Pay for a Night in Prison...

I've blogged about underwater hotels, Italian convents, igloos, and more, but recently I discovered the growing phenom of prison stays. Unlike the brick and mortar setting of most prisons, the hotels offer first class service to earn their 4 stars.

In Boston, get booked at the famed Liberty Hotel, formerly the Charles Street Jail. The slammer was originally home to the most notorious of Boston's criminals for nearly 120 years. In 1973, prisoners revolted over poor living conditions and the jail was officially declared unfit and in violation of the inmate's constitutional rights. In 1990, the last of the prisoners were moved and the hotel soon began intensive renovations to a luxury hotel with a team of designers, architects, historians, and conservationists.

A crime of luxury...

Despite additions and renovations, the jail's original granite exterior and light-filled interior rooms remained in tact. Today, the prison turned hotel boats 90 foot ceilings and central atrium. Jail cells were preserved along with wrought-iron windows, and the former exercise yard a carefully landscaped courtyard.

My first question was whether or not the hotel was haunted. I was convinced enough suffering and mayhem had probably occurred over its 120 year tenure to warrant a few hauntings. According to Massachussetes Suite 101, the hotel was cleansed by monks prior to its opening.
So no known spirit sightings, but I wonder how long it'll take before TAPS to show up and debunk or capture ghostly details on film. Real life details of the Liberty Hotel include 'Do Not Disturb' signs reading 'Solitary', plasma TV's, and mini bar. There's also a small gym, but no spa. Overall, reviews are positive, making each customer feel like a treasured inmate guest.

The Liberty Hotel
215 Charles Street, Beacon Hill
Boston, MA 02114
617-224-4000


Take a tour of Boston's Liberty Hotel...