THE five-star Malmaison Hotel in Oxford will remain closed for a second week following a fire that destroyed the former prison's electricity supply.

The blaze started on Monday morning in an electrical room on the second floor and smoke spread to other parts of the hotel.

Firefighters arrived in New Road within three minutes and were able to stop the fire spreading, as staff and guests were evacuated.

The hotel had been expected to be closed for a week, but Malmaison spokesman Nigel Massey said it would not be reopening until Monday, June 25.

He added: "The staff are working hard behind the scenes to make sure that everything is right for when the hotel reopens.

"The chief executive, Robert Cook, has even been down and rolled his sleeves up. There was an incredibly speedy response from the fire brigade and the firefighters definitely saved the day."

A hotel spokesman said they were still awaiting a report from specialist electrical engineers brought in to assess the damage.

Meanwhile, staff are looking at various options, including putting in a temporary power supply.

People with room reservations have being found alternative accommodation at other hotels in the city.

The hotel, where guest bedrooms have been converted from former prison cells, was ranked second in a list of the world's top ten quirkiest places to stay last year.