From Cells to Cocktails: The Spooktacular History of Boston's Liberty Hotel
Ever dreamt of sleeping in a place where notorious criminals once roamed? Well, ditch the orange jumpsuit, because in Boston, that dream can become a luxurious reality! That's right, we're talking about the one-and-only Liberty Hotel, a place that used to be the infamous Charles Street Jail.
From Clink to Clink (But With Better Drinks)
Built in 1851, the Charles Street Jail was no walk in the park (unless your park involved clanging cell doors and questionable gruel). This granite granddaddy housed a colorful cast of characters, from petty thieves to political prisoners. Fun fact: They even held the infamous Boston Strangler, Albert DeSalvo, for a while. Guess those bars weren't enough to keep him from his... strangling ways.
The jail closed its doors in 1973 due to less-than-ideal conditions (let's just say the plumbing wasn't exactly spa-worthy). But instead of becoming a haunted hangout for rogue spirits, the building got a major makeover. Fast forward to 2007, and the Liberty Hotel emerged, ready to trade jailhouse blues for the clinking of cocktail glasses.
Not Your Average Night Behind Bars
So, what exactly can you expect at this hotel that used to be a jail? Well, for starters, it's definitely not your run-of-the-mill Marriott. The Liberty Hotel has embraced its unique past. You'll find original jail cell doors repurposed as headboards, and the exercise yard is now a swanky outdoor patio called "The Yard" (because, you know, jail puns are a thing).
But fear not, the beds are plush, the showers are powerful, and the only bars you'll encounter are the kind serving up delicious craft cocktails. They even offer historical tours, so you can learn about the jail's past while sipping on a fancy beverage. How's that for a history lesson?
FAQs for the Intrepid Traveler
How to find the Liberty Hotel? No need for a prison break, it's located at 215 Charles Street, Boston, right in the heart of the city.
How to know if your room used to be a jail cell? Just ask! The staff is happy to share the history of your room, though some might be spookier than others (wink wink).
How to avoid accidentally getting locked in? Don't worry, the doors now lock from the inside only. Unless you're planning a great escape, you should be good to go.
How to experience the jail's history? Take a guided tour! They happen every Wednesday and come with a complimentary glass of bubbly (because what's better after learning about jail than some champagne?).
How to have an unforgettable stay? Book your room at the Liberty Hotel, relax in luxury, and raise a glass to the ingenuity of turning a jail into a place where people actually want to be locked up (well, sort of).
