16 Former Prisons With Luxurious Hotel Rooms
History meets opulence in unexpected ways in the quiet corridors of forgotten prison walls. Many old prisons across the globe have been converted from dreary places into luxurious hideaways for modern travelers, combining eerie history with top notch comfort. It’s reimagined with refined interiors, cozy rooms and even five star amenities that lure guests who want more than an ordinary hotel experience, but once held inmates in austere conditions. Travelers can sleep behind bars at these destinations, but with fine linens, gourmet dining and top notch service.
What’s fascinating is how these former detention sites have become places to stay, sought after, with interesting histories and lavish designs. All of these prison turned hotels have their own story, as echoes of past prisoners are still blended with the laughter and relaxation of guests. Be it city centre or hidden in secluded areas, these old prisons are way more than a luxurious stay; they provide an immersive experience.
The Liberty Hotel, Boston, USA
Formerly known as the Charles Street Jail, Boston’s ‘The Liberty Hotel’ is a piece of history and elegance. The prison was built in 1851 and housed famous criminals in minimal comfort. Today it’s a bustling luxury hotel dominated by soaring ceilings, gourmet restaurants, and plush guest rooms, complete with original prison walls and bars. Suites on the Liberty are called ‘The Clink’ and ‘The Yard,’ but believe me, the experience is anything but rough.
Malmaison, Oxford, England
Oxford’s Malmaison hotel is a medieval castle that became Her Majesty’s Prison, and has painstakingly retained its historic layout. Now the cells are cozy rooms with soft beds, and each one has a striking mix of historic and modern design. Guests walk through the hallways with iron doors and think of the lives that once lived in these rooms. Featuring rooftop terrace and stellar dining, Malmaison has created a chic, fancy retreat where austere past was replaced by stylish luxury.
Hotel Katajanokka, Helsinki, Finland
Hotel Katajanokka is a reminder of Helsinki’s prison history in Finland’s capital. Formerly a county prison, these are now spacious rooms fitted out with colorful decor. The building’s heavy, stone exteriors belie the warm and welcoming interiors, with a restaurant, fitness center, and garden courtyard for guests. Katajanokka is a quirky place to stay – especially with the prison’s thick original walls still separating each room, making for a surprisingly quiet night’s sleep.
Four Seasons Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Turkey
The Four Seasons Sultanahmet was once a Turkish prison in the early 20th century, a stone’s throw from Istanbul’s historical landmarks. Today it is a luxurious hotel, with guests enjoying Ottoman style interiors, serene gardens and a top of the range spa. Visitors can walk through its arched doorways and past its preserved stone walls and feel the building’s storied past. The results of this synthesis are history and luxury combined in one: guests can sleep in a place where notable prisoners once did, reimagined in all elegance.
Het Arresthuis, Roermond, Netherlands
Het Arresthuis is a former prison in the Dutch town of Roermond that’s now an upscale hotel with a modern feel. Spacious rooms remodeled from each of its former cells with sleek furnishings and minimalist decor; a stark contrast from the past. The hotel’s central courtyard has been transformed into a lush garden where guests can relax, and the on-site restaurant serves a delightful culinary experience that is nowhere near a real prison dining experience.
Alcatraz Hotel, Kaiserslautern, Germany
The Alcatraz Hotel in Kaiserslautern grants you a unique experience with rooms with iron bars on the windows for guests. The experience is a lot more comfortable than any inmate’s. Everything is quirky and cozy — former cells or larger suites. The playful design pays homage to its past without sacrificing comfort and is a fascinating stop for those interested in Germany’s prison history.
The Lloyd Hotel, Amsterdam, Netherlands
The Lloyd Hotel in Amsterdam was originally built as a detention center for immigrants but is now a distinctive hotel with rooms of all sizes and styles. Every room has its character, from prison cells to art-filled suites. In a way, the building’s labyrinthine design alludes to its previous lives. There are many luxurious amenities like plush bedding and modern amenities. If you’re looking for somewhere not quite as conventional, this hotel’s artsy ambiance and creative spirit have made it a favorite.
Langholmen Hotel, Stockholm, Sweden
Located on a small island, Stockholm’s Langholmen Hotel allows visitors to sleep in a former 19th-century prison. The former cells are now cozy rooms with Scandinavian decor. The hotel has a museum where visitors can learn about its penitentiary past and the beach nearby offers an escape from the usual prison imagery. With its mix of history and simplicity, Langholmen is highly suited to travelers who enjoy its heritage and natural beauty.
Karostas Cietums, Liepaja, Latvia
Karostas Cietums in Latvia is a surreal experience for the truly adventurous. This former Soviet military prison offers more of an ‘authentic’ prison stay and has not fully embraced luxury. Guests sleep in spartan conditions, bunking up in beds and using communal bathrooms, and if they choose, reliving an ‘inmate’ experience. A truly unforgettable experience.
Ottawa Jail Hostel, Ottawa, Canada
A creatively repurposed 19th century prison, the Ottawa Jail Hostel allows guests to stay in an actual jail. Individual cells, dorm style rooms with shared bathrooms are optional for guests. The hostel’s design combines its past with exposed brick walls, iron bars, and haunted history. Located in the centre of downtown Ottawa, it is a great place for a history buff on a budget, with an intriguing mix of ghostly history and budget friendly rooms.
San Pedro de Atacama Prison Hotel, Chile
Once a Chilean prison, the San Pedro de Atacama Prison is now a chic boutique hotel in the Atacama Desert. The humble, adobe walls of the structure mirror traditional desert architecture, and the interiors are now modern comforts. The harsh prison structure has been replaced by clear windows overlooking the lovely desert views and the hotel’s outdoor pool. For those looking to explore one of the world’s most arid landscapes, it’s an unusual but serene spot.
Fremantle Prison YHA, Perth, Australia
The Fremantle Prison YHA is a mix of budget accommodations within a UNESCO World Heritage site in Western Australia. From former cells to more spacious rooms, amenities are all included. Despite its authentic prison feel, the hostel is filled with rare charms, guided tours, and storytelling sessions about the hostel’s notorious past. Interested in exploring an Australian prison’s history without sacrificing comfort? Then the Fremantle Prison YHA is a memorable stay.
The Old Mount Gambier Gaol, Mount Gambier, Australia
This heritage-listed prison has been reimagined as a comfortable bed and breakfast where guests can experience what it was like to live in a South Australian jail without harsh conditions. Former cells have been transformed into cozy quarters and visitors can wander the property to feel the history. For that mix of old prison charm and warm hospitality. It is a great combination of history and relaxation.
Auberge Saint-Antoine, Quebec City, Canada
The historical roots of an ancient jail are tied to the fascinating stay at Auberge Saint-Antoine in Quebec City. This charming hotel doesn’t scream ‘prison,’ but it does display some of the many artifacts uncovered during archaeological digs. Its beautifully designed rooms, on-site museum, and high-end dining make it a standout in Canada’s hotel scene and appeal to travelers who appreciate luxury with a history.
Clink78, London, England
Clink78 is a lively hostel in the heart of London, a former courthouse and prison. The building is full of vibrant decor and unique communal spaces and a few of the original prison cells have been preserved for overnight stays. For those interested in London’s legal history it’s a quirky choice. For socializing with fellow travelers the hostel’s vibrant atmosphere is perfect.
Jailhouse Accommodation, Christchurch, New Zealand
Christchurch’s Jailhouse Accommodation is a former prison turned budget friendly hostel with character. The revamped cells have comfortable beds and bright decor and guests sleep in them. Much of the history of the hostel is preserved and there are regular tours and exhibits on display. A top choice for those who want to get a taste of New Zealand’s heritage and have a great place to stay.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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Even if you’ve been on a safari in the past, an African photo safari is something you want to experience or at the very list add to the top of your bucket list.
But first, what is a photo safari? The phrase “photo safari” is not a common sentence structure but its meaning can be deduced easily. An African photo safari in general context means going on an adventure with the sole purpose of taking high-quality pictures.
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