Staying overnight in a former prison

There are currently just over 20 prisons in the Netherlands where people are serving time. There used to be many more. But because prisoners are now more often given house arrest or community service, many prisons have been closed. Some of these prisons have been demolished (such as the well-known Bijlmerbajes). However, there are also prisons that have been repurposed. For example, in the Netherlands, you can find former prisons that have been converted into beautiful hotels where you can stay overnight. A real prison hotel! In these hotels, you can often still see all the old prison features, allowing you to sleep in a unique setting with a special atmosphere. You can also find a number of former prisons on Vipio where you can stay overnight. Check out these prisons below and book a lovely room directly on Vipio.

This stately prison in the center of Alkmaar has recently been transformed into a beautiful boutique hotel. The former cells where notorious criminals such as Willem Holleeder, Stanley Hillis, and master con artist Ari Olivier were once held are now luxurious rooms that guarantee a pleasant stay. The prison’s old staircases and cell doors are all still authentic. This gives the hotel a unique and special atmosphere unlike any other. The hotel offers various rooms and suites, all of which can be booked on Vipio. Check out this overnight stay

Are you curious about what it’s like to spend a night in a real prison? Then come stay at the former prison in Almelo. This nearly 100-year-old prison has housed a hotel since 2006. The renovation was carried out in such a way that the prison’s unique features have been preserved. Sleeping in the historical prison is an experience in itself, but this suite makes your stay truly special. You’ll be sleeping in the prison’s old chapel. Today, the old chapel is a beautiful designer suite where you can enjoy a wonderfully romantic overnight stay. In the center of the room stands a large double bed. There’s also a beautiful designer bathtub on legs. The stained-glass windows really give you the feeling that you’re sleeping in an old chapel. Check out this overnight stay

This tower, dating from 1491, is one of the oldest former prisons in the Netherlands. The tower was originally built as part of the city gate of Middelburg (Zeeland). In 1610, the building was converted into a city prison, and the tower was feared by many prisoners. Fortunately, those days are long behind us, and for several years now, it’s been possible to spend the night in the beautifully renovated tower. Of course, the room is equipped with all modern amenities. After a day out enjoying the fresh air, you can first relax in a lovely bath and then sleep soundly in the large queen-size bed. You can also enjoy the view of the sea and the setting sun from your own terrace. In short, it’s the perfect place to stay for a romantic night or weekend getaway. Check out this accommodation

A unique boutique hotel opened in 2021 in the old town hall of Lage, Hooge Zwaluwe, and Moerdijk. The hotel features several beautiful rooms with a unique atmosphere. The constable (the former title for law enforcement officers in smaller municipalities) used to have access to two small cells (prisons) in the town hall. The cells have been combined into one unique hotel room. Inside the room, you can still see a few charming elements from that era. Important note: these are genuine former cells, which means there are no windows that look outside, nor can they be opened. Check out this unique overnight stay

In addition to these former prisons, there are many more historical buildings on Vipio where you can stay overnight. How about, for example, a 400-year-old windmill, an old pumping station, or a former school? Check out all the historical buildings on Vipio and book the accommodation where you’d like to stay.

Are you the owner of a former prison and would you like to rent it out through Vipio? You can! Contact our team at [email protected], and we’d be happy to tell you more about renting through Vipio. Also, visit our host page for more information about the benefits of Vipio.