Everyone fancies a luxury break now and then, and one woman’s account of her stay at a hotel with a twist has taken the internet by storm.
Nestling in the historical city of Oxford is a former Victorian prison transformed into the chic Malmaison Oxford boutique hotel. This 20th century jail served as a home to convicts until its closure in 1996.
Back in the day, the prison was notorious for its dire state, cramming up to three inmates within cells designed for a single person. Oxford Castle & Prison revealed that prisoners were allocated only one bath or shower and a single change of clothes each week.
There were also few opportunities for education or physical exercise, with the jail imposing these harsh conditions for decades until its eventual decommissioning.
Today, the former slammer has been reborn as an attraction, offering guests the unique experience of sleeping inside refurbished jail cells. Influencer Amrit Bilkhu took to social media to share her encounter of staying in what is rumoured to be a ‘haunted’ hotel.
Amrit praised the venue saying it’s “the coolest hotel ever”, adding to its allure its frequent use as a set for television and silver screen productions.
Starting her TikTok video, Amrit said: “I can now officially say I’ve been to prison. This is Malmaison hotel in Oxford and it is quite literally a prison.” She described her journey to the cell block and how she entered her room, complete with a classic cell door and peephole. “It was so cool from start to finish.”
She also liked the original features of the room from the lockers to the windows. The bathroom boasted a large bath and shower, which left Amrit impressed, along with the “unreal” room service menu. The hotel’s proximity to Oxford town centre is an added bonus.
Amrit said: “We had such a nice experience, I would definitely recommend checking this hotel out.” However, some have expressed reservations about spending the night in a former prison. “Probably haunted,” one person speculated.
“I stay there in a cell room but slept with the light on,” another admitted.
Meanwhile, another remarked: “It’s such a cool hotel, unfortunately I couldn’t sleep because I found out it was haunted the day before my stay.” Despite these concerns, many guests have had a wonderful time without any fear. One guest recalled: “I had my wedding night there.”
Another added: “Stayed there a few years ago, absolutely loved it,”. Another satisfied visitor shared: “I stayed there, it’s amazing,”.
For those intrigued, Malmaison Oxford is currently listed at £123 for a one-night stay for two people on Booking.com.
Would you dare to spend a night here? Drop us a comment below.