THE HOTEL: One of the quirky hotel conversions in the Malmaison collection of hotels, this former prison is now a stylish 95-room hotel in the centre of Oxford.
THE CHECK-IN: We had a short wait sitting in vast wing-backed chairs in a bare-brick, moodily-lit reception area before quick
formalities were undertaken. The reception was just two desks with chairs and we were making our way to the room in no time.
THE ROOM: Open corridors of rooms overlook the original atrium criss-crossed
with metal staircases going to each floor.
Three former prison cells have been used to
create each stylish ‘cell’ bedroom in the main
building, so they are of a decent size and
thankfully have few traces of their former
use. Contemporary décor dominates, which
is a little sombre but lightened with red soft
furnishings. The few original elements that
remain are the heavy doors and high
windows. There are nice touches such as
the generously-sized toiletries, DVD player,
inventive minibar snacks, roll top bath,
plasma TV and fast broadband. Larger rooms
are either the suites or those rooms in the
former House of Correction that overlooks a
courtyard. More cell bedrooms occupy the
former prison wardens’ quarters.
THE BUSINESS: Five meeting dining rooms,
including a roof terrace, the largest room
being the Visitor’s Room (otherwise known
as the hotel bar) seating up to 30 boardroom
style. The Terrace will take 80 for a reception.
THE FACILITIES: The former waiting room is
now a stylish and cavernous bar specialising
in Champagne and cocktails. A 100-seater
brasserie occupies the lower ground floor
area (the former execution area), while the
holding cells have been turned into private
dining rooms. There is also a terrace. The
former exercise yard has been grassed over
and is now a refreshing outside space.
THE VERDICT: Perfect location right in the
middle of Oxford, and a building that’s been
converted extraordinarily well to make a
comfortable stay considering its history.
THE DETAILS: 3 New Road, Oxford, OX1
1AY. Weekday standard room rates start from
£125 and suites £375. Breakfast is £15pp.
Tel: 01865 268400; see: www.malmaison.com;
email: reservations.oxford@malmaison.com. GILIAN UPTON
