If you’re looking for one of HostelBookers’ more unusual hotels take a look at our range of jails. Don’t worry, you won’t be locked up for the night or fed gruel, denied use of the toilet in the bedrooms or have to count the days until you’re released. These jails have been updated and refurbished to a high standard with comfy beds, communal areas and you’ll even get your own key. Why not spend the night in a jail for Hallowe’en?
Jailhotel Löwengraben, Switzerland
Switzerland’s first prison hotel, the Jailhotel Löwengraben, was built in 1862 and used a prison until as recently as 1998. Located in the heart of the historical old town of Lucerne, it’s just five minutes from the railway station and other top tourist attractions such as the Kapellbrücke and the Bucherer Watch Shop. There are rooms to suit all budgets too: you can stay in an “unplugged” cell, which has been recreated in cooperation with the local memorial board.
The cells are equipped with a toilet and wash basin – in a separate lockable room, of course – and a shower across the hallway. If you want to experience the jail in style book a bed in the Director’s Office, or even in the former library. Breakfast is included and so is entry to the Club Strichpunkt downstairs. Rooms start from €26.77 per person per night.
HI-Ottawa Jail Hostel, Canada
Located in downtown Ottawa, the HI-Ottawa Jail Hostel was the Carleton County Gaol for more than 100 years. As you can imagine, the hostel has many stories, but there’s no doubt about one legend: the hostel is haunted. Sounds of clanking chains, banging pipes and visions of ghostly figures are a regular occurrence. Dorm rooms are in former jail cells, the prison hospital or even the governor’s quarters within the huge Victorian building. Tours are available to see what jail life was really like back in the day.
Nearby, you’ll find Parliament Hill, the National Gallery of Canada, the Byward Market and the National War Museum among many other great Canadian sites. There’s complimentary Wi-Fi, a fully equipped kitchen, a TV and games lounge with satellite and free movies, a dining room, a laundry and also on-site parking. You’ll also find the Mugshots Bar where you can chat with your fellow inmates, err we mean, travellers. Rooms start from €16.75 per person per night.
Jailhouse Accommodation, New Zealand
This family-run hotel is housed in the former Addington Jail, although you wouldn’t believe it. The NZ Historic Places Trust listed heritage building has been lovingly renovated and is now a modern youth hostel with 30 rooms suitable for singles to dorms. Preparing food in the fully equipped guest kitchen will save you time and money, giving you more time to explore the area.
There’s also a cinema room, free pool table, free Wi-Fi, free parking and it’s close to the Christchurch Railway Station. There are coffee shops, restaurants and music venues just around the corner.
Alternatively, hire a bicycle and explore the nearby Addington Raceway, Hagley Park, Tower Junction Shopping or the Westpac Centre. Rooms start from €19.55 per person per night.
