Life on Florida’s West Coast

When a Hotel is Not a Hotel

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There is something intriguing about staying in a hotel that was not always a hotel. One of my best hotel memories is when I was helping run a big trade show in Indianapolis and my business grade room at the Crowne Plaza Union Station was next door to a Honeymooning couple. I could hardly get any sleep with all the enthusiastic noise next door that first night. When I called the desk to inquire about a room change, they had nothing similar to offer me so they suggested I take a look at a few of their 26 authentic Pullman TrainCar sleeping rooms. Each is named and decorated after famous personalities from the early 1900s. I chose the Lillian Russell room and can say I had the best week-long hotel stay of my life. It was just so different and opulent.

Now, a new hotel in Boston offers a unique way to stay the night. The Liberty Hotel was once the Charles Street Jail and the architects involved in the renovation project made great efforts to preserve many features of the 156-year-old building. The prison guard catwalks, for example, are now a visible part of the hotel’s lobby. The hotel bar, Alibi, is located in the jail’s former drunk tank.

Not all of the 298 rooms in the hotel are actually located in the original jail, though. Only 18 hold that distinction. I have not seen pictures of the rooms, but I have to wonder what sort of furniture stores might carry pieces to fit the theme.

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