Hot List Hotels 2006
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3 Oxford Castle
Oxford
England
Tel: 44 1865 268 400
The British boutique hotel chain has contrived the United Kingdom's first prison-into-hotel conversion as part of an urban renewal project taking place at Oxford Castle, situated between Oxford's train station and shopping district. Now you can rest your head where felons slept until 1996—although truth be told, fully three of the barrel-roofed cells were allotted for each double room and bath. Mal has had to preserve many of the original features of the prison, which was rebuilt in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries on its medieval foundations. The brass door bolts and cast-iron walkways and staircases remain, but the overall effect is warmed and softened by the deft use of fabrics and color in the refurbished cells and in the ancient dungeon, where you can now dine and drink to these improved times.
When to go: Spring through fall.
Which room to book: Nos. 101 through 139 for the luxe jailbird experience, or one of the split-level suites in the governor's old house (doubles, $245–$280).
Amenities:
Bar/lounge,
Gym
Information may have changed since date of publication. Please confirm details with individual establishments before planning your trip.
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