4. Malmaison Oxford, England
Built in: 1071, established as a prison in the 18th century
Opened as a hotel in: 2006
The Malmaison Oxford is certainly the oldest hotel on the list and has a fairly grim Medieval history, but the rooms which were associated with corporal and capital punishment have been converted into offices rather than guest accommodation. Luxuriously appointed rooms, a quirky cocktail bar and meals that are larger than life (you would expect no less in an 11th century castle), this is certainly a unique accommodation experience. Extra points to this hotel for their punny website which says: “check into this extraordinary slammer where the only hardship is having to go home!”
Coolest fact: It’s a tough choice between the Queen opening Oxford Castle to the public in 2006 and it being the set for a number of movies and television series including 102 Dalmatians, Spy Games (featuring Brad Pitt) and The Bill.
