Roermond, Netherlands
Van der Valk Hotel Het Arresthuis
Restored nineteenth-century prison
Roermond, Netherlands
Opened
2011
Price
$$
Rated for
Heritage Design SocialOutside the door
The house
Van der ValkRestored nineteenth-century prison
The 1863 penitentiary keeps its stern jailhouse structure, running today as an open hotel centered around the historic central atrium.
What it’s good at
Remarkable
An 1863 Dutch national monument prison preserving original cell doors and iron catwalks.
Notable
Engelman Architecten united clusters of three prisoner cells to form modern guestrooms.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
The name of this hotel is a reminder that you are sleeping in a 19C gaol, which remains true to its original structure.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Saint Christopher's Cathedral and Roermond's historic market square are both an easy walk from the front doors.
1 of 4
The rooms
Three historic cells combine to form each modern room, still entered through an original heavy prison door.
The gym and sauna
Cardio machines fill the former prison exercise room on the third floor, set beside a Finnish sauna.
At the table
Restaurant Damianz serves seasonal tasting menus behind barred windows, starting dinner with a playful amuse of bread and water.
How it began
Built as a detention house in 1863, the complex held inmates for nearly 150 years before closing in 2007.
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.