Not because any crime has been committed, but because they have chosen to sleep in an old detention facility that has been converted into a luxury hotel. curious?
The buildings that once housed prisons give a special charm: large spaces, sequence of elements, play of light and shadow. Similar to cathedrals, knowing who inhabited them when they were working adds food for thought and spark for imagination. Imposing suitable buildings to transform into Upscale hotel facilities, which today provide the comfort of private and quiet spaces, perfect for our collective need to get rid of frenzy and stress. On the heels of this globally spreading hospitality trend, Pianeta Design has reported on 6 destinations where you can stay overnight with added excitement.
Bodmin Gill Hotel, Cornwall
From ruin to boutique hotel. In Bodmin, Cornwall, the studio has restored an abandoned 18th century prison Twelve architects Today it houses the hotel Bodmin JailWhich has become one of the most successful tourist destinations in the region. 70 rooms retaining the original stone walls were created in the prisoners’ cells. The cocktail bar, gym and café are located in the former administrative offices, while the restaurant is now located in the prison chapel. to report Exquisite glass cover: 214 sunroofs reminiscent of the original historical roof windows, which have been adapted to the requirements of the new project not only from an aesthetic point of view, but also from an environmental and energy point of view. As Hannah Baker of Twelve Architects points out:
The Velux Glazing skylight allowed us to retain natural light and open up the view to the historic ventilation tower, creating just the atmosphere we were looking for.
Good hotel, London, UK
For the exclusivity of the transformation from a former prison to a luxury accommodation facility, the Good hotel London adds the characteristic of being a “boat hotel”. Originally a detention center for illegal immigrants in the Netherlands, the building was moved from Amsterdam across the North Sea and is now moored at the Royal Victoria Dock in the Docklands. Simple post-industrial spaces, Nordic design, an iPad like TV, and a rooftop bar with a stunning view of the Thames are among the reasons to stay. Last but not least is Good Hotel’s commitment to unemployed employees from the local community. Trained and run thanks to a program funded with the same profits as the hotel, the aim is to secure permanent jobs.
Het Arresthuis Hotel, Roermond, The Netherlands
Active for nearly two centuries as a maximum security prison and dismantled in 2007, it now houses the hotel Het arresthuis, a luxurious structure transformed after a careful architectural redesign into a place full of charm thanks to some elements that have remained original. The rooms – called The Jailer, The Lawyer, The Director, The Judge… – open into a hall located in the old central corridor of the prison and each retains its original safety door.
Katajanokka Hotel, Helsinki, Finland
In the city centre, the Helsinki District Prison operated until 2002. When a new prison was built on the outskirts, the building was converted into what is now the Hotel Katajanoca. After extensive renovations, it opened its doors in 2007 offering its guests the charm of a building full of history: original furnishings and rooms equipped with all the comforts that preserve the atmosphere of the past. The restaurant’s menu features dishes named after the building’s past, while drinks are served in tin cups.
Langolmen Hotel, Stockholm, Sweden
Visiting it now, full of life and parks, one wouldn’t think that Llangolmen Island was home to a prison for so long. In fact, the arrival of the first prisoners in the structure dates back to 1724, which was closed in 1975. Today those who remain Langolmen Hotel Enjoy the beach and jogging trails, sleep in rooms furnished in Nordic design, and enjoy a base within walking distance of central Stockholm. But in order not to forget the history of the building, the hotel provides free admission to the Prison Museum, which chronicles the living conditions of ex-convicts.
Liberty Hotel, Boston, USA
Malcolm X was also held in the Charles Street Jail, perhaps the most famous name associated with this prison which was built in 1851 and decommissioned in 1990. Today it is Liberty Hotel, which retains the octagonal plan and the 27-meter-high round tower of the original building, which are two elements that characterize the current 4-star structure. Majestic spaces, lounges with leather seating, crystal chandeliers, and unforgettable views of the city make this hotel a must-see destination for anyone visiting Boston.
A night in jail: see photos of the hotel
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