- Courthouse Hotel Shoreditch is open on the site of the Old Street Magistrates' Court and Police Station in London
- Steeped in history, the 128-room hotel offers guests access to a cinema, pool, spa, bowling alley and a sky terrace
- The venue is used to taking centre stage with gangsters Ronnie and Reggie Kray having stood trial there in the past
Spending a night in the cells may not be high on many people's accommodation bucket list - but that could all be about to change.
London has a new luxury boutique hotel in Shoreditch located in a Grade II-listed Old Street Magistrates' Court and Police Station - the same cells that once held the likes of brothers Ronnie and Reggie Kray.
Steeped in history and renovated at a cost of £40million, the 128-room Courthouse Hotel Shoreditch offers guests a rather more comfortable stay, with access to a 196-seat cinema, heated indoor swimming pool, luxury spa, bowling alley and a sky terrace overlooking London.
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Following a £40million renovation, London has a new luxury boutique hotel, Courthouse Hotel Shoreditch, located in a Grade II-listed Old Street Magistrates' Court and Police Station
Cocktails and gangsters: Five of the notorious former magistrates' court's cramped 5ft x 15ft cells have been transformed into a bar area, and guests can have a tipple in the spot where the notorious Kray twins appeared at their first criminal hearing in 1965
Twin gangster brothers Ronnie and Reggie Kray were accused of demanding 'money with menaces' at the property. Involved in a string of organised crime across East London in the 50s and 60s, In 1969 the infamous pair were sentenced to life imprisonment
Five of the notorious former magistrates' court's cramped 5ft x 15ft cells have been transformed into a bar area, and guests can have a tipple in the spot where the notorious Kray twins appeared at their first criminal hearing in 1965.
The holding areas, three of which are named after local criminals, still have their metal reinforced doors in tact and one even features a hard bench and commode used by prisoners.
And forget plain meals, there are two dining options located right in the building's former courtrooms that aim to offer a wealth of choice. One of which is for casual fine dining and the other is an exclusive members' bar.
In total the accommodation has 86 guest rooms and 42 suites for visitors to spend the night, and will be officially opening its doors on June 1 although is currently undergoing a soft opening.
In total the accommodation has 86 guest rooms and 42 suites for visitors to spend the night
Courthouse Hotel Shoreditch offers guests access to a 196-seat cinema, heated indoor swimming pool, luxury spa and a bowling alley
For those looking to splash out, the pinnacle of the collection are the Shoreditch Sky Terrace Suites, two lavish one-bedroom residences spread out across 645-sq-ft of living space. Each will offer panoramic London skyline views and include a private bar and mini cinema lounge.
The buildings of Courthouse Hotel Shoreditch were active from 1903 until 1996 and saw some high profile cases in their time.
It was here that writer Joe Orton was accused of stealing books from Islington library and the Kray twins of demanding 'money with menaces'.
After it closed its doors, the venue became used as a filming location, appearing in productions such as Spooks and Luther.
INSIDE STUNNING HOTELS THAT WERE ONCE PRISONS
Some hotels have standards that are just plain criminal.
From Australia to Europe, former prisons all over the world are now being converted and remodelled into stunning hostel and hotel offerings, which cater to budgets of all types.
Whether you prefer a trendy, boutique hotel in a former medieval dungeon or a five-star resort that once housed political prisoners, one thing's for sure: you'll never want to escape these accommodations.
Hotel Het Arresthius in the Netherlands operated as a fully-functioning prison until 2007 - but is now a chic, boutique hotel
Hotel Het Arresthius – Roermond, Netherlands
This 19th century prison only closed its doors in 2007 - but it's now a boutique hotel offering guests the opportunity to sleep in the former cells.
The property has undergone an extensive makeover courtesy of Dutch hotel group Van der Valk, wherein the 105 cells were transformed into 40 luxurious rooms.
However, the lounge still retains the original hallways, though they've been spruced up some thanks to brightly coloured pillows, atmospheric purple lighting and contrasting white chandeliers.
The chic rooms are now fully outfitted with modern furnishings, yet each has retained its original door.
The 19th century prison was purchased by Dutch hotel group Van de Valk, and its 105 cells were transformed into 40 luxury rooms
However, plenty of the structure's original character remains, such as the hotel lounge, which features cell doors and high walkways
In keeping with the hotel's fascinating history, all four of the property's luxury suites are appropriately named The Jailer, The Lawyer, The Director and The Judge.
On site, there's an herb garden, sauna and several hotel bars.
And where prisoners once retreated for a few minutes' exercise, the picturesque courtyard now serves as a cafe and terrace, surrounded by olive trees.
During the month of June, prices range from €131.50 (£96) to €211.50 (£155) per night.
The Clink78 Hostel in London is a renovated 200-year-old courthouse, offering stays in the court rooms and converted prison cells
Clink78 Hostel – London, England
Set in a beautiful 200-year-old courthouse, the Clink78 hostel is as well-located today as it was in Victorian London - and boasts a connection with Charlies Dickens.
With a modern interior design, the jail-turned-social hub can now accommodate up to 500 guests in converted rooms - including some in real prison cells.
The court rooms themselves are similarly full of history - in fact, Dickens worked here while writing Oliver Twist.
Music lovers should also note that rock band The Clash were fined in this courthouse for shooting pigeons.
The building is steeped in history, with Charles Dickens having penned Oliver Twist while working here
Music-loving travellers will also appreciate this courthouse as the site where The Clash was fined for shooting pigeons
Private rooms are available and some even boast en suite bathrooms. Additionally, a continental breakfast is included for all guests, as well as a city walking tour.
Other amenities include an on-site basement bar, self-catering kitchen and an impressive stained-glass ceiling in reception.
Prices start at £17.50 per night for a mixed bed dorm room.
In Sweden, the Langholmen Hotel is located on what was once a rocky island just off the coast of Stockholm
Langholmen Hotel – Stockholm, Sweden
The Langholmen Prison was a functioning facility until the 1970s, tucked away on what was then a rocky island just outside of Stockholm.
Although it's now being used as a hotel and hostel, the jail is particularly noteworthy for being the location of Sweden's last execution before capital punishment was abolished in 1921.
The renovated cells may be small, but what they lack in size, they make up for in character.
The former prison was in operation until 1975 and is particularly noteworthy for being the site of Sweden's last-ever execution
Although the prison-turned-hotel is located on a private island, it's only a short distance away from the sites of Stockholm
Though the cells may be small, several themed experiences can be organised in the Langholmen, such as a 'day in the life of a prisoner' weekend
Additionally, guests can organise themed stays, such as romantic getaways - wherein chocolate, sparkling wine and fruit will be waiting in the cell when you arrive - or a day in the life of a prisoner experience that culminates with an authentic jail supper.
There's also an on-site museum so that visitors can learn more about the prison's storied 250-year history, as well as a unique outdoor cafe with segmented eating areas.
Though once barren, the island's surroundings are far more lush today thanks, largely, to the work that the prisoners did covering the land with mud dredged from the waterways.
An overnight stay in the hotel starts at 895 Swedish krona (£70), while sharing a dorm-style hostel room costs just 225 Swedish krona (£18) per night.
The trendy Malmaison hotel is located in Oxford's Castle Quarter in a revamped prison inside a medieval castle
Malmaison – Oxford, England
Now one of the town's trendiest hotels, the Malmaison is housed in a revamped prison inside a medieval castle.
There are 95 comfortably-appointed rooms and suites, though only 38 of them are located in the original jail cells of A-wing.
Of those more authentic offerings, each is converted from three adjoining cells - two of which make up the room and one for the bathroom - and all boast thick walls, original iron doors and barred windows.
As well as the 95 rooms, there's also an on-site neon-lit cocktail bar and a classic, cosy brasserie with dark wood accents (pictured)
For an authentic experience, choose a room in A-wing at Malmaison Oxford, where guestrooms are comprised of three cells - two for the bedroom and one for the bathroom
Ideally located in Oxford Castle Quarter, the hotel is just steps away from some of the best restaurants and bars in the city.
However, for those who prefer to stay in, there's also an on-site neon-lit cocktail bar and a classic, cosy brasserie.
A popular location for weddings, the original prison wing, with its high walkways is truly the piece de resistance of the hotel, but as might be expected: a stay in those particular rooms will cost a bit more.
Prices start from £127 per night.
The Fremantle Prison hostel is the only one in Western Australia that also boasts World Heritage status
Fremantle Prison YHA – Fremantle, Australia
This modern hostel, which boasts a mix of private and shared rooms, is the only one in the area with World Heritage status.
While there are private ensuite rooms for those who prefer a little added luxury, actual prison cells can also be booked.
First built in the 1850s and having housed prisoners all the way up until 1991, the women's division of the prison is the part now open for business.
There are also perfectly preserved Victorian-style guards cottages available for rent.
Guests can relax outside on the lawn at the Fremantle, which was once the prisoners' yard, or whip up a meal in the facility's former cookhouse
Having been built in the 1850s, the Fremantle jail housed convicts until 1991 and it's the women's division that's now open for business
Guests can relax outside on the lawn, which was once the prisoners' yard, or whip up a meal in the facility's former cookhouse.
Sure, cells are basic, but you're here for the ambiance, not the amenities.
Rooms run anywhere between AUS$28 (£14) for a bed in a mixed dorm to AUS$140 (£70) for a family room with private bathroom
Den Gamle Arrest Hotel – Ribe, Denmark
The 'Old Prison,' as its known, was originally built in 1546 as a residence for the assisting priest at the Cathedral.
After being converted into a girls' school in 1841, the building was used as a prison for almost 100 years - from 1891 to 1989 - before being sold to a private owner.
Today, the ground floor houses a clothing shop while the cellar, which was previously the dungeon, sells hand dipped candles.
On the second floor, there are several prison cells available to be booked, and on the top floor, cosy rooms with sloped attic walls offer stellar views of the city's only storks' nest on top of the old town hall.
For those looking to host their special day at the prison, a bridal suite is also available on the ground floor - complete with a four-poster bed and a bar.
Out back, the courtyard has been transformed into a beautiful garden with fragrant roses. Best of all, the brick walls that surround the courtyard still bear the prisoners' inscriptions, such as their names, addresses and the length of their sentences.
Prices start at 740 Danish Krone, or about £73, per night.
For those more adventurous travellers, the Karostas Cietums Military Prison in Latvia offers immersive overnight stays for guests
Karostas Cietums Military Prison – Liepaja, Latvia
This military prison has remained unchanged since its beginnings and is now open for overnight stays during the summer months.
Dating back to Tsarist times, this is certainly not a luxurious property. Instead, visitors will experience the harsh reality of prison life during their themed stay.
For the daring, there's the 'extreme night' option which includes an extravagant 12-hour immersive show experience.
The building dates back to Tsarist times and offers visitors the chance to experience the harsh reality of prison life over 12 hours
From 9pm until 9am the following morning, guests will play the part of a prisoner for a dismal overnight stay.
There's also the opportunity to participate in a 24-hour experience: a 'day in the life' of a guard or a VIP programme to the North forts, where visitors can experience a possible arrest, interrogation and a lunch in the prison canteen.
No matter which adventure you choose, one night's lodging runs to about €12 (£9) a person, but must be organised in advance.
Overlooking the Old City, the Four Seasons Hotel at Sultanahmet once housed some of Turkey's most famous political prisoners
Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet – Istanbul, Turkey
It's almost impossible to imagine that this luxurious, 65-room hotel was once an Ottoman prison.
Located in the Old City, the guest rooms and suites all circle a manicured courtyard complete with herb garden - though over 100 years ago, it was convicted criminals who could be spotted spending time in the yard.
Sultanahmet was actually the first jailhouse in the capital of the Ottoman Empire, and was believed to have been constructed in 1918-1919.
The breathtaking three-storey building was constructed in Turkish neoclassical style next to the town's courthouse building
Today, the 65 guest rooms and suites at the Four Seasons all overlook a central courtyard, complete with an open-air pavilion and restaurant
Inside, select the room that once housed dissident writers like Nazim Hikmet, or outside, tuck into Turkish cuisine served in the yard's open-air pavilion and restaurant.
The three-storey building was constructed in Turkish neoclassical style, directly next to the courthouse building, which originally acted as a university and is conveniently only minutes by foot from the Blue Monsque and the Topkapi Palace.
Double rooms begin at £320.
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