A spooky Nazi prison in which hundreds of prisoners were shot dead now doubles as a hotel for the particularly sturdy of heart.
Built around 1900, the Karosta Prison in Latvia was initially used as an infirmary before being converted into a military prison.
During World War II, the Nazis sentenced Latvian deserters to death, executing most of the prisoners by gunshot.
Above the door in the solitary confinement cell is the cryptic inscription - ‘izeja no elles’, Latvian for ‘exit from hell’.
Karosta's brutal and bloody history has led to many stories of its apparent haunting, with cell doors reportedly opening by themselves and lightbulbs unscrewing out of fixtures.
Today, guards still walk Karosta’s halls yet the prisoners are there of their own volition.
Nowadays it operates as a boutique hotel for guests looking for something a little different from their time in the eastern European country.
Visitors can take a quick guided tour, or opt for the full Karosta experience, which includes prisoner garb, interrogation, harassment and, finally, being locked into a cold cell for a night.
Disobedience is punished with insults, exercise and cleaning.
The experience can be yours for just £25 for a double cell, with "breakfast in bed" served by your guard costing an extra £4.
While a luxury stay it certainly is not, the prison hotel has attracted dozens of five star reviews on Trip Advisor.
"The Soviet prison experience precedes sleeping," one five star reviewer wrote.
"The three hour program about the prison is intense and one should not take this lightly.
"When staying overnight, be sure to have extra clothes to sleep in, particularly if in mid-May as it was very cold."
Another added: "Really interesting, albeit surreal experience.
"Staff friendly and knowledgeable, although they genuinely seemed surprised to see us despite booking in advance.
"Definitely not a comfortable experience, (dark and foreboding in the prison by night), but one I'd certainly recommend if you're looking for something completely different."
