HET ARRESTHUIS The Jailhouse In Roermond Netherlands

by Amelia C. Edison

Repurposing old buildings and turning them into something new while retaining the original architectural designs that made them so interesting in the first place, is a common and well honoured tradition within the hospitality industry. Whereas many hotels certainly retain the original concept design and hold something of the spirit there it takes a certain boutique bravery to offer an experience that is as authentic as what is found at Het Arresthuis in Roermond, Netherlands.

The History

Originally constructed around 1850, the Arresthuis prison building underwent several renovations and expansions until the late 20th century. This historic former prison complex spans nearly an entire city block in the heart of Roermond. When the prison facilities relocated from the historic site and vacated the city center, the buildings were left empty.

This vacancy presented an opportunity for urban redevelopment, with the main objective being to preserve the original 1850 structures while demolishing the newer additions to make way for modern buildings.

With minimal resources, the cell block area was transformed into a hotel by combining three cells to create a single room. One cell was converted into a bedroom, another into a sitting area, and the third into a bathroom. The building’s original character as a place of accommodation remains intact, with elements such as cell doors, prison bars, cast iron stairways, and landings being restored and integrated into the design, preserving the atmosphere of the former prison.

The tangled network of pipes and installations that once covered the walls has been entirely removed and replaced with meticulous attention to detail, leaving no trace of the old infrastructure. The complex has been repurposed with a new, sustainable functionality, ensuring its use for another century. Without disrupting the historic fabric of the city, the block and street façades have been enhanced with two new apartment buildings and a new gate. These additions are modest in scale, reflecting the simplicity of the original prison design. The use of traditional masonry craftsmanship maintains a connection to the past.

The prison’s enclosed nature has been preserved, but the creation of a new inner courtyard, where old and new elements blend seamlessly, gives the complex a semi-open character, reintegrating it into the vibrant fabric of the city.

After closing in 2007, the property was purchased by the Van der Valk family, who own 28 hotels worldwide. Recognizing the building’s potential, they converted its 105 cells into 40 guest rooms, offering modern luxuries such as free WiFi, air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and room service— amenities far beyond what previous “guests” experienced.

While the hotel’s interior underwent a dramatic transformation, certain prison-like features, such as heavy doors and window bars, were retained to add a quirky charm. The result is a boutique hotel that leaves a lasting impression.

Rooms

Cachot | Deluxe from € 174.00 per night excl. city tax

32 m²

Rain shower

Double bed

Check-in from 3:00 PM

Check-out until 12:00

The former recreation rooms of the prison have now been transformed into Deluxe cachots. A Deluxe cachot has a double bed, desk, sitting area, safe, coffee and tea making facilities, minibar, flatscreen TV, telephone, rain shower, toilet, air conditioning, hairdryer, slippers, bathrobes, luxury bath products and free Wi-Fi.

Cachot | Comfort from € 159.00 per night excl. city tax

30 m²

Rain shower

Double bed

Check-in from 3:00 PM

Check-out until 12:00

Three former cells have been converted into a Comfort cachot. A Comfort cachot has a double bed, desk, sitting area, safe, coffee and tea making facilities, minibar, 2 flatscreen TVs, telephone, rain shower, toilet, air conditioning, hairdryer, bathrobes, luxury bath products and free Wi-Fi.

Suite The Judge from €239.00 per night excl. city tax

43 m²

Whirlpool

Kingsize bed

Check-in from 3:00 PM

Check-out until 12:00

Suite De Rechter is inspired by the painting above the desk, of the judiciary in England. The colours taupe, white and grey are the dominant colours in this beautiful suite. A spacious bathroom with a bath with massage jets and a luxurious rain shower. A seating area with a flatscreen TV and fireplace ensure a comfortable stay. Suite De Rechter has a king-size bed with a luxurious feather topper for a sensational sleeping experience and a Nespresso coffee and tea machine.

The suites of Het Arresthuis are located in the director’s quarters and office spaces of the former prison. They can rightly be called an unforgettable experience. Each suite has its own character and style. They are named after the previous residents who carried out their work in this room. Of course, the suites have the same facilities as the dungeons, but just that little bit more.

Suite The Advocate from €224.00 per night excl. city tax

35 m²

Rain shower

Kingsize bed

Check-in from 3:00 PM

Check-out until 12:00

The inspiration for Suite De Advocaat is the black robe that the lawyer wears in the courtroom. Black, white and grey colour this stylish suite. De Advocaat has an extra large rain shower. Take a seat in one of the two rocking chairs by the fireplace to relax.

Suite De Advocaat has a king-size bed with luxurious feather topper for a sensational sleeping experience, flat-screen TV, desk and a Nespresso coffee and tea machine, minibar.

The Prisoner Suite from €239.00 per night excl. city tax

40 m²

Bath and shower

Kingsize bed

Check-in from 3:00 PM

Check-out until 12:00

Suite De Cipier owes its colour scheme to the old blue guard’s cap that was found during the renovation. This blue colour forms the basis of this suite.

The Cipier has a king-size bed with luxurious feather topper for a sensational sleeping experience, desk, sitting area, Nespresso coffee and tea machine, minibar, 2 flatscreen TVs, luxurious rain shower, bath and a separate toilet.

The Director’s Suite from €279.00 per night excl. city tax 60 m²

Whirlpool

Kingsize bed

Check-in from 3:00 PM

Check-out until 12:00

The Director’s Suite is located in the former living quarters of the prison director and is also the largest suite in our hotel.

This suite has a spacious living room with flat screen TV, sitting area and two sofas. The bathroom with whirlpool and luxury rain shower is located in the sleeping area.

The Director has a king-size bed with luxurious feather topper for a sensational sleeping experience, two flat-screen TVs, desk and a Nespresso coffee and tea machine.

For almost 100 years De Ploeg has been designing and developing premium upholstery and curtain fabrics. Ploeg fabrics are timeless, reliable and functional. We have a tradition of working with honest materials with a clear vision on design. We strive to create stylish interiors with a central role for craftmanschip and sustainability. Our products are use by architects, project designers, consumers and furniture manufactures.

Accommodation Specs

40 Rooms

3 Meeting rooms

Meetings And Events

Het Arresthuis is a versatile venue for hosting business events, whether it’s a presentation, a small meeting, or a party. Beyond business, Het Arresthuis is an exceptional setting for special occasions like weddings and anniversaries, creating unforgettable memories in its unique and authentic ambiance. The venue offers three boardrooms with varying capacities (up to 28 people) and the Galerij, the former cell block. The Galerij is perfect for parties, celebrations, weddings, and exclusive sitdown dinners, accommodating up to 150 guests.

Location And Accessibility

Het Arresthuis is conveniently situated in the center of Roermond, just a few minutes from the train station and wellconnected by various public transport options. Additionally, the hotel is easily accessible by car, with Düsseldorf International Airport only 60 km away.

Amenities

Coffeemaker

Rooms for Non-smokers

Refrigerator

Internet Access (Wireless)

RECREATION

Health Spa/Massage

Vand der Valk Hotel Het

Arresthuis Nearby Activities

Golf Course

And Roermond is a picturesque town to visit filled with history and the finest restaurants in the area.

HOTEL SERVICES AND FACILITIES:

Vand der Valk Hotel Het

Arresthuis Guest Services

Laundry Room

Laundry/Dry Cleaning Service

Free Onsite Parking

Room Service

Wheelchair Access to Common/Public Areas

Common Area Internet Access (Wireless)

Rates And Policies

Vand der Valk Hotel Het Arresthuis Rates & Policies

Rate Policy: Daily in USD

Standard Room: from $150-$130

Suite: from $206

Credit Cards: Credit Cards Are Accepted

Reservation Policy: Reservations must be guaranteed with a credit card

Included Meals: No Meals Included

Website: www.hetarresthuis.nl