Floating Dutch Prison or Luxury Hotel

The jail you won’t want to escape! Floating Dutch prison to be transformed into a luxury hotel in London with a roof garden and views of the Thames

• By Lucy Morris For Mailonline,www.dailymail.co.uk
• June 28th, 201
  
  6

A floating Dutch jail created to hold illegal immigrants will travel hundreds of miles to London - and you will be able to stay there for roughly £110 a night.

The detention barge-cum-hotel will be moored in London's Royal Docks and will offer adventurous visitors a room with unique character in the capital.

It was originally built in 2007 to house illegal immigrants, but was converted five years later into The Good Hotel.

In Newham, east London a new hotel is being towed in from the Netherlands. A floating Dutch ex-detention centre will be transformed into the capital's coolest new space

While it used to hold illegal immigrants, for around £110 per night tourists will be able to stay on the docked ship-cum hotel in London

Called The Good Hotel, it will be towed 288 nautical miles to Amsterdam in September to east London where it will dock for five years

A million miles away from a mess hall: The hip new affordable hotel will serve craft beers and locally sourced food to all its guests

The hip social venture will travel 288 nautical miles from its current home in Amsterdam later this year.

Guests will be able to enjoy rooms in the converted prison in London for five years, after its epic journey in September.

The passage will see the floating platform buoyed by a submerged barge and towed across the North Sea by tug boats. 

The barge - currently moored in the Dutch capital's North Canal - offers 144 modern rooms and works to hire the long-term unemployed. 

The ex-detention centre is part of a trend for prisons made over into hotels as it mirrors transformations happening in Scotland, Latvia and Denmark 

The barge is part of a project that aims to employ the long-term unemployed for a 10-month placement while training 

The hotel was previously operating in its native Holland and is a popular address for locals as well as tourists to dine and unwind in

As well as the trendy accommodation guests can enjoy locally sourced beer and food and the address has proved popular in its native Holland after opening in 2015.

Roughly one third of the staff in the Amsterdam hotel were formerly long-term unemployed, and are taken on for a 10-month placement that includes training and working in the hotel.

The Good Hotel London will have an external makeover, which will include a green roof inspired by New York's iconic converted railway the High Line which will be open to the public.

Liquid Asset: The 144-room hotel will serve local food and drink to well-healed guests keen to explore east London's trendy dockland scene

Not only has the boat's interior been made-over, but the exterior too. The roof was inspired by New York's High Line and has been transformed into a garden

Planning documents reveal: 'There is a growing realisation that this vast tract of land and water offers very significant potential to the life and economic growth of London.'

Comfortable beds with huge pillows and fitted storage shows how far the hotel's rooms have come from housing prisoners in cells  

Planning documents reveal: 'There is a growing realisation that this vast tract of land and water offers very significant potential to the life and economic growth of London.

'This new floating hotel forms part of the new wave of interest in the area, and it would contribute to the growth and revitalisation of the Royal Docks with the introduction of a much need amenity and addition of public interaction and use in and around the dock as a complement to recent developments.'

However, the plans have divided well-heeled locals, who think the converted barge will cause noise and traffic problems. 

Not everyone is happy with the hotel's plans as local residents have complained that the barge will cause too much noise and traffic

The barge will be anchored in the exclusive Royal Docks, which is a neighbourhood that is barely served by London's hotel groups 

Experience London from a brand-new perspective on this floating ship, which offers the luxury of a boutique hotel but the unique character of a jail

The Good Hospitality Group was founded in 2012 by Dutch entrepreneur Marten Dresen.

As well as hotels in London and Amsterdam, it also has plans to open a 30-room boutique property in Antigua, where Dresen was first inspired to start the company.

The group hopes to open eight further hotels around the world by 2020.

INSIDE STUNNING HOTELS THAT WERE ONCE PRISONS

Some hotels have standards that are just plain criminal.

From Australia to Europe, former prisons all over the world are now being converted and remodelled into stunning hostel and hotel offerings, which cater to budgets of all types.

Whether you prefer a trendy, boutique hotel in a former medieval dungeon or a five-star resort that once housed political prisoners, one thing's for sure: you'll never want to escape these accommodations.

Hotel Het Arresthius – Roermond, Netherlands

This 19th century prison only closed its doors in 2007 - but it's now a boutique hotel offering guests the opportunity to sleep in the former cells.

The property has undergone an extensive makeover courtesy of Dutch hotel group Van der Valk, wherein the 105 cells were transformed into 40 luxurious rooms.

However, the lounge still retains the original hallways, though they've been spruced up some thanks to brightly coloured pillows, atmospheric purple lighting and contrasting white chandeliers. 

The chic rooms are now fully outfitted with modern furnishings, yet each has retained its original door. 

In keeping with the hotel's fascinating history, all four of the property's luxury suites are appropriately named The Jailer, The Lawyer, The Director and The Judge.

On site, there's an herb garden, sauna and several hotel bars. And where prisoners once retreated for a few minutes' exercise, the picturesque courtyard now serves as a cafe and terrace, surrounded by olive trees. 

During the month of June, prices range from €131.50 (£96) to €211.50 (£155) per night. 

Clink78 Hostel – London, England

+28

The building is steeped in history, with Charles Dickens having penned Oliver Twist while working here

Set in a beautiful 200-year-old courthouse, the Clink78 hostel is as well-located today as it was in Victorian London - and boasts a connection with Charlies Dickens.

With a modern interior design, the jail-turned-social hub can now accommodate up to 500 guests in converted rooms - including some in real prison cells.

The court rooms themselves are similarly full of history - in fact, Dickens worked here while writing Oliver Twist. 

Music lovers should also note that rock band The Clash were fined in this courthouse for shooting pigeons. 

+28

Music-loving travellers will also appreciate this courthouse as the site where The Clash was fined for shooting pigeons

+28

The Clink78 Hostel in London is a renovated 200-year-old courthouse, offering stays in the court rooms and converted prison cells

Private rooms are available and some even boast en suite bathrooms. Additionally, a continental breakfast is included for all guests, as well as a city walking tour.

Other amenities include an on-site basement bar, self-catering kitchen and an impressive stained-glass ceiling in reception. 

Prices start at £17.50 per night for a mixed bed dorm room.

Langholmen Hotel – Stockholm, Sweden

The Langholmen Prison was a functioning facility until the 1970s, tucked away on what was then a rocky island just outside of Stockholm.

Although it's now being used as a hotel and hostel, the jail is particularly noteworthy for being the location of Sweden's last execution before capital punishment was abolished in 1921.

The renovated cells may be small, but what they lack in size, they make up for in character.

Additionally, guests can organise themed stays, such as romantic getaways - wherein chocolate, sparkling wine and fruit will be waiting in the cell when you arrive - or a day in the life of a prisoner experience that culminates with an authentic jail supper.

There's also an on-site museum so that visitors can learn more about the prison's storied 250-year history, as well as a unique outdoor cafe with segmented eating areas.

Though once barren, the island's surroundings are far more lush today thanks, largely, to the work that the prisoners did covering the land with mud dredged from the waterways.

An overnight stay in the hotel starts at 895 Swedish krona (£70), while sharing a dorm-style hostel room costs just 225 Swedish krona (£18) per night.

Malmaison – Oxford, England

+28

The trendy Malmaison hotel is located in Oxford's Castle Quarter in a revamped prison inside a medieval castle

+28

For an authentic experience, choose a room in A-wing at Malmaison Oxford, where guestrooms are comprised of three cells - two for the bedroom and one for the bathroom

Now one of the town's trendiest hotels, the Malmaison is housed in a revamped prison inside a medieval castle.

There are 95 comfortably-appointed rooms and suites, though only 38 of them are located in the original jail cells of A-wing.

Of those more authentic offerings, each is converted from three adjoining cells - two of which make up the room and one for the bathroom - and all boast thick walls, original iron doors and barred windows. 

Ideally located in Oxford Castle Quarter, the hotel is just steps away from some of the best restaurants and bars in the city.

However, for those who prefer to stay in, there's also an on-site neon-lit cocktail bar and a classic, cosy brasserie.

A popular location for weddings, the original prison wing, with its high walkways is truly the piece de resistance of the hotel, but as might be expected: a stay in those particular rooms will cost a bit more.

Prices start from £127 per night. 

Fremantle Prison YHA – Fremantle, Australia

+28

The Fremantle Prison hostel is the only one in Western Australia that also boasts World Heritage status

+28

Having been built in the 1850s, the Fremantle jail housed convicts until 1991 and it's the women's division that's now open for business

This modern hostel, which boasts a mix of private and shared rooms, is the only one in the area with World Heritage status. 

While there are private ensuite rooms for those who prefer a little added luxury, actual prison cells can also be booked.

First built in the 1850s and having housed prisoners all the way up until 1991, the women's division of the prison is the part now open for business.

There are also perfectly preserved Victorian-style guards cottages available for rent.  

Guests can relax outside on the lawn, which was once the prisoners' yard, or whip up a meal in the facility's former cookhouse.

Sure, cells are basic, but you're here for the ambiance, not the amenities.  

Rooms run anywhere between AUS$28 (£14) for a bed in a mixed dorm to AUS$140 (£70) for a family room with private bathroom

Den Gamle Arrest Hotel – Ribe, Denmark 

The 'Old Prison,' as its known, was originally built in 1546 as a residence for the assisting priest at the Cathedral.

After being converted into a girls' school in 1841, the building was used as a prison for almost 100 years - from 1891 to 1989 - before being sold to a private owner. 

Today, the ground floor houses a clothing shop while the cellar, which was previously the dungeon, sells hand dipped candles.

On the second floor, there are several prison cells available to be booked, and on the top floor, cosy rooms with sloped attic walls offer stellar views of the city's only storks' nest on top of the old town hall.

For those looking to host their special day at the prison, a bridal suite is also available on the ground floor - complete with a four-poster bed and a bar.

Out back, the courtyard has been transformed into a beautiful garden with fragrant roses. Best of all, the brick walls that surround the courtyard still bear the prisoners' inscriptions, such as their names, addresses and the length of their sentences.

Prices start at 740 Danish Krone, or about £73, per night. 

+28

For those more adventurous travellers, the Karostas Cietums Military Prison in Latvia offers immersive overnight stays for guests

Karostas Cietums Military Prison – Liepaja, Latvia

This military prison has remained unchanged since its beginnings and is now open for overnight stays during the summer months.

Dating back to Tsarist times, this is certainly not a luxurious property. Instead, visitors will experience the harsh reality of prison life during their themed stay. 

For the daring, there's the 'extreme night' option which includes an extravagant 12-hour immersive show experience.

+28

The building dates back to Tsarist times and offers visitors the chance to experience the harsh reality of prison life over 12 hours

From 9pm until 9am the following morning, guests will play the part of a prisoner for a dismal overnight stay.

There's also the opportunity to participate in a 24-hour experience: a 'day in the life' of a guard or a VIP programme to the North forts, where visitors can experience a possible arrest, interrogation and a lunch in the prison canteen.

No matter which adventure you choose, one night's lodging runs to about €12 (£9) a person, but must be organised in advance.  

Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet – Istanbul, Turkey 

It's almost impossible to imagine that this luxurious, 65-room hotel was once an Ottoman prison.

Located in the Old City, the guest rooms and suites all circle a manicured courtyard complete with herb garden - though over 100 years ago, it was convicted criminals who could be spotted spending time in the yard.

Sultanahmet was actually the first jailhouse in the capital of the Ottoman Empire, and was believed to have been constructed in 1918-1919.

+28

Overlooking the Old City, the Four Seasons Hotel at Sultanahmet once housed some of Turkey's most famous political prisoners

+28

The breathtaking three-storey building was constructed in Turkish neoclassical style next to the town's courthouse building 

+28

Today, the 65 guest rooms and suites at the Four Seasons all overlook a central courtyard, complete with an open-air pavilion and restaurant

Inside, select the room that once housed dissident writers like Nazim Hikmet, or outside, tuck into Turkish cuisine served in the yard's open-air pavilion and restaurant. 

The three-storey building was constructed in Turkish neoclassical style, directly next to the courthouse building, which originally acted as a university and is conveniently only minutes by foot from the Blue Monsque and the Topkapi Palace.

Double rooms begin at £320.  

Military Training for Flight Attendants

Don't mess with the stewardess! Flight attendants undertake military training including hauling logs and WRESTLING to prepare for emergency situations on board

• By Laura House For Daily Mail Australia,www.dailymail.co.uk
• June 19th, 201
  
  6

Those who believe becoming a flight attendant is a simple task may want to think again.

A group of stewardesses-to-be in China have shown just what it takes to make it on board, with photos emerging of them participating in intense military training sessions.

Snaps taken at the Chengdu Civil Aviation Academy show the prospective flight attendants of Chengdu East Star Airlines College carrying out a series of challenging combat drills.

Don't mess with us: A group of stewardesses-to-be in China have shown just what it takes to make it on board, with photos emerging of them participating in intense military training sessions

Just in case: Snaps taken at the Chengdu Civil Aviation Academy show the prospective flight attendants of Chengdu East Star Airlines College carrying out a series of challenging combat drills

All glammed up: Before the military training the attendants are trained in how to serve passengers with poise 

Rigorous: The intense session is to help prepare the women for dealing with potential emergency situations on an aircraft

The intense session is to help prepare the women for dealing with potential emergency situations on an aircraft. 

The group of 20 women were seen creeping in water at one point before raising logs together - some of them looking amused and others visibly strained by the exercise. 

In other photos they were seen wrestling in the murky water and carrying out a series of rigorous combat style exercises. 

Tough: The group of 20 women were seen creeping in water at one point before raising logs together - some of them looking amused and others visibly strained by the exercise

Serious work: In other photos they were seen wrestling in the murky water and carrying out a series of rigorous combat style exercises

No messing around: The women were decked out in camouflage outfits as they trained in the muddy water and showed off their agility by running, jumping and leapfrogging over each other

The women were decked out in camouflage outfits as they trained in the muddy water and showed off their agility by running, jumping and leapfrogging each other.

They are also tested in reaction speed and in specific skills to deal with terrorism and other specific emergency situations. 

The training provides the soon-to-be cabin staff with the skills needed to subdue out of control or violent passengers. 

Impressive: The training provides the soon-to-be cabin staff with the skills needed to subdue out of control or violent passengers

Proud: The 20 staff were selected to be air safety officers on top of their stewardess role

Chic: Following the intense training, the women were snapped looking glammed up and poised as they posed in their red and white official cabin uniforms

The 20 staff were selected to be air safety officers on top of their stewardess role and were also trained in serving passengers with grace and poise. 

Following the intense training, the women were snapped looking glammed up and graceful as they posed in their red and white official cabin uniforms.

Donning large sashes, the small group were seen proudly walking out of the academy with suitcases and posing proudly in front of their aircraft.

The Hyper-Flexible Teenager

Bend it like Snake Boy! Meet the hyper-flexible teenager who has spent eight years perfecting his INCREDIBLE twisting skills

• By John Hutchinson For Mailonline,www.dailymail.co.uk
• June 20th, 201
  
  6

Known as 'Snake Boy', this is 13-year-old Aditya Kumar Jangum who has become a celebrity in his hometown thanks to his hyper-flexibility.

Living near Ratnagiri in Maharashtra, India, Aditya has spent eight years honing his contortionist and yoga skills.

His condition, hypermobility, has amazed his parents and friends, but Aditya wants to use it to his advantage and have his name into the Guinness World Records.

Snake Boy: Aditya Kumar Jangum who has become a celebrity in his hometown thanks to his hyper-flexibility

Brushing his teeth using his feet is simple for the Aditya Kumar Jangum who can bend his body all over

Aditya credits his crazy twisting skills to his coach - Mangesh Kopker - who has been training himfor years.

He said: 'I have been practising contortion for eight years and my coach has taught me the technicality and intricacies involved in performing these moves.'

His bendy moves never worried his parents. Amazed by their child's skills - they never took him to a doctor, instead they took him to Kopker.

Aiming for the big time: Aditya's coach wants to mentor this teen into a world-famous contortionist

Leanring curve: Coach Mangesh Kopker has been training Aditya for the last eight years

Aditya says his coach 'has taught me the technicality and intricacies involved in performing these moves'

Happy to perform for an audience around his house or at the academy, Aditya is a celebrity of sorts in the locality. 

He said: 'I am extremely happy with my flexibility and want to earn a name for myself using my abilities in future.'

Aditya's signature moves include contorting his legs so far backwards that they rest on his shoulders.

Aditya's skills have gone down well in the town where he lives in near Ratnagiri in Maharashtra

Aditya credits his crazy twisting skills to his coach - Mangesh Kopker - who has been training him since he was eight years old

Aditya credits his crazy twisting skills to his coach - Mangesh Kopker - who has been training him since he was eight years old

Top of the class: Nicknamed the 'Snake Boy', Aditya's friends and family think he is a superstar

Slithering around: In this pose, the 13-year-old looks like a spider as he pushes his chest to the floor

His flexibility may have been nature's gift, but it took him two to three years of extreme hard work to achieve excellence.

Nowhere close to 'perfection,' in his own words, Aditya said: 'I required a lot of help in the initial year, now not so much. I am still not close to perfection.' 

Kopker trains 20 to 30 children in his academy, 'but no one is as flexible as Aditya'.

Path to stardom: It took him two to three years of extreme hard work to achieve excellence

The talented 13-year-old lives in Ratnagiri in Maharashtra, India, where he has become somewhat of a celebrity

His condition, hypermobility, has amazed his parents and friends who have become used to him sitting at home practicing his moves

Aditya's coach wants to mentor him into a world-famous contortionist.

'Aditya has never bunked or missed a single practise session,' Kopker said.

'With so much passion and flexibility, I want Aditya to scale greater heights each day.'

Dedicated and passionate to the core, this bendy boy aims to register his name in the Guinness World Records, and make his family and coach super proud.

His bendy moves never worried his parents. Amazed by their child's skills - they never took him to a doctor

In sync: Aditya performs with two of his classmates at school in India as he continues his remarkable learning