OVERVIEW
The completion of the Charles Street Jail in 1851 was a milestone of design, bringing the architect Gridley James Fox Bryant’s stately, rough-hewn granite style to the edge of the Charles River. The jail closed in 1990 and has been transformed into a luxury hotel after a $150 million restoration.
The result preserved much of the original stone and brickwork while adding touches like Gothic-style chandeliers that tower over a lobby lounge. Many cell bars remain as well, cleverly backlighted by ever-changing shades of lavender and chartreuse. And while most of the 298 rooms are stacked in a new tower, 18 are in the original jail, connected by catwalk-like terraces that guards once patrolled.
BEACON HILL LOCATION
Situated at the northern edge of Beacon Hill, overlooking the Charles River. It’s an easy walk to the Boston Common and the Back Bay neighborhood, and a stone’s throw from a subway station (Charles Street/Massachusetts General Hospital on the Red Line).
THE ROOMS
Book “Basic Jail” or “Breathtaking Jail.” The “jails” are both cozy and oddly airy, with exposed-brick walls and floor-to-ceiling windows that offered river and city views. The modern furnishings included an off-white divan, black lacquered desk and dresser and an earthy merino throw at the foot of the plush white bed. A 32-inch flat-panel TV sat above the mini-bar, and an elegant vase was filled with flowers. Instead of the typical “Do not disturb” card, the doorknob sign read: “Solitary.”
THE BATHROOM
Spacious and well-equipped, including a large bathtub, glass-doored shower with excellent water pressure, plenty of towels, Molton Brown products, two luffas and a couple of silky, terry-cloth lined robes. A granite floor matched the overall design.
RESTAURANTS
Scampo, the hotel’s upscale Italian restaurant whereas Clink, a cool and casual place with a lot of exposed brick and original cell bars, offered a delicious array of small plates, including artisanal cheeses served with grilled cranberry-pecan bread ($10 to $15). The same menu is also served at the atmospheric lobby bar, a clutch of red velvet banquettes and leather ottomans popular with post-work crowds in business attire.
Later, the cocktail action moves to the Alibi bar, housed in the former drunk tank that now features real, blown-up mug shots of celebrities like Mick Jagger (who was spotted at Clink in September) and Lindsay Lohan.
AMENITIES
The gym is small, and there’s no spa. The hotel offers Wi-Fi ($10.99 a day), local car service in rush hour at no extra charge and, remote airport baggage check-in screened by the Transportation Security Administration.
ROOM SERVICE
Very good room service. Try the tasty Cheddar and asparagus frittata ($20) came with delicious potatoes and copious toast triangles.
THE BOTTOM LINE
It’s a well-done theme hotel that plays its schtick to perfection, making you feel like one privileged inmate. Doubles start at $319. Liberty Hotel, 215 Charles Street, Boston; (617) 224-4000; www.libertyhotel.com.
