The Liberty Hotel: Boston's Former Charles Street Jail Transformed into a Luxury Icon

Staying overnight behind bars isn't typically something to boast about—unless it's the former Charles Street Jail, now reimagined as the luxurious Liberty Hotel in Boston's prestigious Beacon Hill neighborhood.

This historic landmark once housed Boston's most notorious criminals. After 165 years and two multimillion-dollar renovations, it stands as one of the city's premier hotels. As part of Starwood's Luxury Collection, the Liberty Hotel playfully embraces its infamous past with sophisticated humor and style.

Skip the "Do Not Disturb" signs—"Solitary" key rings mark your private room retreat.

The Liberty boasts themed restaurants and bars like Clink, Catwalk, Alibi, and the Yard.

Award-winning Boston chef Lydia Shire helms Scampo (Italian for "escape"), hailed by Esquire as one of the Best New Restaurants in its debut year.

Preserved original brick walls and iron cell doors serve as striking focal points in the décor, nodding to its jailhouse heritage.

Ironically, the former drunk tank is now Bar Alibi, one of Boston's premier see-and-be-seen hotspots.

For private indulgence, guest rooms feature fully stocked martini bars—a luxury denied to original inmates.

Original 8-by-10-foot cells have been expanded fivefold, with renovated rooms offering floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Cambridge and the Charles River.

Jailhouse chic defines the interiors: tally-mark pillows, framed keys, scales of justice, and safe-inspired nightstands.

Even pets are pampered with dog beds, treats, and a seasonal "Yappie Hour" from May to October.

Winter brings events like Saturday Equinox workouts and Thursday interactive fashion shows.