Fengselshotellet in Arendal
✅ Highly recommended guided tours by the manager Audun, a former inmate, providing deep insights into prison life ✅ Friendly and welcoming staff noted consistently across multiple reviews ✅ Clean and well-maintained premises with practical room details like showers on the same floor and coffee/tea facilities ✅ Unique thematic experience immersing guests in the prison environment while maintaining comfort ✅ Free parking and close proximity (about 1 km) to Arendal town center ❌ Breakfast described as basic and very simple, reflecting prison-style food, which some guests found less appealing ❌ The rooms are actual prison cells, which may feel uncomfortable or too authentic for some guests expecting typical hotel luxury ❌ Some guests rated the hotel lower for short stays, noting it is not a conventional hotel experience
Rooms and prices
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Description
Fengselshotellet in Arendal is a unique 5-star hotel housed in a former prison, offering a thematic experience unlike any traditional stay. Guests can choose from a variety of rooms including Economy, Standard, Junior Suites, and Family Junior Suites, many retaining the original prison cell design. The hotel focuses on educating visitors about prison life and crime prevention, with guided tours led by the manager, a former inmate, providing authentic insights. While the décor blends functionality with prison-era elements, modern comforts such as WiFi, free parking, and coffee/tea facilities are available. Breakfast is served buffet-style but with a simple menu reflecting the prison theme. Service is consistently noted as friendly and welcoming. Expect a clean and well-maintained property where history is preserved and presented thoughtfully for a truly one-of-a-kind stay.
Location
Fengselshotellet is located at 6 Parkveien, about 1 km from the city center of Arendal and within easy walking distance to local attractions. The nearest beach, Bystranda, is 1080 meters away, making it accessible for a seaside visit. The Vitensenteret Sørlandet science center is also close by at around 1078 meters, though reviews rate it modestly at 5/10. For travelers arriving by air, Kristiansand Airport (Kjevik) is 50 km from the hotel. The hotel’s proximity to the city and availability of free parking make it convenient for both urban exploring and accessing nearby points of interest.
Tips
- Book a guided tour with Audun, the former inmate and manager, to fully appreciate the hotel’s history.
- Bring your own snacks if you prefer a more varied breakfast, as the hotel’s buffet is simple.
- Use the free parking if you are driving, and consider walking or using the nearby 'Glassheisen' elevator to explore Arendal’s city center quickly.
Policies and conditions
- Child policies: Children can stay in some rooms of this hotel. Additional fees may be charged for children using existing beds. Add the number of children to get a more accurate price.
- Cribs and Extra Beds: For all room types, cribs cannot be added. Extra bed policies vary according to room type. Please refer to the relevant room type policy.
- Breakfast: Buffet [Mon - Sun] 07:00-10:00 Open Additional breakfast fees are not included in the total and need to be paid at the property.
- Deposit Policy: Deposit required
- Age Requirements: The main guest checking in must be at least 18 years old
- Check in time: 16:00. Check out time: 11:00.
Services and facilities
- Smoking areas
- Express check-out
- No elevators
- Reception desk
- Electric car charging
- Laundry
- Breakfast
- Vending machine
- Microwave oven
- Free Wi-Fi
- Library
- Hiking
- Free parking
- Meeting and presentation facilities
- Conference Hall
- Pets allowed
The nearest beach is located on the distance of 1080 m. It takes 16 minutes To the beach!
Hotel virtual tour
Map
Reviews
Hosts are very welcoming and open about all aspects of prison life. Highly recommended.
Fun concept, lots of history in the walls. Nice staff
With only a small kilometer to Pollen this hotel is a fantastic place. Free parking makes things much easier. Audun and Frode are great friendly and service-minded.
And with the annual program for 20w5 this place just has to be visited
Everything is clean and nice and well maintained, but it is a real prison cell!
Service is very friendly and you are treated and trusted as a high ranking inmate 💪
Breakfast is basic prison like.
Uniq experience you should definitly try if you have never been in jail.
❤️ It.
POIs near hotel
Frequently asked questions about Fengselshotellet
What types of rooms are available at Fengselshotellet?
The hotel offers Economy room, Economy Single room, Standard room, Standard Single room, Standard Family room, Standard Double room, Standard Quadruple room, Junior Suite, and Family Junior Suite.
Is Fengselshotellet a pet-friendly hotel?
Yes, Fengselshotellet allows pets.
Does the hotel provide parking facilities?
Yes, free parking is available for guests.
How far is Fengselshotellet from the nearest beach?
The nearest beach, Bystranda, is approximately 1080 meters from the hotel.
Are guided tours available at the hotel?
Yes, the hotel offers guided tours focused on the prison’s history, often led by the manager who is a former inmate.
