Malmaison, Oxford
by Nina Cuthbert
Above: Malmaison, Oxford
The History: Right in the town centre, Malmaison Hotel used to be a prison until 11 years ago. The architecture is grand and opulent and the lobby area is regal and luxurious, oversized chairs and thick pillars indicating that the hotel is still very much in keeping with Her Majesty’s Service…you are, however, obviously given a key to your room.
The Room: There are rooms in the old parts of the prison, with bare brickwork on display and rooms in the new annexe that come complete with balconies. The presentation is impeccable with flat-screen televisions on the walls, high Princess and the Pea-style beds and bathtubs that you wish you could take home with you.
The Restaurant: The brasserie located below the lobby is a cosy area with neutral yet very warm décor. The neighbouring bar is elaborate and all staff are attentive with impressive knowledge of the extensive wine list. On the menu are a variety of dishes, complete with chef’s specials; the pâté starter was instantly forgettable but the smoked salmon tasted fresher than any Japanese sushi. Main course, fillet steak was a little overcooked with an inventive, if a little strange, accompaniment of steamed spinach and cheese but the whole sea bass was excellent and the side of potato pureé is so good you will want bowlful after bowlful. Desserts are varied and the cheese selection is bounteous. The chocolate fondant is particularly good.
The Upside: Extremely fast and completely free internet access in the bedroom and the fact that Malmaison encourage you to take the toiletries. And they are seriously worth taking, even if you can’t savour the satisfaction of having stolen them.Oxford is a stunning city to visit with enviable architecture, beautiful churches and of course, the world famous University. There is ample shopping and if Debenhams is up your street – you’ve never seen it in a building like this before. The neighbouring villages are worth visiting too, most notably Dorchester-on-Thames. For those who love thatched cottages and quaint pubs, an old post-office and, of course, water water everywhere.
The Downside: There is parking for only 15 cars for 80 rooms so either book well in advance or face the nearby multi-storey…
The Details: Suites from £220-£360 per night; Standard doubles from £150 per night; Superior doubles from £180 per night.
Malmaison Oxford, 3 Oxford Castle, New Road, Oxford,
OX1 1LD, 01865 268 400
www.malmaison-oxford.com