In Netherlands, it is common for prisons to close down because of the country's low criminal rate. In the past years, Dutch prisons have closed down due to lack of criminals, and more are expected to shut down in the coming years. Recently, a centuries-old prison had been transformed into a luxury hotel. The former Dutch jail was closed back in 2007, and it's now open as one of the luxury accommodations in the country.
According to Tech Insider, the luxury hotel is named Het Arresthuis. It started out as a prison back in 1863. Now its 105 cells have been transformed into 40 luxury rooms.
Located in Roermond, the property served as prison for 144 years. While the exterior still somehow looks like a prison and not a luxury hotel, guests can enjoy superb amenities inside. The rooms look nothing like a prison cell at all, as each is equipped with modern amenities such as air conditioning and free WiFi. Other facilities stated on its official website are flat screen TVs, mini bar, rainshower and more.
For the ultimate comfort, guests can book the luxury suites which are aptly named Judge, Lawyer, Jailer and Director. Other hotel facilities include a sauna, fitness room and two meeting rooms. In-room massage treatments are also available.
While most of the hotel has been transformed to have a modern design, Tech Insider reports that the Dutch hotel group Van der Valk retained the original cell doors in the building. This was done to preserve its history.
The luxury hotel offers various packages which combine different activities with luxurious accommodation for a reasonable price. Additionally, the former prison also offers tours of the hotel. For 9 euros, guests can tour around the property and learn about its history. The tour lasts for 30 minutes only, and guests are served coffee or tea with Limburg flan afterward.