In 1066 William the Conquerer invaded and, well, conquered the lands of England. In 1071 Robert D’Oilly, one of William’s loyal men, began to build a castle in his honour on what would later become known as Castle Street (funnily enough), Oxford. In 1239 parts of Oxford Castle embarked on its new career as the city’s community gaol, a role it would hold for the next eight centuries. In 1996 the gaol was closed for the inhumane conditions in which it kept its prisoners. And in November 2009 I spent the night there; well into its third occupation this grand, old and slightly scary building passes extremely good muster as a sumptuous boutique hotel, Malmaison.

While retaining many of the more ascetic features of its previous function – namely window bars and heavy prison-issue doors – Malmaison has been refurbished beautifully, with all modern fittings and fixtures designed to complement the brooding atmosphere and sinister undercurrents of prison life. The metallic stairways and handrails miss only suicide nets to complete a scene from Cell Block H or The Shawshank Redeption so it’s not difficult, or overly comfortable, to remember that typhus once swept through the halls of the building, leaving inmates corpses in its wake, or that executions took place in the rooms beneath you as recently as 1956. But, sprawling on your double bed or reclining in your fantastically accommodating roll-top bath, it’s easy not to care. This is something of a rare hotel, combining quirk value, wow factor, comfort and just a little bit of horror.

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Located a convenient five minutes’ walk from Oxfords main shopping/tourist area and just ten minutes from the train station, Malmaison is perfectly situated for a visit to the “city of dreaming spires.” However, the one unmissable attraction for all hotel guests is the adjoining Oxford Castle. The guided tours are fascinating and despite the early hour, the horrid November weather and a very small group, the guide (we had The Prison Warden) was fantastic; funny, chatty, friendly, breathing life into the well-worn patter that he no doubt repeats many many times a day. It’s certainly an eye-opener for anyone lucky enough to spend an evening submerged in the cells, suites or restaurant of Hotel Malmaison.

Prices: Double and Twins from £180 per night, Superior Doubles from £190 per night, Junior Suites from £255 per night, Duplex Suites from £335 per night, Executive Suites from £395.