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.

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.

The location and the building itself make for a great experience to stay in this hostel. The morning breakfast and the help of the staff were greatly welcomed and the stay was super comfortable. Everything was close and witihin reach. I recommend the guided tour in the morning to learn more abour the grim yet interesting history of the hostel/jail.

The cost relation of the single rooms is not really worth it. Yes, you do get to sleep alone but the room is big enough to fit one bed only and the cost was bit excesive for what it was given. I would recommend better a shared room with friends or family, or the regular shared room for this.

The history of the building and the daily tours around the jail to learn more about where you’re staying; the free breakfast was plentiful and staff ensure it remains stocked for the duration of the breakfast period so that nobody misses out; the kitchen was fully stocked with pots, pans, microwaves, toasters, kettles… everything you’d need; the shared workspace had a television, public bookshelf and a variety of board games; lots of space in the dining hall, working space and lobby to relax and meet other travellers; free self service laundry and dryer; the ability to freely roam the hostel to explore the jail and learn more about it; the bathrooms were spacious, clean and modern; the shared dorms were BIG, clean and comfortable; beds were comfy and blankets warm; staff are super friendly and helpful; location is PERFECT and central to most attractions so you can skip the public transport and explore by foot. Overall, this hostel is such a vibe. Really enjoyed my stay from start to finish.

Curtains on the beds in the dorms. Would have liked to see more organised activities on either Friday or Saturdays to help meet other travellers

The staff is very friendly and Simon in particular. Do not miss the presentation of the prison at 11 am. The experience of sleeping in an old prison is very interesting. The single cell room was very, very small but not disturbing at all as prisons were and are not a place of luxury. Overall, we just need a bed to sleep in at night. And at least we get to have electricity in our cell at the hostel.

Personally, I'm not a huge fan of shared bathrooms and toilets. But knowing what this place used to be, this was not a problem and will not affect my rating. Be prepared for the noises at night, which is a common thing in almost every single hostel.