There’s A Light…

There are basically three things in Windsor, England: Windsor Castle, Legoland, and The Oakley Court, aka The Rocky Horror Hotel. When I found out that you can sleep in Dr. Frank-N-Furter’s lair, I made this a top priority. 

Built in 1859 by Sir Richard Hall-Say for his family, ownership changed hands many times before becoming the luxury accommodation it is today. The 33 acre estate includes honey-producing bee hives, bike paths, a 9-hole golf course, and a garden. Oakley Court is conveniently located 20 minutes from Heathrow Airport. Just in after a 9 1/2 hour flight, Danny decided to take a nap and I decided to take selfies all over the place. 

Over at the Frankenstein Place

An annex has been added to the hotel in more recent years featuring newer rooms, but in my opinion, if you don’t stay in the original part of the castle, it didn’t happen. The Mansion House rooms are the original bedrooms of the main house and there are only nine of them. Both times I’ve stayed here, I ended up in the John Louis Phipps Suite (a coffee tycoon who owned the property at one point). It’s beautiful and spacious, and looks out of the same windows as Riff Raff does in the movie. There’s a view of the River Thames and even a gargoyle outside of the bathroom window. 

It’s Just a Jump to the Left

With the exception of witnessing an excited German tourist doing the Time Warp in the lounge one morning, Oakley Court runs like any regular, nice hotel. Unless there’s a special event like the annual Time Warp Picnic, people tend to behave and dress normally. The property has a sophisticated Downton Abbey English manor vibe.  Let’s just say I was glad I didn’t show up dressed as Magenta. (I’m more of a Columbia anyway.)

Science Fiction, Double Feature

The grandfather clock is not the original from the movie, but the famous staircase and entryway are exactly as they were during filming in 1975. Walking through the library, it’s easy to figure where the dinner scene and others were filmed. Other movies filmed here include The Brides of Dracula, The Curse of Frankenstein, and Murder By Death, a favorite of Danny’s.

Don’t dream it, be it

I thought that I wanted the hotel to feel haunted. It doesn’t and this was a pleasant turn of events. It’s well-lit, clean, and downright friendly here. Oakley Court is peaceful and serene and left us ready for our next travel adventure. 

What is your favorite cult classic film?

Tell me in a comment below!