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Go Directly to Jail, Do Not Pass Go: The Netherlands’ Prison Hotel

Go Directly to Jail, Do Not Pass Go: The Netherlands’ Prison Hotel

Pursuitist Luxury Best Luxury Blog

Have you ever dreamed of spending a romantic night in jail? Well, now your weirdly specific fantasy can be a reality with this luxury hotel in the Netherlands.

With a drop in crime rates, the Netherlands has been closing down a number of jails, and the private sector is taking advantage of the now empty historic buildings. The Het Arresthuis in Roermond is a former prison that has been transformed into an upscale hotel. The building dates back to the mid 19th century, and in the interest of keeping the hotel connected to its historical roots, the designers have left much of the original architecture intact. This includes original cell doors.

The rooms themselves come in two varieties: the “Comfort Cells,” which are comprised of three former cells, and the “Deluxe Cells” which are former prison recreation rooms. However, the building now offers a lot more creature comforts than it did to its previous residents. Each suite has been tastefully decorated and includes air-conditioning and free wi-fi. The courtyard has been turned into a terrace for fine dining and the old gym has been transformed into a sauna.

At roughly $200 USD a night, a stay in this hotel might be considered a steal for those who like eccentric accommodations and appreciate a bit of unusual history.