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.

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

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!

Breakfast was awesome, eggs, pinneapple, peanut butter, coffee. Exactly what I searched for. Toaster for fresh bagels. Interesting info about the living in prison back then on the walls. It's also possible to cook by yourself in the kitchen. Bathroom was clean. Personal was very welcoming. The location is great for that price. I recommend it also for girls travelling alone. I felt safe.

Please do something with the heating, we had over 25 degrees celsius in our room, so we had to have open window all the time so it gets at least a bit colder. I spoke with the receptionist and apparently it's something temporary, but not enjoyable.

For a jail/hostel, it was an amazing experience staying there! The location is also very convenient for visiting all of Ottawa's sights. Given the size of the room, it was cosy-like and the bed was very comfy. Also as a guest there, you get a free guided tour of the jail which was super fun.

For some reason the heating in our floor wasn't working and the radiator was turned off. So it was a little chilly in the room/cell. The staff should provide some heaters in the room. Just for the winter times since it was very cold outside! And there is also very little room in the cell so if you arrive with a big luggage be prepared!

I stayed 2 days. I really liked the ambiance, the architecture, the history, and also the gathering room (2nd floor) with the kitchen and the place to eat : they managed to make it very convivial, but at the same time you can have a moment for yourself. It was like a café, almost. The staff was very nice!

It's not about "Do not like", it's just that because the prison was made to echo sounds and prevent prisoners from having intimacy, sounds reverberate a lot. So if a person is shouting because they're drunk, you're gonna hear it. Other than that, it was nice.

Loved the location, the easy parking, and the room was very comfortable. Didn't try the breakfast but was happy to have that as an option. Didn't have time to do the tour and would try to fit it in next time but the little bits of history I was able to learn about were very interesting

Only downside is I visited in winter and there was no thermostat in the room. I would guess it wasn't 21 Celsius. I was able to get comfortable as I had plenty of warm clothes but I would recommend coming prepared. And not to expect a warm shower (it was lukewarm). For the price, a minor inconvenience.

The staff at the front desk were very informative and friendly. Beds and pillows were comfy. Free breakfast and full kitchen to cook your own meals with a spacious hall to eat in. Wifi was fast. Our tour guide Simon was knowledgeable and friendly. Gave us all a good laugh with the grim harsh reality of the past. A space to leave your luggage at the front desk when your room is unavailable.

The only thing that is different from the previous hostels is the noise echo. The design of the interior specifically enhances noise travel. From all levels. They do, however, provide free ear plugs.

Great central location. The short experience staying there .staff are friendly. Clean facility.

A little claustrophobic being in a cell with no windows and only ventilation is under the door. Having said that- there are other rooms available and you stay there for the experience. There is a large dining/ lounge area. No soap in the shared bathroom and nowhere to hang or place clothes ( except the floor) at least in the bathroom on the floor I stayed at. I guess that’s part of the experience of being in jail.