You Can Stay In An Oxford Hotel That Used To Be A Prison

Experience hotels and staycations are all the range at the moment, from a holiday on the Spice Girls tour bus to a visit to Britain's most haunted castle.

But we've just found the perfect trip for true crime fanatics...

What if we told you that you could stay the night in a building which was once a Victorian prison?

The only catch is there will be no chains and shackles. Oh, no. This prison has since had a serious upgrade.

Instagram/ Malmaison Oxford)

Now a hotel, named The Malmaison, the building is offering up a far more luxurious experience than inmates would have got back in the day.

It was a prison until 1996, and several of the 'prison-like' features are still in tact, like its wings and converted cells.

Guests have two options, a stay in the modern House of Correction or a trip to the A-wing, which still has cell rooms with thick walls, vaulted ceilings and original iron doors.

While a night in a cell might not sound too appealing, they've had a serious refurb' since the 90s.

Malmaison Oxford)

Now, A-wing rooms are comprised of three cells knocked together. One is used as the bathroom (that means no stinky metal cell-block toilets), and two make up the bedroom itself.

All the cells are decorated with romantic red and brown tones, huge king-sized beds and TVs on the walls.

And if you want to shell out for a club room, you'll even be lucky enough to enjoy a roll-top bath and a separate walk-in shower, too.

The prison-themed fun doesn't stop there. You can also book a meal at the hotel's restaurant, Chez Mal Brasserie, which used to be the jail's solitary confinement wing. Eery or what?

Malmaison Oxford)

Luckily, the brasserie is now full of life and we can guarantee you won't be the only one there.

There's also a terrace which used to be the prison’s exercise yard, which is open for guests to visit, too.

The building is steeped in history, as before it was a Victorian prison it was the site of Oxford Castle - which has since been demolished.

So, hey, if you're looking for a ghost hunting experience, you might well find that here, too!

To check out prices and book yourself a stay, click here.

Topics: Life, Travel

Joanna Freedman

Joanna has worked at Tyla for the last two years, and has a particular interest in highlighting women's issues and telling inspiring first person stories. She's also their resident foodie, and loves covering exciting new beauty launches. Contact her at [email protected].

@joannafreedman