes, it occupies part of the old Oxford Castle prison, which closed in 1996, with rooms made from the old cells and landings.
Is it close to the station?+
Yes, it is on the western side of the centre, near the railway station and the Westgate shopping centre.
Is the area noisy at night?+
The castle quarter has bars and restaurants, so ask for a quieter room if you prefer calm.