A Dutch Jail Transforms into a Tony Hotel

March 4, 2013 at 10:01 AM | by Chanize | Comments (0)

First we talked about the The Thief hotel in Oslo, so naturally there�d have to be a �prison� hotel, right? Of course, this concept isn�t new, we�ve seen former lockups transformed into tony properties�but the latest�the Het Arresthuis in The Netherlands certainly seems to be one of the most design forward that we�ve laid eyes on.

Once one of the hardest jails in the country, it shut down in 2007. The prison, which was originally built in 1862 was then gutted and turned into a 40-room hotel. Still, the two tiers remain, reminding you of its penal past.

Thank goodness this isn�t some �experience three hots and a cot� theme spot, where you pretend you�re a prisoner for a night (though the robes do have mock prison numbers on the back) and suites have kitschy names like The Jailer, The Lawyer, The Director and The Judge. Otherwise, your converted cell is now a deluxe room or suite that�s tastefully decked out with a double bed, interesting art work, a flat screen TV. And WiFi is included in the rate as well. The building's exterior is a bit confusing as the bars on the window still scream "prison", so we'd like to know if the views from your room are obstructed or if it's all for show. From the looks of the room pic above, it's the latter.

Join the rest of the general population in the central living area that�s accented with mood lights and quirky lounge chairs, the fitness center, sauna, or head out to the former yard which is now a caf� where you can get a coffee and enjoy the taste of freedom caffeine.

Rates begin at $153 per night, including breakfast.

[Photos: Het Arresthuis]

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