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About
Elegant Accommodations Fengselshotellet AS in Arendal offers a 5-star experience with free WiFi, a paid airport shuttle service, and a lounge. Guests can enjoy an outdoor fireplace, indoor and outdoor play areas, and a games room. Comfortable Amenities The hotel features family rooms, private bathrooms with city or inner courtyard views, and a kitchen. Additional amenities include streaming services, a tea and coffee maker, and a refrigerator. Dining and Activities A daily housekeeping service and express check-in and check-out ensure a comfortable stay. Breakfast includes juice and cheese, and guests can enjoy hiking and cycling in the surrounding area. Prime Location Located 39 mi from Kristiansand Kjevik Airport, the hotel is near an ice-skating rink. Nearby attractions include Torbjørnsbu Gruver (13-minute walk) and Det Gamle Politikammer (less than 0.6 mi).
91 Reviews
What Guests Say
- “It was an awesome experience! The way this “hotel” maintained the authenticity of the original prison was remarkable… newspaper articles…”
- “It was a one of a kind experience. The hotell was true to its origins, and highlighted the things that make the hotell unique. The staff…”
Top Amenities
- Free Internet Access
- Free Parking
- Pets Allowed
- Airport Shuttle
- Non-Smoking Rooms
Room Options
Our Best Price. GUARANTEED.
Exclusively for Priceline members Details
1/1Double Room
- Bath or Shower
- Board games/puzzles
- Courtyard view
- Dishwasher
1/1Budget Single Room
- Flat-screen TV
- Linens
- Shared bathroom
- Streaming media
1/1Double Room with Shared Bathroom
- Flat-screen TV
- Linens
- Shared bathroom
- Streaming media
1/1Family Double Room
- Flat-screen TV
- Linens
- Shared bathroom
- Streaming media
1/1Single Room with Shared Shower and Toilet
- Flat-screen TV
- Linens
- Shared bathroom
- Streaming media
1/1Family Room
- Bath or Shower
- Flat-screen TV
- Linens
- Private bathroom
1/3Standard Room
- Bath or Shower
- Dishwasher
- Free Wifi
- Internet access
1/4Family Room with Bathroom
- Bath or Shower
- Flat-screen TV
- Linens
- Private bathroom
1/1Family Junior Suite
- Bath or Shower
- City view
- Coffee/tea machine
- Flat-screen TV
1/2Family Room with Shared Bathroom
- Flat-screen TV
- Linens
- Shared bathroom
- Streaming media
1/2Single Room
- Flat-screen TV
- Linens
- Shared bathroom
- Streaming media
1/1Standard Twin Room
- Flat-screen TV
- Linens
- Shared bathroom
- Streaming media
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What Guests Loved
Based on 91 reviews
Pros +
- It was an awesome experience! The way this “hotel” maintained the authenticity of the original prison was remarkable… newspaper articles covering the walls, preservations of the isolation cells, activity areas, shower, etc was amazing. The staff was so friendly and accommodating. There were no noice issues and all areas were well maintained as well as clean.
- It was a one of a kind experience. The hotell was true to its origins, and highlighted the things that make the hotell unique. The staff was attentive to the guests and very informative about the locations and the stories that found place at the jail prior to it becoming a hotell. We are already planning our next stay with our son. It’s a must when in Arendal
- The concept was excellent. And the staff was friendly and added to the experience. He looked a bit over worked but always made time for every guest. Oh and I did wear one of the jailbird outfits to work, and to a late night meeting. I made it fun. I thought about stealing an outfit in keeping with the theme, but I did eventually pay for it. I understand some of the proceeds go to various charities. My partner spoke to the manager about this and I don't remember the details. But RESPECT!
Cons -
- All good ?
- Welllll, if I had the room to myself, I would have been fine, but to share a room, even with a partner, the open bathroom would not be my first choice. I however managed to make it work. haha. But that said, it is part of the theme, and one must experience new things. Common showers didn't bother me at all.
- Very historical and management have time to explain his role and welcomed visitors
It was an awesome experience! The way this “hotel” maintained the authenticity of the original prison was remarkable… newspaper articles covering the walls, preservations of the isolation cells, activity areas, shower, etc was amazing. The staff was so friendly and accommodating. There were no noice issues and all areas were well maintained as well as clean.
All good ?
It was a one of a kind experience. The hotell was true to its origins, and highlighted the things that make the hotell unique. The staff was attentive to the guests and very informative about the locations and the stories that found place at the jail prior to it becoming a hotell. We are already planning our next stay with our son. It’s a must when in Arendal
The concept was excellent. And the staff was friendly and added to the experience. He looked a bit over worked but always made time for every guest. Oh and I did wear one of the jailbird outfits to work, and to a late night meeting. I made it fun. I thought about stealing an outfit in keeping with the theme, but I did eventually pay for it. I understand some of the proceeds go to various charities. My partner spoke to the manager about this and I don't remember the details. But RESPECT!
Welllll, if I had the room to myself, I would have been fine, but to share a room, even with a partner, the open bathroom would not be my first choice. I however managed to make it work. haha. But that said, it is part of the theme, and one must experience new things. Common showers didn't bother me at all.
The. staff are friendly and very helpful
Very historical and management have time to explain his role and welcomed visitors
Very nice experience, cute hotel, and we got a nice tour with information about the old prison!! Very nice staff too, thanks for the special treatment!
It was a super exciting building with lots of stories from the past. Lots of games and entertainment options. Reminded us of a youth hostel.Free parking available.Short distance to walk to the town center.
Our room and the communal kitchen were not very clean.
It was a fun and interesting place to stay for a night. Close to town and something different.
We didn’t see any staff for our stay and it would have been interesting to find out more about the prison. Facilities were clean, but a dressing gown is essential to walk the hallway to the shower room! Breakfast and coffee below average and it would be better if they just had a good coffee machine and some pastries to keep it simple.
The looks / style and feel, the very friendly personal and the history information everywhere.
Unique, welcoming, educational. Super comfortable, unlike anywhere I’ve stayed. Audun is a brilliant host, gave us a tour which will live with me for a long time. Everyone should stay here at least once. I’ll be back!
Nothing. It was brilliant.
Very quirky. A converted prison. Forn Norway a good price.
Nothing really.
We absolutely loved our stay here. The location is very authentic, the staff very friendly and knowledgeable about the local events. The kids were having a great time as well, with the treasure hunt and gameroom!
There wasn't much we didn't like. Only thing was we had to carry our dog up the stairs, since they are made out of grated metal, which dogs don't like to walk on.
Comfortable, warm room. Fascinating articles and history. Fun spaces. Great commitment to the concept. Simple tasty breakfast. Nice town. Really enjoyed our stay!
Nothing. Just be aware all signage will be in Norwegian, so probably handy to have a translating app available!
Very cool gimmick on the prison topic. Very comfortable beds, nice staff, easy parking (incl. EV charging) and good breakfast even though self service from the fridge. Walking distance from downtown city centre and from the business area.
Wrong information on booking.com, notably saying that rooms have ensuite bathrooms (in reality only sink and toilet while shared showers in the hallway -- nice, clean and lockable, but booking.com should still have correct info)
Audun is a great host, telling all about the ex prison's history, for children an insight in how and why not to become a criminal with a good educational value. The beds are very comfortabel. The aptmosphere relaxed and inviting.
Original experience in nice renovated and adapted prison. Prompt self check in is very practical. Accessible parking, quiet area and lovely neighborhood with good restaurants.
Breakfast was simple but good. Put out on a table right in front of the reception desk. Help yourself with cofee, etc.
Would be great with a curtain around the toilet (who is places openly in the room)
Very friendly & helpfull host, cosy atmosphere. Wonderfully repurposed facilities with respect for the original. Unique experience.
We had just got off a tall ship having been on board for 3 weeks and awake on watch from 4 am . We walked up the hill to the hotel and we’re exhausted and should have been too early for check in. We were delighted to be shown to a room and an amazing powerful shower and soft bed!! Slept so well
Only that it wasn’t en suite. Everything else fabulous
The history, the cleaning, the aria and my bed.
The staff didn't my know duty of confidentiality. I also missed a few more options at the breakfast table, or information on where to send in information about food allergy. I also missed a little TV in my cell.
Interesting experience sleeping in an old prison, Quiet village, about 10min walking distance from the centre.
The cooling system from the kitchen outside the room was very loud.
Amenities & Policies
Amenities
Media & Technology
- Free Internet Access
Transportation
- Free Parking
- Airport Shuttle
Health & Safety
- Health Services
- Daily disinfection
Kid Friendly
- Family Friendly
General
- Pets Allowed
- No Smoking Rooms/Facilities
Guest policies
| Check-in | After 4:00 PM |
|---|---|
| Check-out | Before 11:30 AM |
| Internet | Free Wi-Fi is available. |
| Parking | Free parking is available. |
| Children & Extra Beds | Children of all ages are welcome. Children of age 0 and above can stay with extra bed, subject to additional charges. |
| Pets | Pets are allowed. Charges may apply. |
| Room Rates | All rates displayed are for two guests unless otherwise noted. |
Location
6 Parkveien Bygning, Arendal
5 hotels in this area on Priceline, from $105 a night.
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