On June 12, 1962, three inmates tried to escape Alcatraz.
60 years on, we’re taking a look at the prisons around the world you’ll practically be begging to serve time in.
These cell blocks have now been transformed into hotels, from luxury stays to backpackers hostels.
Not a bad place to be locked up then, eh?
But if you do want to try out life as a prisoner (minus the crime, obviously), then one Latvian hotel will give you the full inmate experience.
Let’s just hope they don’t throw away the key.
The Liberty, Boston, USA
For many, the appeal of a night in a former prison is the presence of nods to its past.
And there is plenty of that at The Liberty, whether it’s the steel catwalks in the lobby, displays of cell keys or the chance to do a few laps of the former exercise yard, repurposed as a pretty courtyard.
Finished in 1851, the Charles Street Jail had inmates including Malcolm X and was a collaboration between architect Gridley James Fox Bryant and prison reformer Rev Louis Dwight, who believed that an abundance of natural light was key to reformation.
Its crowning glory is the soaring atrium, with its vast expanses of Boston granite and original stained glass – and what might just be America’s most spectacular lobby bar.
Book from £288pn via The Liberty Hotel.
Fremantle Prison YHA, Western Australia
We’ve all heard stories about backpacker hostels that have more in common with prisons but this one does – and it’s the reason it’s Fremantle’s most popular budget crash pad.
Built in the 1850s, it once housed Australia’s most fearsome female convicts and you can read all about their escapades via information boards on the walls.
There’s plenty of original architecture and guests sleep in the (surprisingly spacious) cells.
Book from £17pppn (shared dorm) via YHA.
Four Seasons Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Turkey
Built in 1918, this converted prison has been transformed into one of Istanbul’s most beautiful hotels.
What former inmates would have thought of the beautiful courtyard – once a bleak exercise yard – and the herb-filled gardens can only be imagined.
Don’t forget to check out the roof terrace, where you can soak up city views and plan escapes to the Sea of Marmara’s Princes’ Islands.
Book from £431pn via The Four Seasons.
Het Arresthuis Roermond, Netherlands
Expect original features such as bars on the windows and images of mysterious figures in prison garb at Het Arresthuis (‘house of detention’), a former prison built in 1858.
It was initially used to house small-time criminals – although between 2002 and 2007 it was used solely as a prison for drug smugglers.
Try the Jailer Suite with its royal blue colour scheme, inspired by the colour of the jailer’s cap found here during the prison’s renovation.
Book from £144pn via Het Arresthuis.
Karosta Prison Liepāja, Latvia
For the real deal, try Karosta Prison. Visitors to this former military jail can sign up for guided tours as well as sleepovers.
During these terrifying overnight stays you’ll be treated like a former inmate – hence the disclaimer you’ll have to sign first.
Expect interrogations, threadbare blankets and a night in a cold, damp cell adorned with graffiti of former prisoners. Fun!
Book a double cell from £20pn via Karosta Prison.
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