The Liberty Hotel

Let’s be real: When you think of a luxury hotel, a former jail doesn’t typically come to mind. A charming boutique hotel stay with carefully chosen elements of “doing time” doesn’t quite go hand-in-hand. And yet, Beacon Hill’s The Liberty, a Luxury Collection Hotel, offers exactly that. It’s the inspired remix you didn’t know you needed. It’s the most unusual Marriott Bonvoy hotel in the corporation’s portfolio.

The former site of the Charles Street Jail, this National Historic Landmark building was built in 1851. For 139 years, it housed convicts—legend has it, even Sacco and Vanzetti and Malcolm X. The Liberty Hotel leans into that heritage to a delightful degree effectively combining hospitality with elements of the original jail. And what’s more, the property does it with aplomb. Many of the original barred windows remain within the structure, in addition to tiled footprints of actual jail cells housing former convicted Bostonian inmates pre-1990 when the jail officially closed.

What’s in a Name?

The on-site eating and drinking establishments reflect the building’s storied history. Cocktail lounge Alibi boasts mug shots of celebrities. Scampo is the James Beard Award-Winning Chef Lydia Shire’s Italian restaurant inside of the hotel.  Don’t miss the lobster pizza and life-changing naan bread. And Clink is the critically acclaimed restaurant with bars on the windows. A courtyard called The Yard hosts “Yappier Hours” for the neighborhood’s pet friends every Monday. On Saturdays, the hotel offers complimentary yoga in the mornings. Curling during winter months comes complete with a curling concierge who teaches guests how to play the popular sport.

Rooms at The Liberty Hotel

The luxe, comfortable rooms offer sweeping views of the Charles River and Boston skyline—this Boston University alumna was thrilled to see the famed Citgo sign from mine. With wrought-iron details, key and clock motifs, a do-not-disturb-sign titled “Solitary,” exposed-brick walls, and throw pillows with line marks, the decor playfully incorporates the elements of the building’s rich history. There are also lots of outlets for those working-from-room.

The Liberty Hotel Amenities

The property’s amenities include full-size Molton Brown products in the rooms. For exercise, enjoy bike rentals, a 24-hour fitness center and a running concierge. Additionally, the property offers valet parking, a welcome glass of champagne upon your arrival and complimentary, reliable Wi-Fi. A dog-friendly property, The Liberty supplies welcome treats for your furry friend.

The always-bustling lobby features the structure’s original catwalks and a thriving nightlife scene. It can feel a bit like a triumph to get through to the escalators to the lower level where the building exit is. On one hand, it’s a bit of a circuitous route to escape your hotel en route to your dinner or excursion. On the other hand, it’s entirely on-brand that each time you leave the building, you have to, in essence, “make a break for it.” It’s always satisfying and adds to the vibe in a “buy the ticket, take the ride” kind of way.