The prospect of spending a night within the four 60-centimeter walls of a cell is not generally considered desirable; however, a stay in Addington's Jailhouse Accommodation is an unexpected pleasure. It certainly helps that visitors now have the freedom to check in and check out as they like.
The robust building was erected in concrete in 1874 and operated as a prison and then a military camp until as recently as 1999. In 2006 it began a dramatic transformative process that turned the Gothic Revival edifice into an arrestingly unconventional backpackers' hostel. The existing jail cells have been furnished with contemporary and rather comfortable bunk beds and each is closed off from the double-height central atrium behind original metal doors.
Overnighting within the walls of Jailhouse Accommodation is a truly unique experience for travelers by which they can appreciate a piece of the history of Christchurch, New Zealand, benefit from the amenities of award-winning budget lodgings and recount captivating stories of nights behind bars without actually having to serve the time.
Converted Correctional Hotels
Jailhouse Accommodation Houses Itinerants Rather Than Internees
Trend Themes
1. Correctional Hospitality - The trend of converting former prisons into unique and unconventional accommodations provides an opportunity for disruptive innovation in the hospitality industry.
2. Historical Tourism - The growing interest in staying in historically significant buildings like the Jailhouse Accommodation offers opportunities for disruptive innovation in the tourism industry.
3. Unconventional Lodging - The rise of unique and memorable lodging options, such as staying in a converted prison, creates disruptive innovation opportunities in the lodging industry.
Industry Implications
1. Hospitality Industry - Hotels and accommodations can explore disruptive innovation by converting unconventional spaces, like prison buildings, into unique and memorable stays.
2. Tourism Industry - Tourism businesses can tap into the trend of historical attractions by offering stays in historically significant buildings, creating disruptive innovation opportunities.
3. Lodging Industry - Companies in the lodging industry can capitalize on the demand for unconventional experiences by providing unique and memorable options, including converted prisons.