Within these walls

In addition to bringing a ghastly colour shade into vogue, Netflix’s original series “Orange Is The New Black” has also managed to make prison life look cool. Longing for a prison-like experience like the Litchfield Penitentiary inmates? Then check out this list from Trivago.

Once correctional facilities, these buildings have been converted into luxury hotels, boasting unique architecture, comfortable rooms and fine dining. Many retain original features, making it possible to spend the night in a prison cell – with a little added comfort.

Here’s where to stay behind bars.

 

HET ARRESTHUIS, NETHERLANDS

Het Arresthuis is located in the quiet and picturesque Dutch town of Roermond, close to the German border. The building served as a house of detention and later a state prison until recent years, with the hotel opening in 2011. Guests can choose between comfort cells, made up of three former prison cells, and deluxe cells, which are housed in former recreation rooms.

Although the original bars still line the windows, guests will find the cells transformed to comfortable havens complete with flat screen televisions, tea and coffee making facilities, rain showers and dressing gowns and slippers. Staff are happy to arrange flowers, chocolate or Rituals beauty products for special occasions – a far cry from life in prison.

Visit www.HetArresthuis.nl.

 

FOUR SEASONS SULTANAHMET, ISTANBUL, TURKEY

Four Seasons Sultanahmet is housed in a century-old neoclassical Turkish prison in Istanbul’s Old City, with the 6th century Haghia Sophia and the 17th century Blue Mosque a few steps away. Views of these landmarks are best enjoyed from the A’YA Rooftop lounge, which specialises in wines from different regions of Turkey and traditional Turkish snacks.

Today, the inner courtyard houses a lush garden and alfresco dining area. The spacious rooms and suites bear little resemblance to the former prison cells, boasting private bars, large plasma televisions and marble bathrooms complete with deep soaking tubs.

Visit www.FourSeasons.com/istanbul

 

LANGHOLMEN, STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN

Like many parts of Stockholm, Langholmen is situated on an island, incorporating a hotel, hostel, conference centre, restaurant and prison museum. The prison, which operated between 1725 and 1975, was one of the largest in Sweden, housing over 500 cells. Guests can visit the museum to see how former inmates used to live, or alternatively check into one of the hotel rooms – which are housed in former prison cells.

Featuring flat-screen televisions and other amenities, rooms vary from single cells, double cells, family cells and even romantic cells, featuring sparkling wine, chocolate, dressing gowns and slippers.

Visit http://Langholmen.com/en

 

THE LIBERTY, BOSTON, UNITED STATES

The ironically named Liberty is housed in the former Charles Street Jail, constructed in 1851 and formerly housing inmates such as Malcolm X and World War II prisoners of war. Today, this architectural gem has been redesigned to house a luxury hotel with 298 rooms and suites and six different bars and restaurants. 

Those wishing to see the original prison should head to Clink restaurant, where guests can sit in parts of the original cells while enjoying modern American cuisine.

Visit www.libertyhotel.com

 

LLOYD HOTEL & CULTURAL EMBASSY, AMSTERDAM, |NETHERLANDS

Not only is Lloyd Hotel located in a former prison, but it’s also the world’s first one-to-five star design hotel. This means the rooms range in comfort and price, from cosy one-star rooms to deluxe five-star suites, featuring grand pianos, swings, hammocks, milk bottle chandeliers and much more. Each room is unique, created using the inspiration of over 50 designers and artists, making the hotel an icon of Dutch design.

Visit www.LloydHotel.com

 

BEST WESTERN PREMIER |KATAJANOKKA, HELSINKI, FINLAND

Best Western Katajanokka was previously the Helsinki Country Prison, serving pre-trial criminals from Southern Finland between 1837 and 2002. Extensive renovations includes taking sets of two or three cells to create spacious and comfortable four-star hotel rooms, ranging from queen rooms to junior suites, accessible by the original prison corridor. Restaurant Jailbird has a prison theme, complete with exposed brick walls, barred windows and medieval-style chairs

CVisit www.bwkatajanokka.fi

 

CLINK78, LONDON, BRITAIN

Not technically a luxury hotel, but certainly a “posh hostel”, Clink78 is located in a 200 year-old courthouse. The Clerkenwell Magistrates’ Court previously housed The Clash, who were fined for shooting expensive racing pigeons and inspired the name of the hostel’s late-night bar: Clashbar. The former courtrooms now serve as a TV and film lounge and a computer room, complete with the judge’s podium and witness and usher stands.

Guests can also choose to sleep in one of the original prison cells, which accommodate one or two people in bunk beds. Original features such as the heavy metal door, barred windows and steel toilet (no longer in use) remain, but the cells have been refurbished to add colour, warmth and humour.

Visit www.ClinkHostels.com/london/clink78.