Name: HI- Ottawa Jail Hostel
Address: 75 Nicholas Street, K1N 7B9 Ottawa, Canada, 75 Nicholas Street, Ontario, K1N 7B9, Canada
Price range: Prices for upcoming dates start at $22 per night (We Price Match)
Rating: 8.1

Info & prices
Facilities
House rules
The fine print
Guest reviews (2,965)

Hostel HI- Ottawa Jail Hostel

75 Nicholas Street, K1N 7B9 Ottawa, Canada – Excellent location – show map

The building where the hostel is located

A bunk bed or bunk beds in a room at HI- Ottawa Jail Hostel

A bed or beds in a room at HI- Ottawa Jail Hostel

The floor plan of HI- Ottawa Jail Hostel

Guests staying at HI- Ottawa Jail Hostel

A kitchen or kitchenette at HI- Ottawa Jail Hostel

University of Ottawa: only 6 minutes away! (1,650 feet by foot)

*8.5* Rideau Mall: only 5 minutes away! (1,200 feet by foot)

*8.7* National Arts Center: only 5 minutes away! (1,300 feet by foot)

Carleton University: only 6 minutes away! (1,600 feet by foot)

Ottawa Convention Center: only 4 minutes away! (850 feet by foot)

Lock in a great price for HI- Ottawa Jail Hostel – rated 8.1 by recent guests!

to get started.

I like the atmosphere of the cells and the tour they do. The bathroom and showers were always clean. Location is good - short walk to Byward Market, the canal or downtown. Across the street from the Rideau Centre mall and the Shaw Centre. Take bus 6/7 from in front of the Rideau Centre to get to the Glebe in 20 minutes.

Paul

Canada

The character of the building and experience. Cells were clean and comfortable. Breakfast was nice. Staff was very friendly

Erik

Canada

It was a fun place to stay! All the rooms are labeled with a prisoner, so it’s fun to walk around and explore. It was close to the canal for skating and close to food.

Tammi

United States of America

Location is just AWESOME, in the very heart of Ottawa, walking distance to everything. Pretty exciting to stay in a former prison, such a spooky atmosphere. Loved the lounge downstairs, plenty of space to work, fast Internet connection. Thanks for the free coffee 24/7! Overall, great value for money.

Ildar

Russia

We rented (the only one in the building) the private room with the en-suite bathroom and shower. The room was large enough, very clean, and the bed was very comfortable. The free breakfast, while not fancy, was nice and nutritious. Location very good; right across the street from the Rideau Center, and near the arts centres, and other places.

Jeff

United States of America

It might be described as a hostel but I felt like i was in a nice apartment .... first time in a hostel, absolutely no regrets. Free breakfast was great, full of options & tasty.

Temidayo

Canada

Unique experience, beds very comfortable, room cozy.

Jennifer

Honduras

Truly an experience - beds were very comfy. Our private room was very simple - the hostel was not too busy so it really was private - so no issue with shared bathrooms. Towels were soft and fluffy. Weather was very cold outside but inside the jail was warm. The jail tour was great and kitchen was really good. We will def be back. Location is hard to beat!

Darcie

Canada

The theme of the hostel was amazing. I love the look and feel of the rooms. Quite unique.

Albab

France

Stayed here two nights. The place itself is interesting with lots of history. Loved the original cells on the 8th floor. Check in/out was easy, everyone working there is nice. Hostel itself is clean, bed was comfortable. People were quiet at night; earplugs were also available in the room. Breakfast had nice options. Hostel is near the mall and very close to parliament. Great location. Overall I really enjoyed this place.

Evgeniya

Canada

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9.5

Excellent location!
Highly rated for:
Great neighborhood
Highly rated for:
Great neighborhood
Highly rated for:
Great neighborhood
Highly rated for:
Great neighborhood
Highly rated for:
Great check-in experience
Highly rated for:
Great check-in experience

What guests loved the most:
“I like the atmosphere of the cells and the tour they do. The bathroom and showers were always clean. Location is good - short walk to Byward Market, the canal or downtown.”

Paul Canada
“The character of the building and experience. Cells were clean and comfortable. Breakfast was nice. Staff was very friendly”

Erik Canada
“It was a fun place to stay! All the rooms are labeled with a prisoner, so it’s fun to walk around and explore. It was close to the canal for skating and close to food.”

Tammi United States of America
“Location is just AWESOME, in the very heart of Ottawa, walking distance to everything. Pretty exciting to stay in a former prison, such a spooky atmosphere.”

Ildar Russia
“We rented (the only one in the building) the private room with the en-suite bathroom and shower. The room was large enough, very clean, and the bed was very comfortable.”

Jeff United States of America
“It might be described as a hostel but I felt like i was in a nice apartment .... first time in a hostel, absolutely no regrets. Free breakfast was great, full of options & tasty.”

Temidayo Canada
“Unique experience, beds very comfortable, room cozy.”

Jennifer Honduras
“Truly an experience - beds were very comfy. Our private room was very simple - the hostel was not too busy so it really was private - so no issue with shared bathrooms. Towels were soft and fluffy.”

Darcie Canada
“The theme of the hostel was amazing. I love the look and feel of the rooms. Quite unique.”

Albab France
“Stayed here two nights. The place itself is interesting with lots of history. Loved the original cells on the 8th floor. Check in/out was easy, everyone working there is nice.”

Evgeniya Canada

Set in a restored jailhouse, this Ottawa hostel is adjacent to the Ottawa Convention Center and Rideau Center Mall. It features rooms with free Wi-Fi and serves a daily continental breakfast.

With unique styles and hardwood floors, all rooms at HI Ottawa Jail Hostel have access to shared bathrooms.

Each morning guests can enjoy a breakfast consisting of fruits, cereal, bagels, milk, coffee, tea and juice.

Lockers and linens/towels are provided at HI Ottawa Jail Hostel. Guests can relax in the common lounge and watch cable TV or read a book from the on-site library.

The University of Ottawa and Chateau Des Charmes Wines are both 1.2 mi from the hostel. Casino du Lac Leamy is 10 minutes’ drive away.

This is our guests' favorite part of Ottawa, according to independent reviews.

Couples in particular like the location – they rated it 9.4 for a two-person trip.

We speak your language!

HI- Ottawa Jail Hostel has been welcoming Booking.com guests since Dec 5, 2011
Hotel chain/brand: Hostelling International

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Most popular facilities

Parking

Free WiFi

Non-smoking rooms

24-hour front desk

Bookers love...

“friendly staff”
107 related reviews

“free breakfast”
84 related reviews

“great experience”
56 related reviews

“boutique style”

Located in the top-rated area in Ottawa, this property has an excellent location score of 9.5!

Breakfast Info

Continental, Vegetarian, Vegan, Buffet

Free WiFi
Guests consistently rate the WiFi as excellent

Private Parking Available On Site

Checkin day

Checkin month

Checkout day

Checkout month

Availability

When would you like to stay at HI- Ottawa Jail Hostel?

Check-in date

Check-out date

Rooms

Adults

Children

Sleeps	Room Type
Max adults: 2	Double Cell Room 1 full bed
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Max adults: 2	Twin Cell Room 2 twin beds
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Max adults: 1	Single Cell Room 1 twin bed
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Max adults: 1	Single Bed in 8-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room 1 twin bed
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Max adults: 1	Single Bed in 4-Bed Female Dormitory Room 1 twin bed
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Max adults: 1	Bed in 4-Bed Male Dormitory Room 1 twin bed
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Max adults: 1	Bed in 6-Bed Female Dormitory Room 1 twin bed
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Max adults: 2	Historic Double Cell Room 1 full bed
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Max adults: 2	Double Room with Private Bathroom 1 full bed
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1 property in Ottawa like HI- Ottawa Jail Hostel was booked in the last 12 hours

An Inside Look at HI- Ottawa Jail Hostel

That's right, we are housed in a 150 year old former Carleton County Gaol - steeped in history and built on fun, we guarantee that you'll agree that the Jail is the best place to Hang! There is no other hostel like this in North America. The walls are made of stone and brick, and you'll love the architecture especially while staying in some of our authentic jail cells.

Area Info

–

What's nearby *

Ottawa Art Gallery
0 miles
Rideau Mall
0.2 miles
National Arts Center
0.2 miles
Art Mode Gallery
0.3 miles
Carleton University
0.3 miles
University of Ottawa
0.3 miles
Rideau Locks
0.3 miles
Sparks Street Mall
0.4 miles
Embassy of Denmark
0.4 miles
Major's Hill Park
0.4 miles

Restaurants & Markets *

Albion Rooms Restaurant
0.1 miles
Byward Market Market
0.2 miles
Metro Supermarket
0.3 miles
Chateau Lafayette Cafe/Bar
0.4 miles

Closest Airports *

Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport
7.2 miles
Executive Gatineau-Ottawa Airport
9 miles
Ogdensburg Airport
52.5 miles

House rules HI- Ottawa Jail Hostel takes special requests – add in the next step!

Check-in

3:00 PM - 12:00 AM

Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card at check-in

Check-out

4:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Cancellation/
prepayment

Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodations type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check what conditions apply to your preferred room.

Children & Beds

Children of all ages are welcome.

To see correct prices and occupancy info, add the number and ages of children in your group to your search.

There's no capacity for cribs at this property.

This property doesn't offer extra beds.

No age restriction

There's no age requirement for check-in

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Groups

When booking for more than 10 people, different policies and additional supplements may apply.

American Express Visa Mastercard Discover UnionPay credit card HI- Ottawa Jail Hostel accepts these cards and reserves the right to temporarily hold an amount prior to arrival.

The fine print

Birth certificates, SIN cards and Ontario Health Cards are not accepted as valid ID upon check-in.

Please note this property does not allow third party bookings.

The credit card used at the time of the booking must be presented by the cardholder upon check in.

Please note that HI/YHA discounts are not available as part of this booking.

Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.

“I like the atmosphere of the cells and the tour they do. The bathroom and showers were always clean. Location is good - short walk to Byward Market, the canal or downtown. Across the street from the Rideau Centre mall and the Shaw Centre. Take bus 6/7 from in front of the Rideau Centre to get to the Glebe in 20 minutes.”

“It was a fun place to stay! All the rooms are labeled with a prisoner, so it’s fun to walk around and explore. It was close to the canal for skating and close to food.”

“Location is just AWESOME, in the very heart of Ottawa, walking distance to everything. Pretty exciting to stay in a former prison, such a spooky atmosphere. Loved the lounge downstairs, plenty of space to work, fast Internet connection. Thanks for the free coffee 24/7! Overall, great value for money.”

“We rented (the only one in the building) the private room with the en-suite bathroom and shower. The room was large enough, very clean, and the bed was very comfortable. The free breakfast, while not fancy, was nice and nutritious. Location very good; right across the street from the Rideau Center, and near the arts centres, and other places.”

“It might be described as a hostel but I felt like i was in a nice apartment .... first time in a hostel, absolutely no regrets. Free breakfast was great, full of options & tasty.”

“Truly an experience - beds were very comfy. Our private room was very simple - the hostel was not too busy so it really was private - so no issue with shared bathrooms. Towels were soft and fluffy. Weather was very cold outside but inside the jail was warm. The jail tour was great and kitchen was really good. We will def be back. Location is hard to beat!”

“Stayed here two nights. The place itself is interesting with lots of history. Loved the original cells on the 8th floor. Check in/out was easy, everyone working there is nice. Hostel itself is clean, bed was comfortable. People were quiet at night; earplugs were also available in the room. Breakfast had nice options. Hostel is near the mall and very close to parliament. Great location. Overall I really enjoyed this place.”

See all guest reviews for HI- Ottawa Jail Hostel

Newest Reviews for HI- Ottawa Jail Hostel

Reviewed: February 24, 2020

Shelby
Canada
6.0

Pleasant
- • Leisure trip
- • Family with young children
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted from a mobile device
Its implied that there was a bar in the hostel. Even the ticket they gave us with the door code said the bar was on the 2nd floor. When we went looking for it the guy said it they took it out years ago. Kinda wish they were upfront about it.
Wasnt drafty, and great area

Stayed in February 2020
Reviewed: February 24, 2020

Anonymous
Canada
8.0

Very Good
- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted from a mobile device
I had a great experience at Jail hostel. I spent a week when I first came to Canada 10 years ago. I wanted to visit again as I'm celebrating my 10 yr in Canada. More detail is on my youtube channel 'kimpinkc' please check it out:)

Stayed in February 2020
Reviewed: February 24, 2020

Todd
Canada
10

Exceptional
- • Leisure trip
- • Family with young children
- • Stayed 2 nights
Excellent room in jail cell

Stayed in February 2020
Reviewed: February 24, 2020

Felipe
Brazil

2 helpful votes
9.0

Awesome
- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveler
- • Stayed 1 night
Breakfast was great. The location is awesome, close to the Market and most of the touristic attractions in Ottawa.

Stayed in February 2020
Reviewed: February 24, 2020

Amy
Canada
9.0

“Such a unique and pleasant place to call home for a few days. We will highly recommend it.”
- • Leisure trip
- • Family with young children
- • Stayed 5 nights
- • Submitted from a mobile device
It was a bit noisy down the cell halls. We were by the men’s bathroom and the door didn’t close and so we heard a lot of peeing in the night.
The history of the place. The breakfast was so yummy. Fantastic location. The staff were helpful and friendly.

Stayed in February 2020
Reviewed: February 23, 2020

Radek
Czech Republic
8.0

Very Good
- • Leisure trip
- • Group
- • Stayed 3 nights
HEATING NOISES & Friday's Night Music
LOCATION

Stayed in February 2020
Reviewed: February 21, 2020

Judit
Canada
7.0

Good
- • Business trip
- • Solo traveler
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted from a mobile device
The heater sound
I think you shoulf fix the heater problem, I didn't sleep well because of that and I honestly wouldn't book again with you until you fix that problem. This is my 4th time staying at this hostel.

Stayed in February 2020
Reviewed: February 21, 2020

Hayley
Canada
8.0

Very Good
- • Leisure trip
- • Group
- • Stayed 3 nights
- • Submitted from a mobile device
The bathrooms need some work. Too small and a bit dirty
Breakfast was a great spread. Our room was big and the bunk beds were surprisingly comfortable. Location was the best part.

Stayed in February 2020
Reviewed: February 20, 2020

Jerry
United States of America

1 helpful vote
10

Exceptional
- • Leisure trip
- • Group
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted from a mobile device
Had a bad experience outside the front of the property with a member of the community(possibly was a homeless gentleman though he was carrying groceries). He called me and my friend "faggot" repeatedly though it seemed like he was irate over my not giving him my attention as he was making his way up the sidewalk. Also flipped us off multiple times as he kept berating both us and "God" who he said does not exist. Anyway not really the hostel's fault but I still thought I'd mention it in case this fellow has been a recurring problem to customers or staff.
Love, love, love this place. Happy that bathrooms were situated outside the sleeping quarters. Also the breakfast was super.

Stayed in February 2020
Reviewed: February 20, 2020

Anonymous
Canada
9.0

“Amazing”
- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveler
- • Stayed 1 night
I think the jail hostel is pretty much what it should be. It's natural in the sense that it is actually a jail hostel.
The breakfast was amazing, and the stories of the criminals that lived there was interesting to see and experience what their jail felt like; even though it literally didn't feel like a jail. It's a very nice place for young people to live and hang out.

Stayed in February 2020
Reviewed: February 18, 2020

Rebeca
United States of America

2 helpful votes
8.3

“Unique place”
- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveler
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted from a mobile device
Parking One bathroom per floor
Excellent location. Amazing breakfast

Stayed in February 2020
Reviewed: February 18, 2020

Irina
Canada
7.0

“I’m satisfied :)”
- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveler
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted from a mobile device
Everything was good - location, service, food, except that it was very cold in the room and blanket was thin.

Stayed in February 2020
Reviewed: February 17, 2020

Paul
Canada

5 helpful votes
9.0

Awesome
- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveler
- • Stayed 3 nights
Bring earplugs or make sure to get them from the front desk. Less considerate guests that get back late at night are really loud in the echoey corridors. The breakfast is pretty basic but can't really complain since its included.
I like the atmosphere of the cells and the tour they do. The bathroom and showers were always clean. Location is good - short walk to Byward Market, the canal or downtown. Across the street from the Rideau Centre mall and the Shaw Centre. Take bus 6/7 from in front of the Rideau Centre to get to the Glebe in 20 minutes.

Stayed in February 2020
Reviewed: February 17, 2020

Erik
Canada
9.2

Awesome
- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveler
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted from a mobile device
The bathrooms were functional but could use some updates
The character of the building and experience. Cells were clean and comfortable. Breakfast was nice. Staff was very friendly

Stayed in February 2020
Reviewed: February 17, 2020

Dzmitry
Belarus

4 helpful votes
7.0

“Good plave to stay for the experience, trading off just a bit of comfort for that.”
- • Leisure trip
- • Group
- • Stayed 1 night
Single cells have a bed - and that's it. A coat hanger would be nice at least.
Great location. Friendly staff. Overall experience of staying in old jail (the tour was cool as well).

Stayed in February 2020

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Facilities of HI- Ottawa Jail Hostel

House rules HI- Ottawa Jail Hostel takes special requests – add in the next step!

The fine print