This fascinating new hotel is a converted prison, offering both cell-style and conventional rooms. It is located near the Japanese Garden in the center of Kaiserslautern, at the edge of the Pfälzer Wald forest.

Dating from 1867, the Alcatraz Hotel am Japanischen Garten is Germany’s first prison-hotel.

In the cell-style rooms, guests can taste a little bit of prison life via barred windows, original prison beds (made by prison inmates), and even a washbasin and toilet in the room.

Breakfast can be served through the hatch of the original prison door if you wish. A new à la carte restaurant opened in 2013.

However, the cell-rooms of the Alcatraz Hotel are not without modern comforts, and each includes free wireless internet access.

Those who prefer more conventional comforts may prefer the hotel rooms or suites. These feature an private bathroom.

The Hinter Gittern (Behind Bars) bar is ideal for rounding off a busy day with a few drinks before escaping to your quiet cell or room.