Travel

America's most luxurious jail

Few parts of the United States boast a sense of history to rival Europe's big cities. Boston is a notable exception. From the Tea Party to Harvard University, this city has plenty of history and culture to keep visitors busy.

And you can even stay in a hotel with a colourful past. The Liberty Hotel has provided a place for people to sleep for over 150 years. But up until the early 1990s, the guests weren't there voluntarily – the building was Boston's notorious Charles Street Jail from 1951 until 1990. Nineteen years ago the last prisoners left when the jail, deemed inhumane due to overcrowding, was shut down.

A lot has changed since then. Gone are the tiny, cramped cells and dark, dangerous, communal areas. In their place are light, airy rooms and the most impressive lobby I've ever seen. On arrival you'll be served a glass of champagne, which you can sip while you take in the magnificent surroundings. The lobby is situated in the prison's central 90ft-tall rotunda with walkways circling the walls high above the heads of guests. Large windows and elegant lighting help to banish any lingering sense of confinement.

As for the rooms, most are newly built, but a few are within the former prison itself, many with great views of the Charles River. If you're looking for the authentic experience, these are the ones to go for. They include exposed brickwork and the original windows, which are surprisingly large and ornate. Although luxurious, the former cells are slightly cramped – but what do you expect from a prison? If you'd prefer a more spacious room, those in the new building fit the bill. The bathrooms in particular are enormous.

The hotel is in a great location just below Beacon Hill, one of Boston's most exclusive residential areas. Here you will find wonderful restaurants and shops, while a short stroll will take you to Boston Common – America's oldest public park – and the main shopping district. This is another of Boston's attractions – as a relatively small city it can be explored easily on foot. The well-signposted Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile walk that takes in many of the city's historic buildings. Or if you're feeling lazy, you can also hop on one of the city's tram tours. Just head to the visitor centre in the middle of the Common to buy your tickets.

The Museum of Fine Arts is also worth a visit. This huge building houses a vast art collection, so if you are pushed for time, focus on seeing works by American artists. Boston is also home to one of America's best baseball teams, the Red Sox. If you're a sports fan, it's worth trying to get tickets – but do try to book early, as they sell out fast.

Rooms from $259 per night; visit www.libertyhotel.com or call 00 1 617 224 0000.

Prison hotels: the best of the rest

Malmaison, Oxford

Plush rooms hide behind heavy cell doors. Rooms cost from £180.

Malmaison-oxford.com.

Langholmen Hotel, Stockholm

This hotel houses one of the city's best restaurants. Rates start at £52.

Langholmen.com.

Four Seasons Hotel, Istanbul

This prison featured in the film Midnight Express. Rates start from €400.

Fourseasons.com/istanbul.