15 American Jailhouses Turned Inns Where You Can Sleep in a Cell by Choice

Across the United States, former jailhouses have been repurposed into overnight accommodations that blur the line between history and novelty. These unusual stays appeal to U.S. travel enthusiasts who want more than standard hotels and are curious about places with darker pasts. Thick walls, iron bars, and echoing corridors remain, even as comforts are added for modern guests. Here are  15 American Jailhouses Turned Inns Where You Can Sleep in a Cell by Choice

The Liberty Hotel, Boston, Massachusetts

Once known as the Charles Street Jail, this imposing granite structure housed prisoners for more than a century. Today, guests sleep in rooms overlooking the original cell block atrium. Iron railings and catwalks remain intact, creating a striking contrast with upscale furnishings. The transformation preserved much of the jail’s architecture, so visitors are constantly reminded of the building’s original purpose while enjoying one of Boston’s most unusual lodging experiences.

Old Montana Prison Inn, Deer Lodge, Montana

This former territorial prison once housed some of the West’s most notorious criminals. Guests can stay in preserved cells with original bars and doors. The thick stone walls keep rooms quiet, adding to the immersive experience. For U.S. travel focused on frontier history, this inn offers a rare chance to experience incarceration conditions without losing modern conveniences.

The Jailhouse Inn, Newport, Rhode Island

Built in the 1770s, this structure served as a county jail before becoming a boutique inn. Original cell layouts remain visible in room design, with barred windows and narrow proportions. The inn balances historical detail with comfort, allowing guests to experience colonial-era confinement. Its central location makes it popular with travelers interested in early American justice systems.

Lorton Prison Hotel, Virginia

Parts of the former Lorton Reformatory have been redeveloped into lodging spaces. The complex once held inmates from Washington, D.C., and played a role in civil rights history. Staying here places guests inside massive concrete structures designed for control and isolation. The scale alone makes the experience unsettling and memorable.

Alton Prison Inn, Alton, Illinois

This Civil War–era prison once held Confederate soldiers. The building now operates as an inn that preserves cell doors, stone floors, and heavy ironwork. Guests often remark on how quiet the rooms feel, as though sound is absorbed by the walls. The historical weight of the site adds gravity to any overnight stay.

Jerome Grand Hotel Jail Wing, Arizona

Originally a hospital and jail, this building has sections converted into guest rooms. Some rooms still reflect jail layouts, with narrow windows and stark proportions. Located in a former mining town, the hotel’s setting enhances the sense of isolation. For travelers seeking eerie accommodations, this location offers a layered history.

The Marshall House Jail Annex, Savannah, Georgia

Savannah’s historic district includes former jail annex spaces incorporated into inns. While updated, these rooms still reflect confinement-era proportions. Guests staying here are often surprised by how the atmosphere changes at night. The building’s past as a detention facility adds an undercurrent of unease to an otherwise charming city.

The Old City Jail Hotel, Charleston, South Carolina

Though parts remain a museum, select areas now offer overnight accommodations. Thick walls, barred windows, and preserved corridors dominate the design. Guests report feeling disconnected from the outside world. For U.S. travel centered on Southern history, this stay delivers an unfiltered look at justice systems of the past.

The Old Idaho Penitentiary Guest Quarters, Boise, Idaho

Though primarily a historic site, limited overnight programs allow guests to stay in restored cells. Original fixtures remain, including iron doors and concrete beds. The experience emphasizes authenticity over luxury. Visitors seeking immersive U.S. travel experiences find this stay deeply impactful.

The Carleton County Jailhouse Inn, New Jersey

This county jail conversion maintains cell layouts while adding basic comforts. Rooms feel deliberately minimal. The building’s location away from tourist hubs enhances the sense of separation. Guests often describe the experience as sobering rather than entertaining.

The Old Lincoln County Jail Inn, New Mexico

Once central to frontier justice, this jail now offers overnight stays. Cell doors and original locks remain functional. The surrounding desert adds to the isolation. For travelers interested in Old West history, this inn offers a rare opportunity to inhabit a preserved law enforcement space.

The Crawfordsville Jail Inn, Indiana

This small-town jail was converted into a modest inn retaining its original layout. Guests sleep in cells with minimal modification. The building’s simplicity makes the experience feel authentic. Many visitors say the quiet is more intense than expected.

The Yuma Territorial Prison Lodging Program, Arizona

While not always available, special overnight stays allow guests inside preserved cells. The prison’s extreme climate history adds to the experience. Sleeping in a cell here highlights how environment and confinement intersected. It’s a stark reminder of frontier punishment.

The Old Pima County Jail Hotel, Tucson, Arizona

This former jail was partially converted into lodging while maintaining structural elements. The contrast between modern furnishings and iron bars is striking. Guests report feeling both safe and unsettled. It’s a memorable stop for Arizona road travelers.

The Old Cache County Jail Inn, Utah

Converted into a small inn, this jail retains original cells with minimal alteration. Thick stone walls dominate the interior. The quiet environment makes nights feel longer. Guests often describe heightened awareness of their surroundings.