Former Dutch prison gets chic makeover as boutique hotel — Experience "eating jail food" à la Prison Break

▲ A boutique hotel transformed from a Dutch prison. (Photo / Het Arresthuis Facebook page)

By Rita

Breathing new life into old spaces not only gives them fresh meaning but also creates unique charm. When traveling in Europe, visitors can actually find many boutique hotels converted from former prisons. Though prisons are made up of various rooms, their spaces still exude a distinctive atmosphere.

▲ The Dutch prison hotel "Het Arresthuis." (Photo / Het Arresthuis Facebook page)

According to Lonely Planet, the Netherlands' "Het Arresthuis" is located in Roermond. This prison was built in 1863, and guests can still see the original windows, prison doors, and iron staircases upon check-in. Inside, all facilities have been updated to modern standards, and if you want to throw a party, you can even rent out an entire floor, accommodating up to 200 people.

▲ The Dutch prison hotel "Het Arresthuis," showing its original interiors. (Photo / Het Arresthuis Facebook page)

Over the past four years, due to a significant drop in crime rates, at least 19 prisons have shut down. The Dutch government has either rented them out to other countries or repurposed them as shelters for refugees, and of course, converting them into hotels is also a popular option.

Het Arresthuis prison hotel
Address: Pollartstraat 7, Roermond
Website: https://www.hetarresthuis.nl/