A jail cell converted into a bedroom. Photo / Airbnb
A jail cell converted into a bedroom. Photo / Airbnb
An unusual new Airbnb listing offering guests the chance to spend a night behind bars is proving an easy sell.
Owners of the decommissioned police station turned guesthouse in Manitoba, Canada, said they wanted to retain as many of the original fixtures as they could, CTV reported.
“I’ve set itup to be as comfortable as possible in the 680 feet [63sq m] that there is,” owner Rose Peloquin said.
Dubbed “The Jailhouse”, the property includes two jail cells, with the bars still intact.
“Check ‘a night in the slammer’ off your bucket list (without acquiring a record) while enjoying the modern comforts and a space all to yourselves,” the online listing reads.
“We thought if we do an Airbnb, then we can always block the dates when the kids are coming home or family comes to visit or there’s a reunion or bonspiel and we want to have a pile of friends over,” she said.
Another attraction for the couple was that money collected from Airbnb guests could be put toward renovations.
“So some things just had to be upgraded. We couldn’t leave it as it was,” she said.
“The lighting just had to be changed because there was the old fluorescent buzzing yellow lights that were in there.”
This decommissioned police station was converted into an Airbnb. Photo / Airbnb
Peloquin said the “unique” Airbnb is the perfect venue for stag dos and hen’s nights, adding that its size made it suitable for family groups.
“In a small town, you either bring your camper or stay in a motel … it’s not very practical,” Peloquin said.
“But an apartment would be far more comfortable for a small family or a group of friends.”
An interior shot of "The Jailhouse" Airbnb listing. Photo / Airbnb
Tickled social media users took to the comment threads with their humorous takes.
“My hubby says he has been there and it never cost him anything,” one woman joked on Facebook.
“Perfect date night for my ex-con boyfriend to make him feel more at home, more comfortable,” another wrote.
A third commenter added they would “10/10 consider during a zombie apocalypse”.
Sign up to Herald Premium Editor’s Picks, delivered straight to your inbox every Friday. Editor-in-chief Murray Kirkness picks the week’s best features, interviews and investigations. Sign up for Herald Premium here.
