When you arrive you notice the unique character of the building. It was only in the 1970s when the building stopped being a jail and was bought by Hostelling International. The company did such a great job of keeping the original layout of the jail when converting it to the hostel as most the rooms are in the original jail cells. Every morning at 11:30, the staff hosts a tour of the old jail and shares the history of the building that housed theives and murderers and was the site of Canada's last public execution. The staff there are really great, super outgoing and friendly. Location is ideal for those who want to take in the sights and sounds of Ottawa. Right behind Rideau Centre Mall, two blocks away from Byward Market, and a 10 minute walk from Parliament Hill. If you want to rent a bike, the hostel also rents them out for $20 for a day rental.

Very cool experience, great location as you can walk to everything.
Good breakfast, super friendly staff and advice on what to do, great activities on offer and breakfast is included as well.
For sure go down to the mugshot bar to just be one of the crowd and have fun.

I booked a stay in this accommodation for me and my friend, mainly due to the central location and also because of a because of the lack of alternative cheap accommodation in central Ottawa.

The staff were very friendly, pleasant to converse with and professional throughout our stay. The room we stayed in was very basic but we expected it to be, considering the place is a converted jailhouse. However the room was clean and the beds were comfortable, although my friend did not sleep as well as me due to the squeaky mattress on his bunk.

The hostel itself has a great atmosphere and is unlike anywhere I have previously stayed. The free breakfast was nice although there could have been a bit more choice. Me and my friend hired bikes from the hostel for a couple of hours, which was a great way to see the more rural Southern areas of the city. Finally the free wifi which the hostel provides is of a decent quality and was rather useful.

Overall, considering the price we paid, the hostel was good and I would consider staying in the hostel was I ever to visit Ottawa again, which I certainly hope to as the city is beautiful!