Welcome Travelingpanties: Malmaison Oxford Hotel. Where to Stay for Unique Luxury!

When we were in Oxford, England on my Visit Britain Press Trip, I had the pleasure of staying at one of the most unique hotels I’ve ever been to. While it isn’t a super over-the-top luxury hotel, it was really unique and I really enjoyed my stay. So check out my review of Malmaison Oxford Hotel–the perfect place to do some hard time. This is one prison you won’t want to escape.

The History

Malmaison Oxford is actually an old prison converted into a trendy hotel. If only the former prisoners could see it now, right!  It’s not for everyone of course, but I found it to be fun and different. The hotel offers plenty of communal spaces to sit and enjoy a cocktail. I just loved looking around and picturing this place as a prison back in the day.  The hotel does a great job of keeping the place stylish while remembering to playfully allude to its dark past. 

The Rooms

The rooms are each converted from three adjoining cells–two for the bedroom and one for the bathroom. I was worried the rooms would feel small but they really didn’t. And since the walls are nice and thick (didn’t want inmates escaping), there is no chance you’ll hear a peep!

Because the ceilings are low, rooms have original iron doors and the windows are barred, they may have you feeling a little claustrophobic if that’s an issue you are prone to. Just something to consider. I didn’t have a problem though.

Rooms are comfortable and feature plasma TVs. The bed was a bit hard for my taste but everything was nice and clean. I appreciated the little things like bathrobes, slippers, tea and even quirky little touches like the custom “Do Not Disturb” and “Make Up Room” signs.

I loved the bathroom shower and enormous soaking tub, which were separate. Though the hot water switches were a bit confusing, once I figured it out it was fine.

Closet/Dresser Details? Not a ton of storage room. They have the thief-proof hangers, which usually makes me feel like a thief, but here it actually worked given the theme.

Charging Situation? Could have used sockets by the bed.

Bottled Water? Yes complimentary still and sparkling.

Coffee maker? Yes and plenty of tea. I love England.

Reading Material in the Room? Yes there were several magazines.

White Glove Inspection: They reuse some of the toiletry holders like for the cotton pads, which I think they should not. Mine were worn a bit.

Makeup Mirror? Nope.

Hairdryer? Small, travel-sized hairdryer (not attached to the wall though).

Designer Toiletries? Nothing I knew, but they were cute and customized for the hotel, with funny sayings. They didn’t have conditioner though. This is a must in my opinion.

The Bar & Restaurant

We had a chance to check out MALBAR, which the hotel advertises as being the coolest bar in the free world. Clever, those Brits. This is a must on my list. I have to say I wasn’t expecting much in the world of cocktails, the bar didn’t seem all that impressive–but then I had two of the best cocktails I have ever tasted. First, this perfect gin martini! And I told our waitress I liked blue cheese-stuffed olives and she brought me over this giant plate of cheese and olives for me to make my own.

And then I also tried my friend’s Spot of Tea cocktail. This was the most perfectly balanced cocktail ever. It consisted of Bombay Saphire, Pimms No. 1, lemon, apricot jam, Earl Grey syrup, bitters and egg whites. Ahh-mazing. I heard the burger is quite a hit too, but we didn’t have a chance to dine here.

Location, Location, Location

The Little Things

The property offers free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. Rooms have safes for guests to lock valuables. This was a nice little welcome amenity (despite that they didn’t get my last name right)

Room for Improvement

The rooms were a bit dark at night, could use a little extra lighting but it does add to the ambiance I suppose, if you’re into the whole spooky vibe.

Hotel Information

Malmaison Oxford Hotel
Oxford Castle
3 New Road
Oxford OX1 1AY
Telephone: 084469 30659

There is also an old prison cell that they didn’t glamorize. You can check it out in this silly vine clip that my wacky friends over at Fangirl Quest took (actually I took it of them). They are the funniest.

*As I mentioned above, I was part of a press trip, which means that everything was paid for so I could review it for you little dahhhhlings. As always, all opinions herein are my own. Can’t buy the love here!*