This is a well thought-out establishment, with plenty of prison paraphenalia to make your stay a novelty, while still providing a solid standard of accommodation. There are plenty of photo ops (check out the kitschy bathrooms - don't drop the soap!), while at the same time beds are comfortable, it's all pretty clean, and there are all the standard elements... more

This hostel is good value for money, it is one of the cheapest in Christchurch and is very clean. We stayed here twice, I am glad we went back as we enjoyed it so much more the second time. I think we must have caught staff at a bad time as they were much more friendly and helpful the second... more

very unique and nice place to stay if u are looking the budget accommodation. more

To be honest, there were only two reasons for us choosing to stay here - firstly, its proximity to the train station (we arrived from Greymouth in the evening, then left for Kaikoura the next morning), and secondly the sheer novelty value of sleeping in a jailhouse! The area itself is nothing to write home about, a few dowdy looking... more

As most reviewers already said, this is a well run place, with good service and you really feel the history in the walls. Had a single room for a night waiting for the train, and the close location to the train station is good. The room was small of course, since it was a former cell, but had a very... more

Great fun! They´ve really made the most of "Jailhouse" angle. As a hostel it´s good too with an excellent kitchen, lounge and cinema. more

This was by far the best hostel type accommodation we have stayed in since we left home in Nov,loved everything about it, firstly its a converted jail, a historic building so they couldnt change much which adds to its charm, your room is a cell so yeah to some people it might be small but then again you dont spend... more

We stayed here on our last night in New Zealand after our first option required a 2-night minimum. As others have mentioned, the Jailhouse is a bit out of the downtown area, but we had a car, so the drive was quite short and the location was therefore not that inconvenient. My husband and I had booked a private "cell"... more

Stayed at the Jailhouse last week for three nights in Christchurch. The staff is very friendly, helpful, and accomodating. They allowed me to check in early since I had a morning arrival which was greatly appreciated. Rooms have very comfortable beds (they were apparently designed for athletes at some sporting event) and sheets/towels were provided free of charge. Showers were... more