One of the most important parts of a vacation (for a good rest) is accommodation in a quality hotel. What kind of accommodation we choose actually depends only on us and our interests. Maybe we want to go to a hotel that used to be a prison. In fact, some of the most famous hotels were once prisons. Exciting, right? Here are ten former prisons that are now amazing hotels!
10. Hostel Celica, Ljubljana, Slovenia
Once a prison, today one of the most interesting hostels in the world. The space that separated and divided people for a century because of their own world view has become a social center and a breeding ground for different ideas. In July 2003, the first guests slept in Hostel Celica. We can sleep in Cells - 20 artistically renovated former prison cells - or in comfortable rooms and dormitories. The Corner of Peace, a room for prayer, meditation, relaxation and other spiritual practices, is located on the first floor and is available to all travelers. It has 6 niches in which literature and symbols of major world religions are located, one of the niches is empty and travelers can temporarily place their religious symbols in it. The room was blessed by the biggest religious representatives in Slovenia. Two ex-prison females are still preserved in the basement of Hostel Celica. The entrance staircase acts as a camera obscura and is decorated with a fresco.
9. Four Seasons, Istanbul, Turkey
This great hotel in Turkey was once an Ottoman prison. The hotel is characterized by a neoclassical design and an incredible property around the hotel.
The hotel once "hosted" socialist pioneers and writers and even minors and women, which was unusual. Today, it hosts guests from all over the world thanks to a renovation that began in 1992. In 1996, it was completed and guests could begin to enjoy the luxury and superior service that the Four Seasons has to offer.
8. Liberty Hotel, Boston, USA
Today's extravagant hotel was once a prison. The building was built in 1851, but in 1970 the prisoners revolted due to unsuitable conditions. It was declared that the constitutional rights of the prisoners were violated and the last prisoner was released from the prison in 1990.
The hotel is known for its ambient lighting and exceptional decoration. The hotel's balconies offer a variety of views, and amenities include 24-hour room service, valet parking, and free Wi-Fi.
7. HI-Ottawa Jail Hostel, Ottawa, Canada
This Ottawa hotel is one of the oldest prisons that are now super hotels. Today, the building is intended for young people to stay while exploring the area or for young people who need help in gaining independence. Guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast during their stay, which includes coffee, bread, fruit and eggs. Free Wi-Fi is also available, and guests can also enjoy the property's bar, the only prison bar in Canada.
6. Het Arresthuis, Roermond, Netherlands
It was once home to 105 prisoners. Today it is an extravagant hotel for anyone looking for relaxation in the Netherlands.
Some components in the building still resemble a prison, such as the short balconies in front of the series of doors on the floors. But when it comes to colors, this place doesn't resemble a prison at all. Bright colors such as green and pink are carefully added to the decor, and an ornate chandelier hangs from the ceiling. Comfortable sofas await us in the lobby and the floor has been renovated to give us an industrial chic feel.
5. Långholmen, Stockholm, Sweden
Around 1700, the island of Långholmen was a penal colony for women. Today, the island is the location of the chic hotel Långholmen. The rooms are smaller, but they also include a comfortable chair for reading and cupboards decorated with old newspaper clippings. The facility is both a hotel and a hostel and is also an ideal location for weddings. We can see artwork that portrays the fact that Långholmen was once a women's prison.
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4. Llody Hotel, Amsterdam, Netherlands
The hotel located in Amsterdam was once a prison for minors. Today it is a hotel with an embassy for culture, which will give us the feeling that we are in a museum thanks to the eye-catching works of art.
There are rooms from one to five stars, classified according to their size. This is an ideal place if we are traveling alone and don't want to spend a lot of time in a hotel room, or if we are planning a romantic vacation and want a nice room. These are furnished in a minimalist style and bright colors. The Lloyd Hotel also offers a quality restaurant and bar, as well as bicycle hire.
3. Hotel Katajanokka, Helsinki, Finland
Like the other hotels on the list, this one was once a prison. Because of this well-known fact, people from all over the world visit it with pleasure and often call it the "prison hotel".
Some doors in the hotel have bars in front of them. The spacious and rustic rooms are perfect for special events such as an anniversary dinner or a wedding celebration. Each room has modern furnishings and decor, large windows and carpeted floors. The hotel is part of the Best Western franchise and was converted from a prison in 1837.
2. Malmaison Hotel, Oxford, Great Britain
The hotel, located in Oxford, was once the local prison. It is located in a medieval castle, and ancient architecture accompanies us at every step.
The rooms and suites include refined wooden furniture and decor in rich color tones of precious stones. Each of the 95 rooms has Wi-Fi, along with a relaxing shower and extremely comfortable beds. The Malmaison Hotel also has a restaurant and bar where you can book a space for a private event.
1. Jailhotel Löwengraben, Lucerne, Switzerland
Jailhotel follows the trends, and it still has a slightly sinister spirit. The corridors are long and narrow and the room doors always have multiple locks. Although he wanted to vintage and in step with the trends, we are asked why we need all this additional security.
Each of the rooms has wooden floors and its own bathroom. Some of the rooms look like original prison cells and only include a sink and toilet. The hotel is part of the Lucerne hotel group, which includes luxury hotels in Switzerland and Italy.
