Gevangenis Hotel Oostereiland Hoorn

Hotel details:

Although the name suggests otherwise, a stay at the Gevangenis Hotel Hoorn (Prison Hotel) is definitely no punishment. Nevertheless, it is a very unusual experience to stay in a hotel room where prisoners were locked up not too long ago. Eleven of the former prison cells have remained in their original state, these are located in De Sluis. Here, guests can experience what it was like to stay in these austere cells. Naturally, all of these rooms have been fitted with splendid beds, where you can sleep between organic, fair trade sheets, as well as enjoy good facilities such as a shower, washbasin and toilet. Look through the small prison windows and you'll be met with a view of either the IJsselmeer or the large yard, the prison's former exercise grounds.

You can have breakfast from Monday to Friday from 07:00 until 11:00, and at weekends from 08:00 until 11:00.The restaurant and bar are open daily from 10:00 until approximately midnight.

The characteristic Gevangenis Hotel lies in the middle of Oostereiland. This island was constructed in the 17th century by the admiralty, the former navy. The building has served as a depot, a prison and a labour colony; currants were sorted here for instance. Also situated in the same complex on Oostereiland are the Cinema Oostereiland, a café and the Museum van de Twintigste Eeuw (Museum of the 20th Century). The diverse setting of this West Frisian hotel offers you plenty of places to explore, either by bicycle, boat or on foot. In the vicinity, charming villages such as Enkhuizen and Volendam are certainly worth a visit. Hoorn town centre is only a short walk away from the hotel, and offers long shopping streets, typical Dutch 'brown cafés' and a theatre.

The former prison on Oostereiland has been stunningly renovated and has now become the Gevangenis Hotel. The facade has more or less remained as it was. The interior has been designed in an industrial manner, entirely in keeping with the building's austere atmosphere encompassing steel, stone, wood and glass. The hotel's brasserie, where guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner, is also a convivial meeting place. The restaurant makes use of plenty of organic and regional produce. The clean interior is tastefully decorated with design furniture and colourful artworks, and offers a view of Hoorn's harbour and the prison yard. Guests can enjoy a drink and a bite to eat on the long wooden tables placed in the former exercise yard. Cultural activities regularly take place here during the summer months.

The attic rooms have double or twin beds. Please indicate your preference in the remarks section of the booking form.

Facilities in Gevangenis Hotel Oostereiland Hoorn:

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