Prisons of the Past, Luxury Hotels of Today

Hotels located in historical buildings with a story always offer different experiences to their guests, but perhaps the most interesting of them are those converted from old prison buildings. The former cells now serve as comfortable rooms and offer the most luxurious of a night in prison.

NoMad, London

An 18th-century prison building was transformed into one of the hippest and most characterful accommodation in the city, signed by American hotel chain NoMad, last year. Decorated in an eclectic vintage style, the hotel does not stray from its past. The main gate, through which the prisoners used to enter, now opens into a magnificent three-story high courtyard. The place where the criminal court used to be is now a ballroom whose walls are decorated with drawings by the French artist Claire Basler.

Malmaison Oxford, Oxford

Known today as Malmaison Oxford, the building has an eventful history dating back 900 years. Adjacent to Oxford Castle, the building was originally built as a large Normandy Castle in 1071. Due to civil unrest and changing political interests over the years, the castle was expanded during the Victorian era. It served as the Oxford HM Prison between 1888-1996 and was later converted into a hotel in 1996. In the basement of the hotel, you can see the real cells from the prison.

Hotel Katajanokka, Helsinki

Located in the center of the Finnish capital, Helsinki, and known today as Hotel Katajanokka, the building was opened in 1837 as the Helsinki District Prison. It remained open until 2002, when the prison was moved outside of the city. After several years of restoration work, it opened its doors to its guests in 2007 as a luxury hotel.

The Liberty Hotel, Boston

The building, known today as The Liberty Hotel, was built in 1851 and served as the infamous Charles Street Prison until 1990. The most famous of the most famous prisoners lying here was Malcolm X. The prison is known for its 27-meter-high octagonal dome, which is now the focus of The Liberty Hotel's design. 30-minute guided tours are also organized for those who want to explore the deep history of the hotel.

Langholmen Hotell, Stockholm

The centrally located island of Långholmen has a rich and interesting history dating back a thousand years. Its history as a workhouse dates back to 1724, when the first female prisoners arrived. The prison expanded over the years and was eventually closed in 1975. Långholmen Hotell also provides access to the Prison Museum, which gives its guests an insight into the living conditions of former prisoners.

Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet, Istanbul

The building was designed by Architect Kemaleddin Bey at the beginning of 1918, as one of the successful examples of Turkish neo-classical architecture, with a capacity of one thousand people. The hotel, where you get closer to historical buildings such as Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace with every step, is a century-old Turkish prison re-equipped for a luxurious life. Located in the heart of Istanbul's historical beauties and offering a unique guest experience since 1996, Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet started to undergo a comprehensive renovation project last year. The date when it will open its doors once again as renovated is May of this year.