Who would be crazy enough to volunteer to go to prison? No, ok then how about spending a night in a hotel that used to be a jail house?
We had this wonderful opportunity in Lucerne, Switzerland.
You can imagine my joy when I heard that we would be staying in an old jail house. I had absolutely no idea what to expect. Most of us were very curious but there were a few that refused to sleep there. Our Contiki tour leader had his hands full because they believed that bad spirits are hanging around.They found accommodation elsewhere for the night.
Before I tell you what it was like, let me give you more information about the actual jail and why it was so awesome to stay there. This jail was built in 1862 and it was operating as a prison until 1998. For more than 135 years the prison kept prisoners who attempted to escape under lock and key. What came to mind was the movie with Sean Connory, The Rock and Alcatraz prison.
It was subsequently converted into a hotel and named the “Jailhotel” or Hotel Lowengraben.This place really had my imagination going.
Our room had two single beds and a very, very small bathroom. The room is small and it is difficult for 2 people to move comfortably. Burglar bars are fitted in front of the window and it really does feel like you are in prison. The rooms are furnished with the bare minimum and you get a taste for prison life.
The bathroom was tiny and when the door was closed I felt claustrophobic!
If the room is getting too small and the thought of imprisonment is scaring the living daylights out of you then join the rest of the inmates at the Alcatraz bar!
There is also a library with former prison books and a large collection of very interesting items from the former prison. Clothes, typewriters and other items are on display behind glass windows.
At night it was really scary to walk down the corridor and it almost reminded me of the movie “The Green Mile”. Maybe I have watched too many movies.
It was a great experience staying at this jail hotel. It must have been the most interesting place where I have stayed.
Address: Jailhotel Löwengraben,Luzern
Getting There/Directions:
Walk – 5 to 10 minutes walking distance from railway station.
Date: April 2004
Hi SJ, yes for sure! This hotel is not for business people. It is an experience to spend a night in an old jail but for sure not every night! They should upgrade you 🙂
I would be scared too…I am very superstitious!
instead of mints in your bed you get Bubba! Come here big boy…Aoh is this a typo Nelita?A ROPE from the prison priest on display
A, no seriously! They had priests working at the jail when it was still operating. Their ropes are on display 🙂
This is a cool place to stay! People are so original!
is it wrong that this place looks like half of the hotels my company book me into?
That's fascinating. Thanks for sharing. Great pictures.
How cool! If I'm ever in Switerzerland again…that's going on my list.
If these walls could talk…
That must been a strange experience. Just makes me wonder about all those prisoners, how many were going to walk that green mile, how many missed home and wrote letters, how many died in a fight there. Would love to go there and spend a night there. The walls will have many stories and mysteries hidden in them. Wow!
It must have been a fascinating experience…I would love to see it..discover more..
Boy High end accommodations lol Priceline gone bad!!!Really interesting to see this Thankshttp://jpweddingphotograpy.blogspot.com/2011/07/grand-canyon-part-two.html
Hi Anna, thank you for the visit! It was definitely a different experience but something that will always stick in my memory. Regarding the photos, I had such a bad experience with my camera when I travelled to Europe for the first time. These photos are not good quality but it is all that I have. I have learned my lesson when it comes to a borrowed camera 🙂
Hi The Loerzels, yes for sure! It is quite an experience 🙂
The rooms look so small!!! Lovely place!
Hi Rimly, I found it quite interesting that some people refused to sleep there. It didn´t freak me out but I can just imagine what stories there must have been in this prison. It could make such an interesting book! Unfortunately we only got to spend one night there and I would love to go back one day and spend more time there. Especially in the library. Who knows what you might find there?
Hi Debra, yes imagine the conversations!
Hi Alpana, yes it was and I wish I had more time there. So much to discover but so little time 🙁
Hi Jim,indeed! Glad you liked it and thanks for the visit 🙂
Hi Rachel, it was so cool! But that small bathroom was not my best buddy 🙁 LOL..I can just imagine the frustration that you have! Showering should be a wonderful and relaxing experience 🙂
That DOES look like a cool experience! Sadly, my shower is about that size. Thankfully I only get annoyed (not clausterphobic) from hitting the shower curtain and/or wall all the time.
I guess I'm one of those crazy travellers who actually looks forward to sleeping in a place like this 🙂 I wouldn't even mind sleeping inside a coffin, I wish there's also a hotel that offers that service.
Wow! This is amazing! I wouldn't have thought it would've been an experience like this. I truly enjoyed reading your post and the photos you shared as well. It would've been complete if you were made to wear prison shirts and pants too :P…hahaha…oh with number codes imprinted on them. What great adventures Nelieta. Thanks for sharing.
This is very interesting Nelieta. It's the first time I've ever heard of such. What atmosphere did it generate from you? Did it give the same feeling of being imprisoned? Great stuff!
Fascinating, Nelieta! That's taking "repurposing" to the limit!
What an unusual idea for a hotel! Definitely interesting! I think I might be a little freaked to spend the night, considering what it used to be. I can't imagine the untold happenings that have occurred inside! I think it's a neat idea that they preserved it so well for those who are bold enough to partake in such an adventure for the night!
Hi Claire, LOL..I am adventurous but I am not sure if I will sleep in a coffin! Will you really? This was quite an experience 🙂
Hi Melissa, so glad you liked it! This was something different and I wish I had more time to do exploring. You are so right! Prison shirts would have been awesome! A big hug and I hope you have a great day!
I would love to stay in this jail hostel but I am scared of ghosts…LOL! Great post!
Hi BlogNostics, glad you liked it! I didn´t have a problem at all to sleep there. The only thing I did not like was the very, very tiny bathroom and when I closed the door I felt claustrophobic. I guess also the fact that you were locked into a room didn´t always feel so good. But apart from that it was an amazing experience!
Hi Sweepy…for sure! A very interesting place to explore.
Imagine you have to walk alone to your room late at night…it could be scary!
Hi Jessica, yes this is a great idea. I have seen photos of some unusual places to sleep especially in places like Hong Kong where space is an issue. The atmosphere was great and I enjoyed staying there. Something unusual with a long history and I guess a lot of untold stories!
This is the perfect place to stay 🙂