Oxford's Malmaison Hotel has been named as one of the world's quirkiest hotels.

Users of the travel website TripAdvisor voted the converted gaol in the Oxford Castle complex on to the list for the second year running.

Travellers decided the hotel, which received £3.7m in Heritage Lottery funding, was more unusual than a giant dog-shaped hotel in America and tree house cabins in Australia.

Steven Woodhouse, manager of the hotel, said: "To receive such prestigious awards as being one of the most quirky hotels in the world really helps to illustrate the strength, passion and vision behind the Malmaison team, product and spirit.

"Our primary business is hospitality and service of which praise from guests and customers is what we strive to achieve.

"To be recognised nationally and internationally only goes to re-establish the hard work and commitment of the hotel team."

The 94-bedroom Malmaison was joined on the quirky list by the Icehotel in Sweden and lodgings made from converted railcars in Alaska.

Mr Woodhouse said: "When in such company as the world renowned Icehotel and the Aurora Express this demonstrates that this is not only a fantastic award for Malmaison but is also a fantastic award for the county."

Malmaison is one of only two UK hotels to feature on the list - the other being the gothic-style Witchery, in Edinburgh.

TripAdvisor spokesman Michele Perry said the list had been brought together by people who were looking for different experiences while travelling.

The award is the latest for the Malmaison following its Hotel of the Year accolade at the hotel equivalent of the Oscars - known as the Cateys.

The prestigious national award was presented to Malmaison Oxford in March this year by Hotel and Caterer magazine.