From prison to five-star: Luxury resort opens in famous Australian jail

A place once known for fear and infamy has undergone a stunning transformation. B Division of the former HM Prison Pentridge in Melbourne is now home to the five-star hotel The Interlude.

For decades, the prison housed some of Australia’s most notorious criminals, including Ronald Joseph Ryan, the last man executed in Australia, and Mark “Chopper” Read, a notorious gang member and author. Today, guests can stay in the same corridors once walked by inmates, with rooms starting at £232 per night.

Luxury and modern comfort take center stage. Each of the 19 suites combines multiple former cells, preserving vaulted ceilings and stone walls while offering designer furnishings and contemporary amenities. The crown jewel is the underground swimming area, built over three months to minimize impact on the historic structure.

The Interlude provides a full suite of experiences: a restaurant, wine bar, room service, a Garden of Reflection, wellness treatments featuring Hunter Lab products, and minibars stocked with local delicacies. Guests can explore regional culture, cuisine, and the prison’s history, while also acknowledging that the land was sacred to the Wurundjeri people, Melbourne’s Indigenous custodians. A cleansing ceremony was held prior to the hotel’s opening to honor this heritage.

Since opening in 2023, The Interlude has positioned itself as the world’s first urban wellness resort built within a former prison, blending historical legacy with modern luxury and comfort.