If you’re looking for a unique room accommodation during your getaway, why not ditch The Ritz and look for something more exotic? While budget hotels are recommended for backpackers, there are times when civilians themselves would want to pay to spend the night in prison.
Make that prison-like hotels. Provided, of course, that these former prisons have been magically transformed into a clean, elegant, and comfortable living space, booking a cell, a room, and even a suite in one of these old prisons-turned hotels really offers travelers a different kind of secluded experience minus the prison bullies, court appearances, legal charges, and the mundane orange overalls.
We have listed the top prison-turned-hotels that offer unique and adequate room accommodations for backpackers, travel writers, artists, and even couples looking for a something new and exciting. So, are you ready to go to prison? Here are our top finds:
The Old Jail
Located in Mount Gambier, Australia
An actual prison in Mount Gambier has been successfully transformed into a budget hotel for budget travelers. The Old Jail Hotel offers a unique kind of stay where guests would sleep next to a toilet bowl as in actual and functional prison cells; and eat in mess halls with other “inmates.” Unlike other prison-turned hotels with more lavish renovations, the Old Jail has retained its original architecture but the locks on the cell doors have been changed so guests wouldn’t need an officer to let them out. There’s also an outdoor recreational facility where guests can play badminton or just bask in the sun if they’re not out for some sight-seeing activities.
The Martello Tower
Located in East Suffolk, United Kingdom
Initially, the 30-feet tall, Napoleon-proof tower housed heavy artillery and cannons to keep the French from their plans of invasion. The fortress was successful in its original purpose, however, as it stands near the sea, the elements eventually found its way inside the tower. The 13-feet thick walls soon began to rot away at the tip of the Orford Ness peninsula. With brilliant design skills and modern techniques in restoration and renovation, the Martello Tower was eventually transformed into a livable living space with a rich history and a huge top floor where you can entertain guests while overlooking a spectacular 360-degrees seaside view.
The rooms are located in the basement. The effect of Martello Tower on its guests is one-of-a-kind: the 750,000 bricks full of history on the outside gives a sense of seclusion while the warm, comfortable living space on the inside offer a homey comfort. Sure, the steep spiral staircase can be a little frightening, especially if you’re claustrophobic, but it all adds to the charm of this structure’s triumph against Napoleon back in its glory days. If you want to get a taste of the local culture, the Martello Towers lies near Aldeburgh, a small seaside town where you can get try some of the area’s famous fish and chips recipe or visit some small town pubs and souvenir shops for something to take home with you. And on your walk back to the tower, enjoy the untouched natural beauty of the seaside intact with bloodstones and Amber.
The Langholmen Hotel
Located in Stockholm, Sweden
The beautiful and peaceful surrounding of Stockholm gives travelers a peaceful isolation while the Langholmen Hotel ups the secluded feeling all the more. The historical jail was once referred to as the “old Crown Prison” back in the 19th and later transformed into a modern-day hotel with edgy and daring design themes, renovated cells or rooms, mouthwatering gourmet delights from its in house restaurant, and WiFi for the “inmates.” The Langholmen Hotel’s strategic location on the island also adds up to the secluded feel travelers will enjoy when they visit Stockholm.
The Hostel Celica
Located in Ljubljana, Slovenia
Make like Prison Break and book a cell in this former military prison in Slovenia. Complete with the original and still functional cell bars, windows, and doors, the former prison house is now a famous funky art hostel and an art gallery that showcases unique artworks of various artists. Each cell or room has been designed by an artist so you get different vibes from the twenty different rooms. Some of them even have bunk beds to give travelers the feel of prison setting confinement. Just like in real prisons, most rooms do not have its own toilets so you need to go to the upstairs toilets to relieve yourself. They’re relatively clean and functional though. But if you want to feel like you’re one of the VIP inmates, you can always book one of the nine en-suite rooms.
The Jailhotel
Located in Lucerne, Switzerland
The Jailhotel is the first of its kind in Switzerland. The former prison is located right in the heart of the Old Town with a very rich history. Built in 1862, the structure was turned into a hotel in 1999. The Jailhotel has fifty-six room accommodations ranging from the budget-wise Unplugged Rooms to the bigger suite-like rooms called the Most Wanted Rooms. The hotel’s solid doors, windows, and thick walls help give travelers the feel of seclusion. And like in prisons, don’t expect the Ritz treatment with en-suite facilities. After all, the rather clean but prison-themed bathrooms are all part of the experience.
The Torre Prendiparte
Located in Bologna, Italy
During the 12th century, the Torre Prendiparte in Bologna, Italy was used as a fortress and a prison. Only next to another famous tower, the Asinelli Tower, the Prendiparte Tower stands 197 feet tall. At present time, the 900 years old fortress is reminiscent of a medieval love story as it was transformed into a famous and very in-demand bed-and-breakfast for couples complete with live musical performances and romantic settings. The tower’s 12th century 12 floors are all in working condition. There’s also a terrace on the roof that offers a fantastic and romantic view of an old town. For a little spooky history, you can always view the preserved graffiti that can be found at the tower’s lower levels.
