Ended up in Jail

Since the pickup was delayed, I needed somewhere to stay during the week. I work full time, so I wanted somewhere to relax. I ended up in jail.

Well, sorta. I spent five nights at the historic HI Ottawa Jail Hostel. It worked out to about $45 a night to stay in a room with three other women. They have single rooms, doubles, and up to 8 bunks in a shared room. I loved my roommates. Two were there for most of my stay, from Germany and Poland, and another German girl was there the first night.

My room:

The single cells were quite interesting. They're the width of a single bed, with a small space to stand and store things at the cell door. I think I'd be claustrophobic.

This was my first hostelling experience, so I was a little nervous, but honestly it was just amazing. I wasn't as social as I'd imagine some are, but the staff were extremely nice and friendly, the hostel itself was very clean (taking into account the building was built in 1852), and they even had free breakfast. 

I'd totally recommend the experience of staying here if you're ever in Ottawa. They offer free tours at 11am every day. I missed them as that's when I start work, but there are signs throughout the building explaining some of the features. Each cell door also has the name and crime of a past occupant.