Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel Exterior photoSaintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel Exterior photoSaintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel Interior photo

SAINTLO OTTAWA JAIL HOSTEL, Ottawa

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From$23 /night
Check-in
20Aug
Check-out
21Aug
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room

About the Hotel

75 Nicholas Street, Ottawa, K1N 7B9-
Close to ByWard Market

Key Highlights

Stay in a genuine restored jailhouse - rooms are converted cells with original bars and doors.

Free continental breakfast served daily from 7:30 to 10:30, including bagels, fruit, eggs, and cereal.

Excellent central location adjacent to the Ottawa Convention Centre, Rideau Centre Mall, and Parliament Hill.

Free daily historical jail tour (weekdays at 11 am, weekends at 9 am).

Free Wi-Fi throughout the property.

Hotel Details

Location

Set in the heart of downtown Ottawa, directly adjacent to the Ottawa Convention Centre and Rideau Centre Mall.
The hostel is just steps from Parliament Hill, Byward Market, and the Rideau Canal, making it easy to explore the city on foot. Numerous restaurants, bars, and shops are within a 5-minute walk, including The Albion Rooms, Norca Restaurant & Bar, and Big Smoke Burger. Ottawa Central Station is approximately 4 km away, while Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport is about 15 km from the property. The University of Ottawa and Chateau Des Charmes Wines are both 2 km away.

Accommodation

Choose from authentic single or twin jail cells, private double rooms, or shared dorms - all with shared bathrooms unless you book the one deluxe double room with en suite.
The single cell room is approximately 0.9 m by 2.7 m with a single bed, recreating the original inmate experience. Twin cells have a bunk bed, and the double cell has a double bed. Dorm rooms are available in female-only (4 or 6 beds) and mixed (8 or 10 beds) configurations. All shared-bathroom rooms have access to shared washroom and shower facilities on each floor, though some floors may have limited numbers of toilets and showers. The 10-bed dorm on the 9th floor has no shower on that floor; guests use facilities on the 8th floor. Cell doors have open bars top and bottom, so noise and light from the corridor enter the room. Single and twin cells have no windows. Summer temperatures can be uncomfortably hot in cell rooms, as they lack air conditioning. All rooms include fresh linens and towels, a locker, and access to the shared kitchen and common lounge.

Dining

A free continental breakfast is served daily from 7:30 to 10:30, with bagels, fruit, cereal, eggs, and hot drinks.
Breakfast offers a selection of bagels with spreads, fresh fruit, cereal, hard-boiled eggs, coffee, tea, and juice. Vegetarian and vegan options are available. The dining room is open for breakfast; the kitchen is currently closed for self-catering, but a guest kitchen is available for storing and preparing food at other times. There is no on-site restaurant or bar, but the surrounding area has many dining and takeaway options within a short walk.

Wellness and Leisure

Free activities include movie nights, pub crawls, and walking tours, plus a daily historical jail tour.
The hostel organises complimentary activities such as movie nights, pub crawls, and walking tours to help guests explore the city and socialise. The daily historical jail tour (weekdays at 11 am, weekends at 9 am) is free for guests and provides an in-depth look at the building's past. A shared lounge, board games, an on-site library, outdoor terrace, and picnic area are available for relaxation. There is no swimming pool, spa, or fitness centre.

Facilities and Services

Free Wi-Fi, 24-hour reception, luggage storage, and laundry are available on site.
Wi-Fi is free in all areas. The 24-hour front desk offers concierge service, free luggage storage, and locker facilities. Daily housekeeping is provided, and laundry is available at no extra charge (detergent supplied at reception). The shared kitchen is equipped with refrigerators, stoves, and sinks. Accessible parking is available (on-site parking costs CAD 20 per night, first-come, first-served). Pets are not allowed. A credit card is required for booking and check-in. The building has no elevator, so some rooms are only accessible via stairs.
Highly rated by guestsof Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel
Clean roomsFriendly staffGreat locationDelicious breakfast
  • Dining

    Bagels & More!

    “Breakfast included bagels, fruit, coffee, tea, and even Nutella. A great, varied start to the day!”

    Carlos from Brazil
    Review on
  • Room Features

    Cozy Cell

    “The beds were comfy, and the thick blankets kept me warm. My single cell felt secure and clean.”

    Mei from China
    Review on
  • Bathroom

    Spotless Showers

    “The shared showers were modern and impeccably clean. That was definitely a great surprise.”

    Jean-Pierre from France
    Review on
  • Media & Entertainment

    History Unfolds

    “The free jail tour was amazing, full of facts and fun. It's a must, even if you don't stay overnight.”

    Rajesh from India
    Review on

Critical Operational Notes

  • Check-in from 15:00 to 00:00; check-out until 11:00. 24-hour reception allows late arrivals.
  • A credit card is required at check-in; debit cards are not accepted for booking or check-in.
  • Private parking costs CAD 20 per night on a first-come, first-served basis; no reservation possible.
  • Pets are not allowed.
  • Single cell rooms are very compact - approximately 3' x 9' - and have limited storage for large luggage.
  • Cell rooms have no windows and minimal ventilation; the door has open bars at top and bottom, offering no soundproofing or privacy.

Most popular facilities

at Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel
Wi-Fi
Parking
Kitchen facilities
Air conditioning
Laundry
Food/ Drinks

Top Strategic Tips

  • 01

    Bring earplugs and an eye mask; cell doors have open bars top and bottom so noise and light from the hallway carry into the room.

  • 02

    Book a deluxe double room if you prefer a private bathroom; only one such room exists and availability is very limited.

  • 03

    Use the free luggage storage if you arrive before check-in or after checkout, and leave your bags while you explore.

  • 04

    Park on site for CAD 20 per night on a first-come, first-served basis; no reservations are possible.

Choose your room type

Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel — double rooms, family rooms, and suites. Breakfast options and free cancellation available on selected rates
  • Bed 4-bed mixed dormitory
    2 persons
    19 sq. feet
    1 Bunk bed
    Air conditioning
    Bathtub
  • Double Room Private Bathroom
    2 persons
    12 sq. feet
    1 Double bed
    Air conditioning
    Heating
  • Twin Cell Room
    2 persons
    9 sq. feet
    2 Single beds
    Heating
    Shower
Show all rooms

Hotel Price Calendar

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August 2026 - August 2027
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Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

What's included at Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel — facilities and services available during your stay
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
Show more

Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel Location

75 Nicholas Street, Ottawa, K1N 7B9
Explore Ottawa
Local Highlights
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
Ottawa Art Gallery
2 minutes' walk
Home to a vibrant collection of contemporary art, features local artists and rotating exhibitions.
Parliament Hill
13 minutes' walk
Iconic political hub with stunning architecture and guided tours highlighting Canadian democracy.
National Gallery of Canada
14 minutes' walk
Renowned gallery showcasing Canadian and international art, with special exhibitions and a stunning building.
ByWard Market
8 minutes' walk
Lively market area with shops, cafes, and local food stalls, perfect for a casual stroll and unique finds.
Rideau Canal
25 minutes' walk
Ideal for biking and walking; famous for its ice-skating in winter, offering rental services nearby.
Strathcona Park
15 minutes' walk
Relaxing green space with walking trails and picnic areas, great for unwinding amidst nature.
Big Smoke Burger
2 minutes' walk
Casual eatery specializing in gourmet burgers, with options for every palate, including gluten-free.
Kothu Rotti
3 minutes' walk
Offers Sri Lankan street food with a twist; features rich flavors and vegetarian options in a casual setting.
Shaw Centre
5 minutes' walk
Modern venue hosting conventions and concerts; check event schedules for exciting performances.
ByWard Market Nightlife
8 minutes' walk
Vibrant area featuring bars, live music, and nightlife; popular spot for locals and visitors alike.
Getting around
  • City Centre
    Ottawa 10 min  ·  2700 ft
  • Airports
    Macdonald Cartier (YOW) 25 min  ·  10.0 mi
    Gatineau (YND) 36 min  ·  14.9 mi
  • Train
    Ottawa Train Station 5 min  ·  1.9 mi
    Train 2 min  ·  400 ft
  • Bus
    Bus stop 3 min  ·  700 ft
Book early and pay less
See available rates for your dates
Check Rates
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 true.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel 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

Guest Reviews and Ratings

What guests said after staying at Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel
Review score
Based on 1941 verified reviews
8.3 /10
Great
88 %
Recommend
Breakfast
7.2/10
Cleanliness
8.5/10
Comfort
8.5/10
Facilities
8.4/10
Free WiFi
8.7/10
Location
9.4/10
Paid Wi-Fi
8.1/10
Staff
9.1/10
Value for money
8.7/10
Pros
Great location
Friendly staff
Good breakfast
Clean place
Cons
Noisy room
Small lockers
No elevator
Guest reviews
based on 4932 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
FAQs
About Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel
What is the check-in and check-out policy at Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel?
Check-in is at 15:00 and check-out is by 11:00.
What are the dining options available at Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel?
The hostel provides a daily continental breakfast featuring fruits, cereal, bagels, milk, coffee, tea, and juice.
What nearby restaurants can guests access from Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel?
Nearby dining options include The Albion Rooms and Norca Restaurant & Bar, both located 0.5 km away.
What are the room amenities provided at Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel?
Rooms include free Wi-Fi, access to shared bathrooms, and lockers.
What are the closest attractions to Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel?
The hostel is 0.5 km from the National War Memorial and 2 km from the University of Ottawa.
Is there internet access at Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel?
Guests have access to free Wi-Fi throughout the property.
What types of activities does Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel offer on-site?
Guests can enjoy activities such as movie nights, pub crawls, and walking tours.
How far is Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel from the airport?
The hostel is located 20 km from Macdonald-Cartier International Airport.
What leisure facilities does Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel have?
The hostel features a common lounge where guests can relax and watch cable TV.

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