Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel
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Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel served as a maximum security facility until 1972. The gallows of the jail remain as well as the cells that have been turned into guest rooms.
Summary of reviewsThe Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel garners positive reviews across multiple categories, making it a favored choice for travelers visiting Ottawa. Situated in the city's heart, the hostel’s location is a standout feature. Its proximity to major attractions such as Rideau Centre, ByWard Market and Parliament Hill allows guests to easily explore Ottawa on foot. Visitors appreciate the variety of nearby restaurants, shops and public transport options, enhancing its appeal as a centrally located base for sightseeing.
The hostel offers a complimentary breakfast that guests find satisfactory and valuable. The breakfast spread typically includes bagels, fruits, cereals, coffee and hot chocolate, described as hearty and filling despite being simple. The quick replenishment of items and the freshness of the food contribute positively to the overall experience.
Staying at the hostel provides a unique and memorable experience due to its historic setting within a former jail. Rooms converted from jail cells add to the intrigue, maintaining an authentic ambiance. Though some private rooms are cozy and lack windows, the dormitories offer more space. Visitors commend the cleanliness of both private and shared spaces, noting that all facilities are well-maintained.
Exceptional staff is another highlight with reviews frequently praising their friendliness and helpfulness. The team is described as welcoming and attentive, contributing to a warm and supportive atmosphere from check-in to check-out.
The hostel provides free Wi-Fi, which is generally reliable and strong throughout the building. Although some guests mention occasional connectivity issues, the overall service is satisfactory for most travelers. On-site parking is available at an extra cost and is considered convenient and secure despite some guests feeling the additional charge is inconvenient.
Comfortable and clean beds, equipped with cozy linens, are often highlighted as a plus. Privacy curtains in some dormitories enhance the sleep experience, though a few minor issues like noisy beds and the lack of curtains in some rooms are noted. Overall, the beds contribute significantly to a pleasant stay.
The historic aspect of the hostel with its detailed preservation of the jail's history, is a major attraction. Free guided tours shedding light on the building's past, including areas like solitary confinement and death row, deepen guests' appreciation of the fascinating history. This blend of history and comfort provides an extraordinary experience, making the Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel a unique place to stay that is well-maintained, clean and rich in character.
In summary, the Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel combines a prime location, unique historical ambiance, clean and comfortable accommodations and exceptional staff service, creating a distinctive and highly recommended lodging option in Ottawa.
Categories
The hostel offers a complimentary breakfast that guests find satisfactory and valuable. The breakfast spread typically includes bagels, fruits, cereals, coffee and hot chocolate, described as hearty and filling despite being simple. The quick replenishment of items and the freshness of the food contribute positively to the overall experience.
Staying at the hostel provides a unique and memorable experience due to its historic setting within a former jail. Rooms converted from jail cells add to the intrigue, maintaining an authentic ambiance. Though some private rooms are cozy and lack windows, the dormitories offer more space. Visitors commend the cleanliness of both private and shared spaces, noting that all facilities are well-maintained.
Exceptional staff is another highlight with reviews frequently praising their friendliness and helpfulness. The team is described as welcoming and attentive, contributing to a warm and supportive atmosphere from check-in to check-out.
The hostel provides free Wi-Fi, which is generally reliable and strong throughout the building. Although some guests mention occasional connectivity issues, the overall service is satisfactory for most travelers. On-site parking is available at an extra cost and is considered convenient and secure despite some guests feeling the additional charge is inconvenient.
Comfortable and clean beds, equipped with cozy linens, are often highlighted as a plus. Privacy curtains in some dormitories enhance the sleep experience, though a few minor issues like noisy beds and the lack of curtains in some rooms are noted. Overall, the beds contribute significantly to a pleasant stay.
The historic aspect of the hostel with its detailed preservation of the jail's history, is a major attraction. Free guided tours shedding light on the building's past, including areas like solitary confinement and death row, deepen guests' appreciation of the fascinating history. This blend of history and comfort provides an extraordinary experience, making the Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel a unique place to stay that is well-maintained, clean and rich in character.
In summary, the Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel combines a prime location, unique historical ambiance, clean and comfortable accommodations and exceptional staff service, creating a distinctive and highly recommended lodging option in Ottawa.
Haunted Hostel
In Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel that served as a maximum security facility until 1972, the presence of a ghost of a hanged inmate has been reported.
Boutique-style Hostel
Historic Hostel
Hostel near Ski Resorts
Hostel near Nightlife Spots
Hostel with Parking
Guest Reviews
Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel is ideally located in the heart of Ottawa, offering unparalleled convenience for tourists. It is just a short walk from major attractions like the Rideau Centre, ByWard Market and Parliament Hill, making it perfect for sightseeing. Guests have praised its proximity to a variety of restaurants, shops and public transport options, including bus lines and a nearby subway station. The hostel's location is described as excellent, central and within walking distance to everything key in Ottawa, from historic sites and galleries to lively shopping streets and eateries. Its historic building adds a unique charm to the stay, complemented by clean and comfortable facilities. This central location allows for easy exploration of Ottawa by foot with all major sites and amenities close by. In summary, the hostel's outstanding location provides a great base for exploring the city, making it a highly recommended choice for visitors.
The breakfast experience at the Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel generally receives positive feedback from guests. Many appreciate the fact that breakfast is included in the stay, finding it a valuable addition to the hostel's offerings. Guests often describe the breakfast as hearty, generous and filling with a variety of items such as bagels, fruits, cereals and jams. Fresh fruits and good coffee are frequently mentioned as highlights and some found the inclusion of hard-boiled eggs, coffee and hot chocolate particularly pleasing.
While the breakfast selection is often noted as simple and basic, it is consistently regarded as good and satisfying for the price. The availability of fresh items and the efficient replenishment of food as it runs out contribute to a positive dining experience. However, a few guests felt that the breakfast could benefit from more variety and fresher ingredients. Despite these minor downsides, the overall consensus suggests that the complimentary breakfast adds significant value and helps to start the day on a good note.
The Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel offers a unique stay with its rooms converted from historic jail cells. The hostel’s concept of preserving the prison's history adds an intriguing touch, making the experience both interesting and memorable. The rooms are generally very clean and comfortable, even if they are on the smaller side. Shared and private rooms alike maintain the prison ambiance with each room dedicated to a former prisoner, providing an authentic vibe.
Although the private rooms can be cozy, they often lack windows and can feel slightly cramped and stuffy. The dormitories offer a more spacious option with some rooms able to accommodate up to 10 people securely, though privacy can be limited and the available charging points are sparse. Shared bathrooms are modern and clean, but sometimes there are long waits as the facilities are limited.
Beds, despite being in minimalistic, tiny cells, are generally comfortable, contributing to a good night’s sleep. However, sound travels easily through the rooms and some areas can be noisy due to echoes and lack of soundproofing. The air conditioning and cleanliness of the rooms and common areas contribute positively to the overall comfort.
The hostel’s prime location is excellent for sightseeing, making it a convenient place for travelers. Overall, the Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel offers a blend of history, comfort and a bit of adventure, appealing particularly to those intrigued by the novelty of staying in a former jail.
Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel offers a bed experience that is overwhelmingly positive according to guest reviews. The recurring theme is the comfort and cleanliness of the beds with multiple mentions of comfortable mattresses and clean, cozy linens. Many guests found the beds to be exceptionally nice and particularly noted their high comfort level. Individual beds often provided a good sleep experience, even in shared dormitories with the added benefit of privacy curtains in some cases.
However, some issues were highlighted, such as beds being too small or dormitory beds being noisy and squeaky, which could disrupt sleep. There were occasional comments about the beds being stiff but acceptable for short stays. Additionally, there were complaints regarding the lack of privacy curtains and accessibility issues with the bunk beds, which were not ideal for guests with disabilities.
Despite these minor drawbacks, the general consensus paints a picture of Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel as a place where you can expect comfortable and clean bedding, contributing to a pleasant stay. The comfort of the beds stands out as a significant plus in the guest experience, complemented by clean and well-maintained linens.
The Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel consistently receives high praise for its extraordinary cleanliness. Visitors frequently highlight the spotless condition of the rooms, bathrooms and showers, mentioning that everything from bed linens to common areas is exceptionally tidy. The building, despite its historical character, is meticulously maintained, creating a clean and cozy environment for guests. The showers and washrooms are regularly cleaned and described as spacious and well-kept. The hostel’s facilities, while reflecting its fascinating past as a former prison, are modern and in top condition. Even though a few instances of minor cleaning oversights were noted, the overall sentiment emphasizes remarkable cleanliness and comfort, adding great value to the unique experience of staying at this historical venue.
The Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel is consistently praised for its exceptional staff. Reviews highlight the team's friendliness, helpfulness and overall polite demeanor. Guests frequently describe the reception team as welcoming and attentive, ensuring a warm experience right from the check-in process. The staff are not only friendly but also accommodating, often going out of their way to make sure guests are comfortable and well-informed.
Many guests noticed the amazing service provided by specific staff members, mentioning their approachability and willingness to assist with various requests, whether it’s arranging a taxi, providing recommendations or ensuring the hostel maintains a clean and pleasant atmosphere. The kindness and professionalism of the staff create a welcoming environment, making it evident that the team is dedicated to enhancing the guest experience.
Despite some mentions of oversight and a couple of negative interactions, the vast majority of the feedback underscores the supportive and approachable nature of the hostel’s employees. From the front desk to housekeeping, every staff member aims to provide a high level of service, contributing to positive impressions and memorable stays for guests at this unique accommodation.
The Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel offers complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the building. Many guests have reported positive experiences, highlighting the strong and reliable internet connection available in most areas. The Wi-Fi coverage is described as excellent, ensuring that staying connected is generally not an issue. Despite some instances where the connection can be poor or occasionally disconnects, overall, guests can expect a good online experience. However, a few concerns have been raised about the security and intermittent reliability of the network. Nonetheless, the complimentary Wi-Fi remains a valuable amenity for travelers staying at this unique location.
At Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel, parking is generally seen as a positive aspect by guests, even though it comes with an extra cost of $20 per night. Many travelers found the on-site parking facilities to be adequate, helpful and ideally located, providing a lot of space and good security. The convenience and accessibility of parking were also noted, adding to the overall positive sentiment. However, some guests felt that paying for parking was a bit inconvenient and mentioned that the cost should be included in the room price or reduced. Still, having parking directly available was considered a definite plus, particularly in a city where parking can be challenging.
Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel offers a truly unique experience as it resides within a former jail, impeccably maintained for nearly 50 years. This historic building allows guests to immerse themselves in the rich past of Ottawa, providing a distinct atmosphere that blends the allure of a tourist attraction with comfortable accommodation.
The hostel's prison ambiance is preserved with fascinating explanatory signs and detailed descriptions of inmates and their crimes from the 1800s, making the historical aspect of the place highly engaging. Guests can explore the former prison through free guided tours, which highlight various points of interest such as solitary confinement and death row. These tours are highly recommended for a deep dive into the hostel's intriguing history.
The hostel’s prime location near Parliament Hill and Byward Market enhances its appeal, making it easy to explore Ottawa’s historic center. The old bricks and preserved jail features add to the authentic feel, while the building's historical significance is beautifully showcased through displays and signs.
Visitors consider staying here a fun and extraordinary experience, particularly enjoying the blend of history and comfort. The hostel not only stands out for its unique concept and historical charm but also offers a secure, clean and well-maintained environment. The fascinating history and character of the place make it a must-stay when visiting Ottawa, ensuring that the experience of living in a repurposed jail remains memorable.
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Location
Breakfast
While the breakfast selection is often noted as simple and basic, it is consistently regarded as good and satisfying for the price. The availability of fresh items and the efficient replenishment of food as it runs out contribute to a positive dining experience. However, a few guests felt that the breakfast could benefit from more variety and fresher ingredients. Despite these minor downsides, the overall consensus suggests that the complimentary breakfast adds significant value and helps to start the day on a good note.
Rooms
Although the private rooms can be cozy, they often lack windows and can feel slightly cramped and stuffy. The dormitories offer a more spacious option with some rooms able to accommodate up to 10 people securely, though privacy can be limited and the available charging points are sparse. Shared bathrooms are modern and clean, but sometimes there are long waits as the facilities are limited.
Beds, despite being in minimalistic, tiny cells, are generally comfortable, contributing to a good night’s sleep. However, sound travels easily through the rooms and some areas can be noisy due to echoes and lack of soundproofing. The air conditioning and cleanliness of the rooms and common areas contribute positively to the overall comfort.
The hostel’s prime location is excellent for sightseeing, making it a convenient place for travelers. Overall, the Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel offers a blend of history, comfort and a bit of adventure, appealing particularly to those intrigued by the novelty of staying in a former jail.
Beds
However, some issues were highlighted, such as beds being too small or dormitory beds being noisy and squeaky, which could disrupt sleep. There were occasional comments about the beds being stiff but acceptable for short stays. Additionally, there were complaints regarding the lack of privacy curtains and accessibility issues with the bunk beds, which were not ideal for guests with disabilities.
Despite these minor drawbacks, the general consensus paints a picture of Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel as a place where you can expect comfortable and clean bedding, contributing to a pleasant stay. The comfort of the beds stands out as a significant plus in the guest experience, complemented by clean and well-maintained linens.
Cleanliness
Staff
Many guests noticed the amazing service provided by specific staff members, mentioning their approachability and willingness to assist with various requests, whether it’s arranging a taxi, providing recommendations or ensuring the hostel maintains a clean and pleasant atmosphere. The kindness and professionalism of the staff create a welcoming environment, making it evident that the team is dedicated to enhancing the guest experience.
Despite some mentions of oversight and a couple of negative interactions, the vast majority of the feedback underscores the supportive and approachable nature of the hostel’s employees. From the front desk to housekeeping, every staff member aims to provide a high level of service, contributing to positive impressions and memorable stays for guests at this unique accommodation.
Wi-Fi
Parking
Historic
The hostel's prison ambiance is preserved with fascinating explanatory signs and detailed descriptions of inmates and their crimes from the 1800s, making the historical aspect of the place highly engaging. Guests can explore the former prison through free guided tours, which highlight various points of interest such as solitary confinement and death row. These tours are highly recommended for a deep dive into the hostel's intriguing history.
The hostel’s prime location near Parliament Hill and Byward Market enhances its appeal, making it easy to explore Ottawa’s historic center. The old bricks and preserved jail features add to the authentic feel, while the building's historical significance is beautifully showcased through displays and signs.
Visitors consider staying here a fun and extraordinary experience, particularly enjoying the blend of history and comfort. The hostel not only stands out for its unique concept and historical charm but also offers a secure, clean and well-maintained environment. The fascinating history and character of the place make it a must-stay when visiting Ottawa, ensuring that the experience of living in a repurposed jail remains memorable.
No, Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel.
No, Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel.
No, Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel doesn't have a gym.
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