Former prisons are not exactly the kind of places that one associates with luxury
hotels, but imaginative hoteliers have converted these historic structures into the
world’s most unique retreats.
These special properties are replete with interesting criminal justice histories and
amenities their former occupants would never have believed in.
The Liberty Hotel, Boston
Formerly infamous Charles Street Jail, this swanky property retains its original
catwalks and cells in its lobby bar. Rooms are located in a new tower with
spectacular city views.
Restaurants ‘Clink’ and ‘Alibi’ in the landmark 1851 building are amusingly named references to its former inhabitants.
Malmaison Oxford, England
Once Victorian-era cells, these are now plush bedrooms in this medieval castle
turned prison turned hotel. Original iron doors and walkways are still extant, while
former exercise yards are now the site of elegant garden cocktail parties.
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Hotel Katajanokka, Helsinki
This Nordic former prison retains its red brick facade and high walls but contains
inviting rooms fashioned by combining three cells each. The prison chapel is an
event space nowadays, and isolation cells have reincarnated into wine cellars.
Jailhotel Löwengraben, Lucerne
Ex-prison cells have been remodeled into minimalist modern rooms with Swiss
precision yet still retain historical details. ‘Guilty Bar’ does drinks in the former prison
library where guests can peek into a preserved 19th-century isolation cell.
Four Seasons Ljubljana, Slovenia
A one-time military prison now boasts one of Europe’s most sophisticated hotels,
with original baroque details meticulously restored. Cell blocks have been recycled
as luxury suites, and the exercise yard as a magnificently glass-covered atrium
restaurant.
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Courthouse Hotel, London
This former magistrates’ court sentenced Oscar Wilde before being redeveloped as a
five-star hotel. Original courtrooms serve as private dining rooms and a former prison
cell houses the hotel’s collection of gins.
Het Arresthuis, Netherlands
Meaning ‘House of Arrest,’ this former prison is now a hotel in the Dutch style. Its
foreboding exterior houses polished contemporary interiors. Spacious rooms are
made from former prison cells, and the prison yard is a fine dining garden restaurant.
Liberty Hotel, Australia
Overlooking historic Port Arthur, rooms within this heritage-listed Tasmanian prison
are set in former officers’ quarters. Original solitary confinement cells display history;
modern wings have luxurious accommodation.
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Hostelling International Ottawa Jail
The old Carleton County Gaol has been renovated with preserved prison cells that
budget travelers can call home. Take historic tours down Death Row and through the
gallows, then enjoy modern common areas with hostel amenities.
The Old Mount Gambier Gaol
This Australian state prison provides simple cell accommodations or luxury suites.
Enjoy unique dining in the old guard towers or catch an outdoor movie or event in the
old exercise yard.
Långholmen Hotel, Stockholm
Once Sweden’s largest prison, this island property now offers peaceful rooms in
former cells and guard quarters. The prison museum remains active, and guests can
join guided history tours between spa treatments.
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Null Stern Hotel, Switzerland
A former nuclear bunker and temporary prison transforms into unique accommodation deep underground. Original blast doors and ventilation systems remain functional, while rooms offer unexpected comfort in concrete surroundings.
The Thief, Oslo
Named for its location in the historic thieves’ quarter, this modern hotel incorporates
parts of an old prison into its design. Former cell blocks are filled with contemporary
art, and the rooftop bar looks out over the old prison exercise yard.
Alcatraz Hotel, Kaiserslautern
This German property brings prison aesthetics into a modern setting – complete with
striped PJs and cell-style rooms. Original prison furniture mingles with luxury
amenities in a space that’s playful to the core.
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Lloyd Hotel, Amsterdam
This historic building was a prison for emigrants. Nowadays, it is home to anything
from budget rooms to five-star suites. Art installations are housed in the original
detention areas, and old cells have been converted into individually designed
guestrooms.
The Old Jail, Jim Thorpe
This 19th-century American prison offers historic tours alongside boutique
accommodation in converted cell blocks. Ghost tours show visitors the darker side of
the prison’s history, while suites have been installed in the former warden quarters.
Pentridge Prison B Division, Melbourne
Modern apartments occupy the former B Wing of this infamous Australian prison, but
much of the old architecture remains in place. Tours of historic aspects coexist with
hotel services, while what were once exercise yards become garden courtyards.
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Malmaison Aberdeen, Scotland
This granite city landmark, a one-time Victorian prison, has been refitted with sleekly
designed modern rooms. The champagne bar has moved into what was once the
prison governor’s office, while its cells have become slinky sleeping quarters.
Ljubljana Castle Prison, Slovenia
Medieval prison cells inside Ljubljana Castle have now opened their doors to hostel
guests in a very unique style. The original features of the dungeon are still visible,
while modern amenities make for comfortable stays amidst historic surroundings.
Jailhouse Inn, Rhode Island
This old county jail in Newport houses some pretty charming rooms decked out in
prison memorabilia and historic snaps. Original cell doors, repurposed as
headboards, add a touch of authenticity, though thankfully, modern amenities ensure
comfort that well outstrips historical accuracy.
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Feel at Home in Jail
From the depths of darkness, these unique hotels transform spaces into comfort and
curiosities. Be it for historic ambiance or unusual luxury; former prisons offer stays
that are unforgettable – a time when guests check in rather than being convicted.
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