Reviews of HI-Ottawa Jail Hostel

27 May 2011 Customer would recommend this property

Liked: The fact that it is still maintained as a jail.

Disliked: The noise

24 May 2011 Customer would recommend this property

Liked: The location was excellent and the staff was very friendly. They were able to point me in the right direction to some amazing sights.

Disliked: There was one large centipede that was running around the room on the second night.

23 May 2011 Helen would recommend this property

Liked: It was so fun to stay in jail! A bit creepy at night but really authentic! Really enjoyed the crime and punishment tour! Very informative! Definitely a place to be checked out if you are in the Ottawa area!!

Disliked: n a

22 May 2011 Customer would recommend this property

Liked: Great atmosphere, unique building and experience

Disliked: As you might expect, there's a bit of a squeeze for showers and toilets. Also there were only two power outlets in a 6 bed dorm - there was competition at times!

11 May 2011 Virginia would recommend this property

Liked: The people who run the front desk and all that entails, have got it just right! They know their job well and do it well! Their friendliness, sense of humor, helpfulness and calm demeanor can't be beat. They're even trained in First Aid, and used it with a hosteler who hurt himself in a fall while I was there. They strike a balance of "being there" without appearing at all intrusive. The kitchen and lounge areas are inviting to all who want to eat, rest, read or be with other visitors. The tour of the "jail/hostel" is interesting and well worth the time. The proximity to the Rideau Canal, Parliament buildings, museums, Byward Market, and other fun shops is a plus.

Disliked: I didn't really dislike anything, but did recommend to the staff that it would be helpful to have more hooks in the dorms, as well as a reminder to bring a lock for the lockers provided there.

11 April 2011 Joel would recommend this property

Liked: I was there alone in begining of April and there was not a lot of people because it was off season. However, I met cool people and I had a lot of fun. There is a small bar where you can relax, take a beer (or not) and meet people. A perfect place and a good deal. I recommend it to everyone, young and old.

Disliked: There is no breakfast included.

29 March 2011 Customer would recommend this property

Liked: The place itself... A big Huge old jail with all its History and Stories.... Also the location right in downtown

Disliked: Nothing, everything was really good... My stay worth it

02 January 2011 Customer would recommend this property

Liked: the look

Disliked: nothing

17 November 2010 HELEN would recommend this property

Liked: I really liked it's unique jail - settings of the facility. It's real usual experience and I was able to enjoy it. Even it's hostel and probably the most popular hostel in Ottawa, it was pretty clean every where. I loved the fact, that every cell has a free wireless internet service :)

Disliked: In the other hand, my fiance who never had a "hostel- low budget" experience, had a horrible night. He couldn't sleep because the bed was too small and it was noisy outside. ( all the cells except top floor are designed to be heard every converstation from each cells because the building used to be a jail. according to the little sign on the door, ppl can hear even a little whisper in the cell) I slept pretty well regardless.

08 November 2010 Emiliano would recommend this property

Liked: It has a good location and it´s an historical place. You have a good kitchen and a common area. Bathrooms were ok and staff were polite all the time.

Disliked: Emiliano left no negative feedback.

13 October 2010 Marcos would recommend this property

Liked: Wonderful location, with a helpful staff and a good price.

Disliked: When I arrived the man shower was smelling bad. But in second day was OK.

12 October 2010 Customer would recommend this property

Liked: Really good experience, I loved Ottawa and mostly to stay at this hostel. Really nice location and really nice hostel. Showers were not the best ones but good enought.

Disliked: showers can be better....

08 October 2010 Amaury would recommend this property

Liked: the place and the room, the location

Disliked: Some people don't respect instructions : i ran into girls in the male bathroom or in the male toilet

22 September 2010 Customer would recommend this property

Liked: the kitchen

Disliked: that the cells dont have windows

20 September 2010 Customer would recommend this property

Liked: The location, it is close to down town and public transportation. And I liked the fact that the building used to be a prison, this gives it a lot of character.

Disliked: The service. Overall it was good. They were really helpfull. Only, most of the employed staff couldn't tell me much on where to go and what to see. Also, I expected them to give usefull information on the Gautine wildlife park. However, they couldn't provide me with any.

12 September 2010

Liked: The only things going for the place is the location and the fact that its quirky as its an ex-jail. Staying in a cell, is quite cool

Disliked: Nothing was particularly clean - fridges full of out of date food, not very clean. Hardly any vibe or social scene, not good to meet people staff rude when checking in and asking her to explain the bill. The prices quoted on here do not include Tax!! - its about 16% extra

02 September 2010 Sarah would recommend this property

Liked: The atmosphere was fantastic

Disliked: There were no lifts, so it was hard to carry bags up and down the stairs

28 August 2010 Michelle would recommend this property

Liked: Lots of character! It really is an old jail and you really are staying in the cells- except the beds are much comfier I'm sure. I loved the tour they offer and the friendly staff!

Disliked: The 6 bed dorms are a little small and short of space. Especially if all 6 people have suitcases!! But apart from that nothing really to complain about!

21 August 2010 Customer would recommend this property

Liked: Great Stay in a great location. Where in the world can you decide to leave a jail?

Disliked: Customer left no negative feedback.

05 August 2010 Danielle would recommend this property

Liked: The unique experience of being in an old jail.

Disliked: It becomes a lot easier if the hostel offers free or paied breakfast.

30 July 2010 Sarah would recommend this property

Liked: Beds were very comfortable and shower facilities were fairly clean. Great location for sightseeing/shopping/public transport access.

Disliked: The toilets smelt unclean and the corridor can seem noisy at night/early morning due to the inability to close sound off from the dorm room eg jail bars in wall allow sound in.

24 July 2010 Kevin would recommend this property

Liked: Interesting building, good location

Disliked: Room only had 2 power outlets with 6 of us staying in there, also kind of pricey aswell

16 July 2010 Alexandra would recommend this property

Liked: I really liked the kitchen, You will find everything you are looking for, which is nice. And the lounge, bar and eating area is very nice aswell.

Disliked: We stayed in a twin bed room and for us it was way to small. There was everything we needed but nothing extra. Maybe you shouldn't expect too much space in a jail. Dirty floor in the shower.

11 July 2010 Belinda would recommend this property

Liked: Great building, great location, great story to tell your mates, Canada Day was fantastic!!!

Disliked: staff could have been more friendly and helpful, information was like getting blood from a stone...A smile doesnt cost anything guys!!!

14 June 2010 Veronica would recommend this property

Liked: Great hostel, really enjoyed my stay, mainly because the staff made it so nice and also because it was easy place to meet other people with the dining area, kitchen and bar. Thanks especially to Christina, Brendan and Grey for making a memorable stay :-) The rooms are pretty good, although you do hear all noises. Laundry facilities great and bathroom areas clean. Only real negative is that you have to pay for lockers, which I think is unfair. Thanks guys for a fun hostel :-)

Disliked: Veronica left no negative feedback.