Hotel That Was A Prison In Oxford

Ever found yourself in a situation where you're checking into a hotel, and you can't shake the feeling that you've been here before? Like maybe, just maybe, you've done time here in a past life? Well, if you've ever stayed at the Malmaison Oxford, you might not be far off. This isn't your average hotel, folks. It's got a past that's as colorful as the wallpaper in its rooms, and it's not afraid to show it.

Now, you might be thinking, "How can a hotel be a prison? Isn't that a bit... extreme?" Well, let me paint you a picture. Imagine you're walking down the bustling streets of Oxford, past the dreaming spires and the punting on the river. You turn a corner, and suddenly, you're face-to-face with a towering, imposing building. It's got bars on the windows, a massive iron gate, and a general air of "Don't even think about trying to escape." Sound familiar? That, my friends, is the Malmaison. Or, as it was once known, Oxford Prison.

From Bars to Beds

That's right, this hotel was once a prison. A working prison, with inmates and guards and all the trimmings. Can you imagine checking in and saying, "Hi, I'd like to book a cell for the night, please"? No? Just me? Anyway, the point is, this place has seen a lot of life. And by life, I mean... well, let's just say it's seen a lot of interesting characters.

So, how does a prison become a hotel? Well, it's not as simple as swapping out the bars for balconies and the inmates for guests. But the Malmaison did it. In 2005, the prison closed its doors to criminals and opened them to tourists. And let me tell you, the transformation is something else. Gone are the cold, harsh cells. In their place? Luxurious rooms with plush beds, modern bathrooms, and even a bar (though I'm sure the inmates would have appreciated one too, in their own way).

Ghosts in the Machine

Now, you might be thinking, "That's all well and good, but what about the ghosts?" Because, let's face it, a prison turned hotel is bound to have a few spirits lurking around. And you'd be right. The Malmaison is said to be haunted. But don't let that put you off. After all, who doesn't want to share their room with a friendly ghost or two? Just think of it as having a roommate who never hogs the blanket or steals your snacks.

But seriously, the ghosts at the Malmaison are said to be quite harmless. They're just there to... keep an eye on things. Or so the story goes. Of course, if you're not a fan of the supernatural, you can always ask for a room in the newer part of the hotel. It's not haunted. Yet. But give it time. This is Oxford, after all. Anything can happen.

Breakfast with a Side of History

So, what's it like staying at a hotel that was once a prison? Well, it's not as scary as you might think. In fact, it's quite the opposite. The Malmaison has a certain charm to it. A certain character. It's like staying in a piece of history. And not just any history, but the kind of history that makes for great stories. Like how the prison was once home to the Oxford Castle, a tower that dates back to the 11th century. Or how it was used as a military prison during the English Civil War. Or how it was even used as a debtors' prison in the 18th century. (Though I wouldn't recommend trying to use that as an excuse to skip out on your hotel bill.)

And the best part? You can enjoy all this history while enjoying a delicious breakfast in the morning. The Malmaison serves up a mean full English, complete with all the trimmings. It's the perfect way to start your day, whether you're planning on exploring the city or just lounging by the pool (yes, they have one of those too).

Not Your Average Hotel

The Malmaison Oxford is not your average hotel. It's a hotel with a past. A past that's as fascinating as it is unexpected. And that, my friends, is what makes it so special. It's a place where history and luxury collide, where the past and the present coexist. It's a place where you can stay in a former prison cell and still enjoy all the comforts of a modern hotel. And isn't that what travel is all about? Experiencing something new, something different, something... unexpected?

So, the next time you find yourself in Oxford, why not give the Malmaison a try? Who knows? You might just enjoy your stay so much that you'll want to come back. And who knows? Maybe next time, you'll even get to meet a ghost or two. But don't worry, I'm sure they'll be on their best behavior. After all, they've got a lot to live up to. This is a hotel with a reputation to uphold, after all. A reputation that's as unique as the hotel itself. And that, my friends, is something worth experiencing.