Malmaison Oxford
Oxford Castle, 3 New Road, Oxford, OX1 1AY, GB
Rating: 4.4 ★ (2000 ratings)
Details
Malmaison Oxford stands as a distinctly boutique hotel, carved from a former Victorian prison that once served the historic Oxford Castle complex. Its remarkable design fuses the building's original, imposing architecture, complete with genuine cell doors and wrought ironwork, with a plush, contemporary interior, creating a uniquely atmospheric setting right in the vibrant heart of Oxford. This clever transformation provides an intriguing backdrop, making it an exceptionally memorable place to stay amidst the city's famed university colleges and historic landmarks.
The hotel offers 94 individually styled rooms and suites, many cleverly fashioned from three former jail cells to ensure spacious and comfortable accommodation. Each features inviting bedding, mood lighting, and modern en-suite bathrooms, often equipped with both roll-top baths and powerful showers, alongside flat-screen televisions and complimentary Wi-Fi. Guests can enjoy European cuisine crafted with local ingredients at the Chez Mal Brasserie, which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, or unwind with a selection of cocktails and fine wines in the stylish bar. A well-equipped gym is available for guest use, and in-room spa treatments can be arranged for a touch of indulgence.
This hotel particularly suits those seeking an experience beyond the ordinary, appealing to guests who appreciate a touch of historical intrigue combined with modern luxury. It is an ideal choice for romantic escapes, enriching weekend breaks, or even a distinctive base for business travellers, perfectly positioned for exploring Oxford's renowned attractions such as Christ Church Cathedral and the Ashmolean Museum. The fusion of exceptional service, a vibrant atmosphere, and its unparalleled setting consistently earns high praise from visitors.
Location
Opening Hours
Monday: Open 24 hours; Tuesday: Open 24 hours; Wednesday: Open 24 hours; Thursday: Open 24 hours; Friday: Open 24 hours; Saturday: Open 24 hours; Sunday: Open 24 hours
Contact
+44 1865 689944
Comments
What really made our stay stand out, though, was the staff. Callum at the front desk gave us one of the warmest welcomes we’ve had anywhere. He was genuinely friendly, knowledgeable, and couldn’t have been more helpful, making us feel at home from the moment we arrived.
We also had dinner and drinks at Walk on the Wild Side, and it was excellent. Alex behind the bar mixed some fantastic cocktails, and the food was every bit as impressive. Kieran the food and beverage manager was incredibly helpful. It would be worth visiting even if you weren’t staying at the hotel.
Between the unique setting, beautiful rooms, outstanding service, and great food and drinks, this was an easy five-star stay. We would happily return and recommend it to anyone visiting Oxford who wants something far more memorable than a standard hotel.
Check in was quick and the staff friendly and helpful. We staying in a club room in the new part of the hotel and had a lovely balcony looking over the castle mound. Room was clean, large and well appointed, the bed was big and comfortable and the bathroom nice and modern. The rolltop bath was great for relaxing, especially after walking miles that day!
Breakfast was good, nice selection of fruits and bakery items plus the hot food made to order was brilliant (I am not a big fan of the usual hot buffets where the scrambled eggs etc... sit under a hot lamp for a long time)
Overall an excellent stay in an unusual historical building. Would return and recommend
Malmaison Oxford offers a distinctive experience, as the hotel is set within a former prison complex dating back to the 18th century. Parts of the site, including the “Houses of Correction,” were later additions and are now integrated into the hotel.
The building has been carefully transformed into a modern boutique hotel while preserving much of its original character.
The rooms are comfortable and well designed, blending history with a contemporary feel.
The atmosphere is unique and memorable, and the service was professional and welcoming.
Special thanks to Diana — she was very kind, helpful, and made the stay even better.
Overall, a great choice if you’re looking for something different with a strong sense of history.
The highlight of my stay, though, was the bar experience, thanks to the incredibly talented mixologist, Sam. His creativity and passion for cocktails were unmatched! Sam crafted us some of the most delicious and inventive drinks from the extensive cocktail menu, each one a masterpiece. He was friendly, engaging, and took the time to chat about his craft, making the evening feel special.
The staff were warm and attentive throughout. The hotel’s location in the Castle Quarter is unbeatable—steps from Oxford’s shops, and restaurants. My stay in Cell Room 128 was a perfect blend of history, luxury, and exceptional service, elevated by Sam’s mixology magic. Unique experience waking up in jail on my birthday......for me anyway!!! Five stars all the way.
Staff are so friendly, especially the valet parking staff.
Rooms are spacious and warm, the look of them is amazing, so comfy to sleep in too!
Bonus aswell that they give you hot chocolate not many places do and as I can’t drink tea/coffee it was nice to have the chocolate option!
Will definitely be back and have recommended to a few friends already.
1. We were in the newer part which is above the slug and lettuce, on a Saturday night there's a lot of noise, shouting, music, general arguments and you will probably get woken up by this I'm the small hours of the morning.
2. Our room wasn't ready til nearly 4pm, when it should have been 3pm.
3. The room wasn't totally clean. Floor dirty
The good parts:
1. Amazing location, very close to train station and to Oxford city.
2. Staff very helpful and friendly
3. It's dog friendly
4. Drench shower is amazing, so much power.
5. Beds are comfortable.
Bathroom is huge, compared to othet hotels.
Would definitely stay here again.
All of the staff from the greeter at the entrance to the housekeeping staff have been kind and welcoming.
Now the room is very unique. They created guest rooms out of 3 cells with coffee, tea, plush robes and slipper. The bed is very comfortable and our room was spotless!
The area is very close to restaurants, pubs, coffee shops and historical building. We walked everywhere but take a bus to Blenheim Palace. The transportation service here is great and easy to maneuver.
If coming to Oxford I highly recommended this hotel!