With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, what better way to tell your significant other how much he or she means than with an exclusive escape? These five properties may have been prisons, but today you’ll find lavish accommodations, sweet treats, and prices that won’t break the bank, instead of the old ball and chain. Read on for five prisons of love in cities around the world.
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The Liberty Hotel
The Liberty Hotel in Boston was designed by architect Gridley James Fox Bryant and Rev. Louis Dwight, an advocate for prison reform. The jail was completed in 1851 and held prisoners for almost 140 years. In 1973, prisoners revolted because of poor living conditions, and in 1990 the last inmates were transferred to a newer facility. Today, The Liberty Hotel offers luxury accommodations, although the outer appearance remains unchanged. The exposed brick walls and historic catwalks in the hotel's modern atrium remind guests of the origins of the building.
Pricing: Rooms start at $275.
Romantic Packages: An Affair to Remember Valentine's Day Package includes overnight accommodations, two glasses of Champagne, two tickets to The Liberty's Pre-Valentine's Day Party on February 13, two psychic readings at the party, and late check-out. Valid for stays on February 13. Packages start at $295.
Guilty Pleasures Romance Package includes overnight accommodations, a split of Champagne, breakfast for two in the Clink restaurant or in-room, chocolate dipped strawberries, intimacy kit, and late checkout. Packages start at $415.
Ratings: Visitors to our sister site, TripAdvisor, gave The Liberty Hotel an average of four (out of five) dots, and 80 percent recommend the hotel.
For More Information: Visit The Liberty Hotel's website for other information.
(Photo: Liberty Hotel)
The Liberty Hotel
The Liberty Hotel in Boston was designed by architect Gridley James Fox Bryant and Rev. Louis Dwight, an advocate for prison reform. The jail was completed in 1851 and held prisoners for almost 140 years. In 1973, prisoners revolted because of poor living conditions, and in 1990 the last inmates were transferred to a newer facility. Today, The Liberty Hotel offers luxury accommodations, although the outer appearance remains unchanged. The exposed brick walls and historic catwalks in the hotel's modern atrium remind guests of the origins of the building.
Pricing: Rooms start at $275.
Romantic Packages: An Affair to Remember Valentine's Day Package includes overnight accommodations, two glasses of Champagne, two tickets to The Liberty's Pre-Valentine's Day Party on February 13, two psychic readings at the party, and late check-out. Valid for stays on February 13. Packages start at $295.
Guilty Pleasures Romance Package includes overnight accommodations, a split of Champagne, breakfast for two in the Clink restaurant or in-room, chocolate dipped strawberries, intimacy kit, and late checkout. Packages start at $415.
Ratings: Visitors to our sister site, TripAdvisor, gave The Liberty Hotel an average of four (out of five) dots, and 80 percent recommend the hotel.
For More Information: Visit The Liberty Hotel's website for other information.
(Photo: Liberty Hotel)
The Jail of Mount Gambier
The Mount Gambier Jail, set amidst sweeping scenery and the famous Blue Lake in southern Australia, was built in 1866 and closed in 1995. Today, guests can see a completely restored cell where three prisoners spent their last hours before being hanged in the 1800s. The modern backpacker's accommodations include twin shares and doubles in former cells and three-bed dorms in the former jailer's residence.
Pricing: A "double cell," which has a private toilet and shared shower facilities, starts at AUD $52.00 per night (about $47, see XE.com for current conversion rates), including linens and breakfast.
Ratings: Reviewers on HostelBookers.com gave The Jail an overall rating of 61 percent (out of a possible 100), and 52 percent of the reviewers recommend it.
For More Information: Visit the Mount Gambier Jail website for more information.
(Photo: iStockphoto/Linda & Colin McKie)
Malmaison Hotel Oxford
The Malmaison Hotel in Oxford was originally built as a Victorian prison, and the authentic metal-studded doors, wrought ironwork stairs, and three-inch thick steel doors are still on view for today's guests. The modern hotel now offers luxury amenities, such as mood lighting, satellite TV, DVD players, and free Internet access.
Pricing: Rates start at £180 (about $290) per night.
Romantic Package: Love Suite Love package includes accommodations in a suite, Champagne, chocolate dipped strawberries, aromatic oils and candles, and a Champagne breakfast from £195 (about $316) per night.
Ratings: TripAdvisor reviewers gave the Malmaison Oxford an average of four dots, and 80 percent recommend the hotel.
For More Information: Visit the Malmaison Hotel Oxford website for more information.
(Photo: Malmaison Hotel)
Jailhotel Lowengraben
This landmark building in Lucerne, Switzerland, was built as the town's central prison in 1862 and housed prisoners until 1998. Today, guests can stay in the comfortable-but-basic original cells (complete with window bars) or in a more deluxe suite in the former prison director's office.
Pricing: Rooms range from CHF 128 to CHF 240 (about $122 to $229).
Ratings: TripAdvisor users rated this lodging house an average of two and a half dots; HostelBookers raters gave them an overall rating of 79 percent, and 77 percent of users recommended it.
For More Information: For more information, visit the Jailhotel Lowengraben website.
(Photo: iStockphoto/ideeone)
Old Jail Bed and Breakfast
Located in scenic Taylors Falls, Minnesota, the Taylors Falls Old Jail was built in 1884 next to a one-story stone saloon, which later had two upper stories added onto it. The jail originally had four cells, and was in use until 1923. The building is unique in part because of the outer walls, which are made out of stacked two-by-four boards. It was restored and opened as a bed and breakfast in 1981. Today, guests can stay in the Jail Cottage, which features a full kitchen, wood fireplace, and private balcony. The former saloon has three suites, including the Cave Suite in the original stone building.
Pricing: Rates range from $140 for the Jail Cottage (in the original jail building) to $150 for the Cave Suite (in the saloon next door).
Ratings: TripAdvisor users gave this property an average rating of three and a half dots.
For More Information: Visit the Old Jail Bed and Breakfast website.
Have you stayed in one of these unique hotels? Know of another romantic getaway to get locked up in? Leave a comment in the section below.
(Photo: Old Jail Bed and Breakfast)
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