{
  "id": 17259744,
  "title": "5 historic prisons around the world where you can now check in",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/30/5-historic-prisons-around-the-world-where-you-can-now-check-in",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-30T17:30:56.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Indian Express",
    "slug": "the-indian-express",
    "url": "https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/destination-of-the-week/5-historic-prisons-around-the-world-where-you-can-now-check-in-10932584/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Five historic prisons across the globe have been converted into modern hotels, allowing visitors to experience the rich architectural history while enjoying contemporary accommodations. Here are four such establishments.\n\nFirst, the Hotel Katajanokka in Helsinki, Finland, formerly a local prison established in 1837. Its Gothic-style design remains prominent, offering guests a unique glimpse into the city's past. The hotel is situated on Katajanokka Island, providing a distinctive stay in Helsinki's architectural landscape.\n\nNext, the Liberty Hotel in Boston, USA, sits atop the former Charles Street Jail, constructed in 1851. The granite building, with its arched windows and central rotunda, retains its historic character. The hotel's soaring atrium and original iron catwalks serve as reminders of its former role, while the interiors have been adapted for modern-day guests.\n\nIn Roermond, Netherlands, the Het Arresthuis translates to \"House of Detention,\" a nod to its history as a prison. Now a five-star hotel, the building incorporates its former cellblocks into the accommodation. Guests can opt for rooms inspired by the original cells or spacious suites with contemporary interiors, all while being close to the historic city center.\n\nLastly, the Malmaison Oxford in Oxford, England, is located within the historic Oxford Castle complex. The hotel occupies the former HM Prison Oxford, which operated for about 150 years before closing in 1996. The conversion preserves original cell doors, exposed brickwork, and iron railings, creating a striking contrast between the building's austere past and its modern interiors. Guests can explore the wider Oxford Castle and Prison complex or venture into the city's university buildings, museums, and historic streets.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "Hotel Katajanokka in Helsinki, Finland, was a prison since 1837",
    "Liberty Hotel in Boston, USA, occupies Charles Street Jail built in 1851",
    "Malmaison Oxford in England houses former Oxford Prison built in 1840"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}