Oxford Malmainson
When it comes to interior design I’d never research jails for inspiration. However, oddly enough some of the most luxurious high-design hotels got their start as a prison. Just look at Malmaison Oxford in Oxford, England. This stylish hotel has 94 rooms and features gorgeous Victorian architecture. Your eye will go immediately to the original heavy metal studded doors, wrought ironwork stairs and three inch thick steel doors before you are fully decided you ACTUALLY want to do time there. Plus, if you are feeling wicked you can even lock yourself in one of the original cells with the genuine doors and bars. If you prefer to enjoy your surrounding for every minute possible, the Guynor’s house has mezzanine rooms with stunning four-poster beds and a mini cinema!
 Oxford Malmainson Tub |
 Oxford Malmainson Bedroom |
Liberty Hotel
Another jail turned luxury hotel is the Liberty Boston Hotel, which was once the iconic Charles Street Jail. This architectural gem used to house tiny cells and dark communal areas, but is now one of the finest lodging options in Boston. The rooms are large, airy and open and feature contemporary décor, which is juxtaposed against the building’s age-old architecture. The lobby is in place of the prison’s central 90-ft. tall rotunda with walkways that circle the walls high above guests. Large windows and gorgeous chandeliers also grace the redesigned space. Many of the rooms also have a spectacular view of the Charles River.
 Liberty Hotel Hall |
 Liberty Room |
Four Seasons
And finally for those who are looking for unsurpassed luxury there is the Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet. Created from a century-old neoclassic Turkish prison in the core of the city – and steps from the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace – this hotel offers 65 guests’ rooms. The building’s exterior of Turkish neo-classic architecture was maintained, while contemporary glass additions were created to connect the series of buildings that frame an open courtyard, adding natural light to the hotel’s interior.
So the next time you travel and want to experience great design as well – try a jail turned hotel for a visit you will never forget.
To find out more information about any of these hotels, please visit their websites at:
http://www.malmaison-oxford.com/
http://www.fourseasons.com/istanbul/
