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From59US$ /night
Check-in
20Mar2026Select date
Check-out
21Mar2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

75 Nicholas Street, Ottawa, Canada, K1N 7B9
-
Near ByWard Market
Great
8.4
8.9
/10
4.0
4.4
/5

Accommodation

Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel offers guests a chance to stay in a historic prison setting with accommodations including shared rooms with up to ten beds, each equipped with air conditioning and ceiling fans. Upgraded options include deluxe double cells with individual lockers and electric outlets, preserving the original stone walls and iron doors. The hostel also has women-only rooms and co-ed shared spaces to cater to diverse preferences.

Location

The hostel is strategically located just steps from prominent attractions like the Parliament Buildings, Byward Market, and Rideau Canal. This central position allows guests to explore Ottawa's rich history and lively culture easily. The hostel serves as an excellent gateway for adventures around the city's iconic sites.

Activities and Tours

Savvy travelers can enjoy a free guided tour of the historic jail, delving into the stories of notorious convicts who once called it home. Organized activities include a mini pub crawl and a guided walk along the UNESCO-listed Rideau Canal. The hostel also hosts cozy Friday evening gatherings for beer and socializing in a hidden courtyard.

Dining

The hostel provides a complimentary continental breakfast every morning, ensuring guests start their day on the right foot. A fully equipped kitchen is available for guests to prepare their meals, enhancing the communal experience. Nearby dining options around the Byward Market offer a variety of culinary tastes to explore.

Group Accommodations

Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel welcomes groups with special arrangements for ten or more occupants, making it an engaging choice for gatherings. The hostel facilitates easy planning for group activities, including historical tours of the jail. Guests can enjoy shared communal spaces which encourage social interaction and bonding.

Highlights

Location: steps from the Parliament Buildings

Accommodation: stays in a historic prison cell

Activities: free guided tours of the jail

Dining: free continental breakfast offered

Group: special arrangements for groups of ten or more

Social: cozy Friday evening gatherings

“Staying here is certainly an experience, given the building's past. The staff are genuinely welcoming, yet be warned: noise travels easily through the old structure, earplugs are a must. Breakfast is basic, so plan to explore other options if you want something substantial.”
Hotel logo
James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel
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Select your room type

Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Bed 4-bed mixed dormitory
2 persons
205 sq. feet 
1 Bunk bed
Shower
Heating
Double Room Private Bathroom
2 persons
130 sq. feet 
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
Twin Cell Room
2 persons
100 sq. feet 
2 Single beds
Shower
Heating
Double Cell Room
2 persons
110 sq. feet 
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
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Facilities

Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Great
8.4/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • On-site car park
  • Off-site car park
  • Handicap parking
  • 24-hour reception
  • No pets allowed
  • Security
  • Luggage storage
  • Locker room
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers

Sports & Fitness

  • Hiking

Guest Parking

  • Shared kitchen

Services

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Tours/Ticket assistance

Dining

  • Picnic area/ Tables

Children

  • Board games

Spa & Leisure

  • Garden area

Room features

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating
  • Terrace
  • Garden furniture

Self-catering

  • Shared kitchen

Room decor

  • Parquet floor
  • Curtains
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Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel Location

75 Nicholas Street, Ottawa, Canada, K1N 7B9
Map view
75 Nicholas Street, Ottawa, Canada, K1N 7B9
Nearby
Gallery
Ottawa Art Gallery
600 ft
Park
Confederation Park
1700 ft
53 Elgin St
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
1800 ft
Confederation Square
Valiants Memorial
1700 ft
55 Colonel By Dr
Shaw Centre
900 ft
70 Laurier Ave E
Museum of Classical Antiquities
1200 ft
Shopping Area
Rideau Centre
1200 ft
Restaurants
Big Smoke Burger
500 ft
50 Rideau St
Smoke's Poutinerie
900 ft
407 Dalhousie St
Kothu Rotti
800 ft
408 Dalhousie St
3 Brothers Shawarma & Poutine
900 ft
160 Rideau St
La Bottega
1400 ft
64 George St
Shanghai Wontons Noodle
1100 ft
178 Rideau St
Food Mood: Korean Kitchen
1200 ft
178B Rideau St
Subway
1100 ft
50 Avenue Laurier E Unit 105
Island Flava
1200 ft
409 Dalhousie St
Jimmy the Greek
1400 ft
50 Rideau St Rideau Centre Food Court
Centrale Bergham
1200 ft
374 Dalhousie St
Thai Express
1500 ft
111 Albert St World Exchange Plaza
Explore Ottawa
Explore Ottawa
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
National Gallery of Canada
National Gallery of Canada
14 minutes walking
Home to Canada's national collection, this gallery features stunning architecture and diverse exhibitions.
Parliament Hill
Parliament Hill
13 minutes walking
Iconic political hub featuring guided tours, historic buildings, and a beautiful view of the Ottawa River.
ByWard Market
ByWard Market
8 minutes walking
A vibrant area filled with shops, cafes, and fresh food vendors, ideal for a local cultural experience.
Canadian Museum of History
Canadian Museum of History
7-minute drive
Explore Canada's past through engaging exhibits and stunning views of the Parliament buildings across the river.
Rideau Canal Skating
25 minutes walking
Enjoy skating on the world's largest skating rink in winter. Rentals available at various stations along the canal.
Yoga in the Park
7 minutes walking
Find serenity at Confederation Park with outdoor yoga classes, perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Biking the Capital Pathways
10 minutes driving
A scenic network of trails for biking enthusiasts, with bike rentals available nearby for convenience.
Big Smoke Burger
Big Smoke Burger
2 minutes walking
Casual eatery specializing in gourmet burgers, with options for all eaters, including gluten-free choices.
Kothu Rotti
Kothu Rotti
3 minutes walking
Offers delicious Sri Lankan street food in a lively atmosphere; their kothu rotti is a must-try.
La Bottega
La Bottega
5 minutes walking
Charming Italian restaurant known for its pasta and wood-fired pizzas, perfect for a cozy dinner.
The Gladstone Theatre
3 minutes driving
Intimate venue for live performances including local theatre and music events, catering to diverse tastes.
Ottawa Art Gallery
Ottawa Art Gallery
2 minutes walking
Showcases contemporary art with family-friendly exhibitions and regular events, creating a vibrant community hub.
Imax Theater at the Canadian Museum of History
7-minute drive
Features stunning large-format films, particularly on topics of Canadian heritage and culture.
Getting around
City Centre
Ottawa10 min  ·  2700 ft
Airports
Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW)25 min  ·  10.0 mi
Gatineau Airport (YND)36 min  ·  14.9 mi
Train
Ottawa Train Station5 min  ·  1.9 mi
Train2 min  ·  400 ft
Bus
Bus stop3 min  ·  700 ft
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-23:59
Check-out
from 04:00-11:00
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site at CAD 20 per day.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the entire hostel for free.
Children & extra beds
There are no cots provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Languages
English, Spanish, Portuguese, Danish
Number of rooms:
162
Former name
HI Ottawa Jail Hostel

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel from previous guests about their experience.
Review score
Based on 1923 verified reviews
8.3/10
Great
88%
Recommend
Breakfast
7.4/10
Cleanliness
8.6/10
Comfort
8.5/10
Facilities
8.4/10
Free Wi-Fi
8.8/10
Location
9.5/10
Paid Wi-Fi
8.3/10
Staff
9.0/10
Value for money
8.7/10
Pros
Helpful staff
Amazing location
Comfortable room
Wholesome breakfast
Interesting jail tour
Cons
Loud noise
Noisy guests
Dirty bathroom
No elevators
Guest reviews
based on 4429 reviews
8.4/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
Open reviews
Questions of the users
About Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel
What can I expect regarding noise levels during the night at the hostel?
10 February 2024
Rooms are designed in a hostel-style with shared and private options, meaning they may not be perfectly soundproof. A quiet hour policy is enforced in the evenings, and complimentary earplugs are provided for your comfort. If noise becomes an issue, the front desk staff is available 24/7 to assist.
Is breakfast included in the room rate?
22 March 2024
A complimentary continental breakfast is served each morning, featuring fresh local bagels, eggs, and cereals. This is included in the booking price.
Is there a place to store my luggage?
15 April 2024
Luggage storage is available free of charge for guests, allowing you to explore Ottawa without the burden of your bags.
Are the private cells soundproof?
30 May 2024
The private cells maintain an authentic jail experience but are not completely soundproof due to bar openings. Understanding the uniqueness of this experience is appreciated.
What are the breakfast serving hours?
5 June 2024
Breakfast is available daily from 7:30 AM to 10:30 AM, ensuring you have plenty of time to enjoy a meal before starting your day.
Can I call to make a reservation and use my debit card for payment?
28 July 2024
Reservations can be made via phone, and debit card payments are acceptable upon check-in.
Are there guided tours available of the jail?
20 August 2024
Guided tours of the jail are offered during weekdays at 11 AM and on weekends at 9 AM, showcasing the rich history of the building.
What are the parking arrangements at the hostel?
12 September 2024
Parking is available on-site for $20.00 per night, and it operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Will I have my own sleeping area if I book a room for myself?
2 October 2024
Booking a room ensures you have your own bed, but communal washrooms and showers are shared with other guests.
Is there a kitchen available for guests to prepare their meals?
25 November 2024
A fully equipped kitchen is available for guest use, where you can store and prepare meals during your stay.
Are there planned activities or events for guests at the hostel?
15 January 2025
Many activities are organized, including a free historical prison tour and social gatherings, providing opportunities to meet other travelers.
Can guests enjoy air conditioning during their stay?
9 February 2025
Many rooms in the hostel are equipped with air conditioning, ensuring a comfortable environment, particularly during hot weather.

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