THE FACTS ABOUT MALMAISON OXFORD

England

Malmaison Oxford was a prison until the mid-1990s but today's inmates can expect a considerably cushier stay than those of old. In a castellated building close to the colleges, the 94-room hotel is at ease with its past: old episodes of Porridge are played on a flat-screen TV just off the lobby, the rooms are named after prison governors and the gym is called the Exercise Yard. But a cream-and-white colour scheme, stripy carpets and comfortable sofas in the public areas make for a none-too-punishing atmosphere, as does the fast, free Internet connection provided in all the rooms. Good-sized standard doubles consist of three former cells knocked together, two forming the bedroom and the third the bathroom. The original high windows have been retained and new ones added to give plenty of light. Black-painted wooden furniture is accented with notes of bold colour (in cushions, throws, etc), and the plump-pillowed beds are gently supportive not a rock-hard bunk in sight. Bathrooms have full baths with plate-sized showerheads, and in superior rooms there are roll-top tubs and separate showers. A buzzy basement brasserie, with a bar at one end and private dining rooms to the side, provides top-notch grills; and the clubby upstairs lounge (with pool table) is a good place for pre- or post-dinner drinks. WHEN TO GO Any time except high summer, when the city is overrun with tourists. ROOM TO BOOK 305, a light-filled, split-level suite in what was once the governor's house, which has a screening room and a bathtub saucily located in the sitting area. CONTACT New Road, Oxford (01865 268400; www.malmaison-oxford.com). COST Doubles from £140; suites from £195