Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel

Thank you so much! It was a really special experience to sleep in a used-to-be jail. The people were friendly, rooms and shared washing rooms were clean. I think they did a really good job at creating a cozy atmosphere in the cells/rooms! The free tour (free for guests at the hostel) was also really interesting. One suggestion: we did the tour after our stay and I would recommend to do that as well - as we realized what happened at this place during and after the tour (well, it was a jail afterall). It might feel a bit strange to sleep there (especially if you are sensible to something like that).

What an unique experience sleeping in a jail cell. At first, I was worried about the "creepiness", but it was totally fine. The cells are clean and have comfortable beds, warm blankets. The bathrooms and showers were fine. Nutritious breakfast is provided. Staff were polite and friendly. The tour of the jail was incredible - a real honest, eye-opener about Canadian history (very different from the Parliament tours). Great location. I would definitely stay here if I need to go to Ottawa again.

I HIGHLY recommend staying here. It was a one of a kind experience. The bunk beds were super comfy too. Great location. It was a lovely and short walk to the parliament buildings. I only wish we were able to take the guided tour of the jail. I will definitely be back one day.

To start with, I often think people have unnecessary expectations of hostels. They are not hotels or Air b n b so people shouldn't treat them as such. With that in mind, I would give the hostel top marks for staff friendliness and helpfulness. Ariel and Chris I believe need particular mention as they went out of their way to make my stay enjoyable & hassle free. Ariel gave 2 of us a bespoke tour instead of saying it was too few to bother & Chris sorted my onward bus travel. The dorm rooms were clean, tidy & functional except for not having a lockable locker which it stated on the website at booking. The breakfast was good. The lounge area was great for chilling & the location excellent. The AC was noisy but that's what earplugs are for, which were free at reception. The down town area was very close by but not too noisily nearby. I felt safe & care for. We all mixed well which is key to sharing. Bathrooms and showers were new and very clean. I loved this place & would highly recommend it.

This is a unique and interesting hostel/place to stay. It was a former jail/prison for notorious inmates for approx ~100 years and it got turned into a hostel for ~50 years. I stayed in both single cell and double cell rooms. The double cells are just single cells merged into two. You wouldn't get the amenities of private bathroom/shower as in other hotels but the experience makes up for it. The jail tour was also very informative and interesting. The death row on the 8th floor has its own different kind of energy to the place. Individual cells (both single and double) have really comfy beds with good lighting and bed-side lights with chargers/charging-points. It is said this place is supposed to be haunted. You can find it out for yourself. Breakfast served was also convenient and good. All in all, a unique experience with interesting history. Recommend to anyone who is looking for unique experiences.

The hostel is clean and really an interesting place. Very central location. BUT it is next to a nightclub which was playing outdoor music until 11:00 PM and then music inside until the middle of the night. You could feel the bits inside the bed (room 704 bed 6). The air conditioning is really super noisy and not adjusted to the window which makes you feel you are in the street. I was lucky that all girls agreed to turn it off for the night. The mattress is not comfortable anymore with a hole inside from previous guests. As I was exhausted I paid an extra 50$CAD to move to a room not facing the club (803) single room for my second and last night. I managed to sleep very well when I turned the air conditioning which was directly facing my room and also super loud. The room is tiny being a former cell but the mattress was super comfortable. The staff was nice and helped me in exchange of money but this hostel is SO LOUD at night ! As the tour from Sunday 9:00AM was sold out the guide made another tour at 10:30 AM which was nice.

Although this hostel has a prime location and good prices, I do not think it deserves above a 7/10. It feels like all efforts have been put on the aesthetics (since it used to be a jail), but otherwise, very mid. I spent 3 days there and I did not see one employee smile. The dorm rooms are fine, there are no bathrooms in it which is not the best, but manageable. Breakfast is good too. All in all, the jail hostel is very fine, but simply does not deserve alllll the recognition in my opinion! Nothing bad happened, just nothing out of ordinary apart from the building itself. A simple and classic hostel 7/10

This was an incredible experience. I was in a 6 bed female dorm, (other options were full). I had the BEST sleep, the pillow,sheets and duvet were very comfortable. Prices are great. An awesome breakfast included, thank u for the fresh fruit and eggs. A healthy breakfast. I took the jail tour with Simon. EPIC. I would say the 5th floor could use another toilet, Hostel was clean and everyone friendly. Great location . I didn’t hear noise at night as some describe. Perhaps a special function. I will definitely stay again. (Maybe even try the single jail cell 😂 Dawn from Victoria