The Liberty Hotel

Spending the night in the slammer isn't everyone's idea of an awesome vacation, but this Boston lockup-turned-hotel just might change your mind. Located in the old Charles Street Jail, the Liberty Hotel has been converted into one of Boston's nicest spots to stay-- and you don't even have to commit a crime to get a room! Some of the jail's more famous guests included Malcolm X, Sacco and Vanzetti, some badass suffragettes, notorious Boston Mayor James Michael Curley, and German WWII prisoners of war, captured from a U-boat. The original structure was built between 1848-1851 and had several wings (to seperate prisoners by sex and type of crime) extending from a rotunda, complete with gorgeous atrium and cupola. It contained 220 cells, measuring 8x10 feet, but by the 1970s the jail was facing overcrowding issues. It wasn't until 1990 that the jail was finally cleared out and inmates wre moved to a new jail on Nashua Street. Everything about this place is tongue in cheek, from the ironic hotel name to the fact that the bar (called Alibi) is located in the former jail's drunk tank. Adding to the atmosphere are the pictures of well-known criminals (with their alleged alibis) which you can glance over while enjoying signature cocktails like the "Cool Hand Cuke", the "Gordon Gekko" and the "Jail Bait". Even the hotel restaurant, called Clink, lets diners enjoy dry aged strip loin and foie gras in "original jails cells" which "create cozy nooks for dining". If you'd rather not eat behind bars, you can always enjoy a drink and some appetizers on the catwalk, which offers stunning views of the refurbished lobby. They're good about making the jail theme subtle and tasteful. All the rooms are all modern and sleek, with huge windows (and no bars on said windows!) that offer stunning views of Boston, Cambridge and the Charles River-- but I can't help but wonder if the concierge would play along and read me my Miranda Rights. - Roadtrippers "This iconic, newly renovated, Boston landmark is rich with history and full of ornate architecture. Centrally located and steps away from shopping, dining, and Boston Common, The Liberty Hotel sits at the foot of Beacon Hill. Guests are able to immerse into the local Bostonian culture with direct access to the Charles River Esplanade—ideal for running, biking, sailing, and kayaking in warm weather." - Liberty Hotel