It may not be everybody’s idea of hotel heaven, but anyone who has always wondered what it would be like to spend a night in the notorious Alcatraz prison will for the rest of this week have a unique opportunity to find out.

A meticulous recreation of four of the cells in America’s most famous penitentiary has been created in the heart of London and from today guests – sorry, prisoners – will be able to check in – and be locked up for the night.

In addition to being extremely cramped (5’ by 9’) the cells contain just a basic bed, a tatty-looking mattress, two tiny shelves and a prison-style sink and toilet. And inmates will be required to follow a regimented routine which will include being photographed on arrival (see picture below), getting kitted out in prison-style uniforms, engaging in reforming activities such as model-making and tailoring and eating an evening meal from metal trays and cups.

Hotel staff will comprise trained “guards” who will blow loud whistles at key points of the evening, who will insist on being addressed as “Sir” and who will keep watch over the locked cells following “lights-out” at 23.45.

The “Hotel Alcatraz” experience in London’s King’s Cross has been created to coincide with the screening on television tonight of the first episode of “Alcatraz”, a new crime/thriller series centred on the island prison close to San Francisco and from which famously (though perhaps incorrectly), it was said no-one ever escaped.

All efforts have been made to ensure that those who do sign up for a night get a proper feel for the way of life endured by some of America’s most hardened criminals (including Al “Scarface” Capone, and the “Birdman” Robert Stroud) – but there will be a few concessions to modern-day comforts.

Fourteen European cities have been identified as having significant collections of Art Nouveau — a decorative style of art and architecture popular from the late 19th to the early 20th century — but few compare with the Norwegian city of Alesund.

Sure Vienna has the Secession building and Brussels has the Horta Museum — the workshop and home of Art Nouveau’s most talented exponent Victor Horta — but Alesund’s appeal is the sheer number of Art Nouveau buildings — more than 800!

Most are in the compact city centre, which exudes architectural harmony and special charm that attracts thousands of visitors every year. A good starting point is the top of Aksla Mountain (drive up or climb the 418 stairs) which affords an outstanding view of Alesund and the Sunmore Alps. The west coast city of 42,000 residents is home to one of Norway’s most important fishing harbours, and two adjacent fjords (Geiranger and Naeroy) which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Along with the picturesque setting are Alesund’s architectural gems. Buildings — many lining the narrow Canal Alesundet — graced with turrets and spires. There are windows framed by colourful leafy and floral motifs, and doorways topped by ornamented creatures representing both real and mythical beasts.

Looking at it today, it’s hard to imagine Alesund’s history is rooted in tragedy. It began in the early morning hours of Jan. 23, 1904, when a fire raged through the town destroying 850 homes and leaving 10,000 people (out of a population of 12,000) homeless. Incredibly, only one person died, though there might have been more if the warder hadn’t let the inmates out of the prison. (“Come back tomorrow!” he reportedly shouted as prisoners fled for their lives.)

Despite the catastrophic loss, help came quickly and from unexpected sources. Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany, who often vacationed in the fjords near Alesund, immediately sent several ship-loads of provisions and building materials. Widespread unemployment in Norway at the time also worked to the town’s advantage, as skilled architects, carpenters and other craftsmen streamed into town looking for work. They found it, and over the next three years completely rebuilt the town in the modern building style in Europe at that time.

National identity

Art Nouveau developed at a time when Europe was transforming from an agricultural-based economy to an industrial one. With its aesthetics often rooted in nature, Art Nouveau had influenced not just architecture but also interiors, furnishings and art. The style took on slightly different forms and even different names (Glasgow Style, Modernisme, Secession) in various cities.

Norway also had its own version, influenced by characteristic Art Nouveau (Jugendstil) style in Germany, where many Norwegian architects were trained, and by Nordic motifs. A year after the rebuilding of Alesund began, Norway broke away from its political union with Sweden, and a new nationalist sentiment inspired much of the architecture.