The highly respected Malmaison group of hotels are synonymous with interesting and quirky buildings, such as a former Episcopal church in Glasgow and a converted bus and tram office in Leeds. However, the hotel in Oxford is in another class altogether, being set in a converted prison. While this leads to lots of jokes about a stay here being a sentence rather than a holiday, there’s no doubt that this is an excellent place to head to if you’re spending any time in Oxford. Situated in the new Castle development, it’s a short walk from the station or centre of town, making it a great base to explore the historic city.

From the striking architecture – skilfully integrating the original prison building into a modern luxury hotel – to droll touches such as recordings of Porridge playing in the public loos, it offers a simultaneous treat for lovers of quirky and unusual places to stay, and for anyone who just wants to ensure that they are going to have a nice time in a luxurious setting. The usual high-end features that you’d expect – decadent and exquisitely comfortable bedrooms, high-end rainfall showers and flatscreen TVs and DVD players – are all present and correct, whether you choose to stay in the converted cells in the House Of Correction (somewhat more sophisticated than they would have been when this was still a functioning jail, which it was up until 1996) or the more conventional newer rooms. There are also some lavish suites to be found in the so-called Governor’s House, suggesting at least one former inhabitant didn’t have it too bad.

Obviously one of the highlights of the Malmaison group are their much-acclaimed restaurants and bars, and the brasserie here, located in the former solitary confinement area, offers a good selection of British cuisine, which might include Valley smoke house smoked salmon or rabbit and baby leek terrine to start, followed by loin of lamb or Donald Russell 28-day aged steak for a main course, and then perfectly complemented by a decadent dessert such as the moreish chocolate and Muscavardo cake. A fine range of wines by the glass or bottle are on offer to suit the meal perfectly. There are also some extremely good value set meals, the costs of which depend on how many courses you have and whether they include wine or not.

It’s very hard to discuss this place without giving into bad puns, so I’ll leave out the ones about this being a captivating or arresting experience. Suffice it to say that the excellent setting, great accommodation and wonderful food make this one of the nicest hotel experiences you’re likely to enjoy in Oxford, or anywhere else for that matter.

For more information, please visit http://www.malmaison.com.