The place was rather chilled out and easy going. Just the right environment for a holiday or time off from day to day. Room was soooo comfortable, I slept so well for so long; woke up refreshed each day. The place is clean though the kitchen needs a tad bit of TLC (still above average compared to many other places I have been to). Breakfast is good and wholesome, a well thought out meal to start the day, Location is the biggest USP.

I cannot think of much that I did not like... hmmm... maybe a quick clean up of the kitchen every couple of hours ? This also depends on the guests !

Took a 6 bedroom in female dorm. Had a clean private bathroom inside. Got lucky and was never full with 6 roomates. Great history place. Every 11am they give a free tour. Great location near most tourist attraction. Staff was exceptionnal, really nice, really human. Breakfast included. Great common room with TV, books, kitchen, fridge, washing and drying machines, detergent free at reception.

You don't really have a study/private space for having some tranquility or taking calls/interview/work meeting. Had to make do in my room which was ok. Clicking sound because of old pipes but did not bother me too much. Bathroom was a little smelly (pipes again) but did not bother me too much too.

This was a very interesting experience, that I stayed in a historical jail. It is a unique place. Staff were nice, room was clean. The tour was great.

The only downside of the single cell room I stayed in was the noise—unsurprising, given its original design as part of a jail. There’s no sound insulation, as guards once needed to hear everything inside. The heavy doors add to the issue. I couldn’t sleep well, though it’s no one’s fault—travelers come and go at all hours. The first night was fine with just one neighbor, but the second night was tough: it was Friday, the floor was about half full, and the noise from doors opening and closing kept waking me up.

I got to experience being in a jail cell, a unique experience. The location was great, just a few minutes walk to the main attractions, and lots of nearby stores and cafes (there’s even one beside the hostel). It really looks like an old jail facility, but the washroom and shower rooms were modern, plenty and clean which I didn’t expect. The bed was comfortable, towels and sheets look and smell clean. I like how they put some handy stuff inside the cell like the mini fan, the lights and multiple power stations. I’m quite claustrophobic, but they made the ceiling high so it made me feel more comfortable. Likewise, the staff were really friendly and nice.

Awesome budget place in downtown Ottawa, lots of restaurants available nearby. Explore downtown in evening, lots of shops and mall nearby as well. I booked the bunk bed sharing room which has 8 beds, there is a room key provided and locker where you can keep your hand bag. The locker is of the size of standard gym locker. Rooms were safe and clean, breakfast had limited but good options, enough for the price. The place is easily reachable by bus/train from Ottawa station. The local Train and bus in Ottawa are operated by OC transport. Train no 1 from just outside of Ottawa station goes to Rideau, and from there it's 4-5 mins walking to the hostel. You can buy tickets in the ticket machine or can use Presto card. The ticket is valid for 90 mins and costs 4$. The bathroom and toilets are shared per floor.

It is advisable to bring your own padlock for the lockers, you can get one from the reception which will cost around 6$. Rooms are safe, but it is better to buy or bring padlock and keep your bag safe as you will be staying with 7 other strangers. There is a small light box near bed, which is enough for reading or keeping the bed area bright, but there are no charging points near bed. There is only 1 common plug in the room. Unfortunately during my stay there was a guy who was snoring loud in the other bed, which caused too much discomfort, so advisable to take earplugs. There is no elevator in the property so not advisable for seniors or People with knee pain. Bathroom and toilets were ok, but since it is shared by everyone it becomes bit dirty by morning.

Almost everything. This is the very first time I stay in a hostel for backpacker that sharing space/room & shower/toilet. First I doubted, but booked anyway to get different experience. Surprisingly: 1) It’s super clean 2) well organized 3) secured in strategic location that close to everything in downtown (Byward) 4) I booked a 10-bed room as their suggested to get a spot on lower floor. I thought I would stay with 9 strangers in a big room as seen on website. Actually there are 5 rooms in a bigger room. Luckily, there’s no one booked the other bed, so I kept the room for me ALONE. Yay! 5) the tour, informative & interesting 6) nice kitchen & dining room 7) free breakfast, though the foods didn’t meet my taste, but they seemed good. At least they served hard eggs & fruits.

1) There is only 1 shower & 1 toilet on 1 floor. In my case I supposed share with 9 strangers. Luckily that day -I stayed 1 night only- seemed like there were only 5 people, including me. 2) There’s NO HOOK in the shower. So, how they expected me to take a shower? Wearing bathing suit then dry myself with towel in my room? 😅 3) Will be better if the individual rooms having lock for extra security.

Super central, friendly and a cool experience (could do a jail tour on check out to learn about the history and also had prisoner information showing who used to live in your ‘cell’ aka room)

I booked a private room which was super nice but I didn’t realise that it wasn’t completely sealed off from the corridor, the top and bottom of the door are open apart from some bars which meant i could hear everything. it wasn’t loud and everyone respected the quiet times which i was grateful for and overall this didn’t impact my visit at all and i would happily stay again but i think i would have preferred to know ahead of time so i could prepare

Great location. Always an adventure (stayed here 3x). Good breakfast. Great facilities if you want to bring your own food for lunch and dinner. Love the new touches from the new ownership, lov that its a Canadian company. I slept like a baby. How often do you get welcomed to jail!

Not really a sore point, though it would be helpful to extend the motion light sensors in the washroom stalls. Light goes off when there is no one by the sinks.

And me and my friend stayed in room 605 which had the bunk bed. It was very clean, the bathrooms were also very clean and the showers. There were lights on throughout the whole night I felt safe walking out of my cell to the bathroom. This was a great experience to stay here and learn about the jail, and to feel what it was like being in jail. Thank you so much for our experience I would highly recommend this to my friends and family.

I would not change anything for the money it was a wonderful experience.The location was perfect as we got to walk to all the amenities that we wanted to see.

Staying at this unique hotel, once a functioning prison, was an incredible experience! I stayed in a single cell, and it truly felt like stepping back in time. The atmosphere was fascinating, and the free guided tour of the former prison was a highlight—very informative and well-organized. However, the downside is the noise. The walls are thin, and it gets quite loud, especially at night, so bring earplugs if you’re a light sleeper. I wouldn’t recommend staying for more than one night because of this, but it’s perfect for a short, memorable visit. The breakfast was fantastic—plenty of options and very fresh. Overall, I highly recommend it as a one-night experience for anyone looking to try something different and historical!