Finding Vacation Freedom in Boston's Liberty Hotel that was Once a Jail

In 1851, construction was completed on the Charles Street jail in Boston, Massachusetts. Its architect, Gridley James Fox Bryant, designed the building in what was then known as "Boston Granite Style." The imposing four-story granite building was home to many of Boston's not-so-finest criminals until it was condemned in the 1970s and finally closed in 1990. But instead of simply demolishing the building, developers came up with the idea of exchanging inmates for hotel guests. After a $150 million restoration and construction project, the Liberty Hotel (215 Charles St.) got out of jail, obviously not quite free, but nevertheless open to visitors looking for a unique overnight stay.

Located in Boston's historic and fashionable Beacon Hill, the Liberty Hotel overlooks the Charles River. The developers, Carpenter & Company, Inc. and MEHP, LP, not only renovated the original jail but also built an adjacent 16-story hotel tower. There are 18 rooms available to hotel guests in the original Charles Street jail as well as 280 in the new tower. Rooms come equipped with flat-panel televisions, private bars and in-room safes among other amenities. There are plenty of nearby shopping, strolling areas and restaurants adjacent to the hotel.

For its time, the Charles Street jail was an extremely well-lighted facility and even featured a cupola, or dome, that drew in more light and air at its pinnacle. The dome was removed in 1949, but was restored for the Liberty Hotel by the developers. The central atrium within the octagonal building rises 90 feet in the air.

Guests staying at the Liberty Hotel can find three restaurants, as well as a ballroom and historic catwalks. And for those wanting to spend time in front of the bar, instead of behind bars, the Liberty Bar is on the premises.

For good eats, you probably would want to be thrown into the Clink, which combines European cooking techniques with an emphasis on using locally-grown American foods. For Italian cuisine, guests might want to try the hotel's Scampo restaurant found on the first floor. And to keep that jailhouse theme running, try Alibi on Liberty's entry level. Cocktails in your hand mix with celebrity mug shots hanging on the wall. Oh, and Alibi is also the site of what was the former jail's "drunk tank" but at least you won't be driving.

And for those guests who might need to consider the "hair of the dog" - but not for a hangover-the Liberty Hotel offers "Puptails" and "Muttinis" during its "Yappier Hour" every Wednesday for those guests who bring their pets to this animal-friendly hotel.

And, finally, when you are turning in for the night, don't bother with a "Do Not Disturb" sign on your room's door. At Liberty, your cell door is adorned with a "Solitary" sign to keep the guards, or housekeeping, at bay.