THE LITERARY LINK RENVYLE HOUSE
Connemara, Co Galway

Its previous incarnation: the home of Oliver St John Gogarty Renvyle was the focus of the Irish literary renaissance of the early 20th century when it was owned by St John Gogarty, whose regular guests included Lady Gregory and Yeats.

But its interesting history stretches back even further than that. Pirate queen Grainne Mhaol married Donall O'Flaherty, a member of a powerful Gaelic clan. When he was murdered, suspicion fell on many . . . including his widow's family . . . and the O'Flaherty's relocated from Renvyle Castle to what is now the site of Renvyle House. It first opened as a guesthouse in 1883 and guests included the likes of Sommerville and Ross. Today the beautiful seaside location, surrounded by wild Connemara countryside, a lake, and mountains, ensures a steady stream of guests.

T: 095 43511 W: www. renvyle. com

THE JAILHOUSE THE DUNGEON
Malmaison, Oxford, UK

Its previous incarnation: A prison where murderers and enemies of the state were held Built in 1230 on the grounds of an Oxford Castle, Malmaison may have been a former jail but now takes no prisoners, only sophisticated guests who come for the glamour, quirky style, great food (no gruel here) and state-of-the-art touches like free broadband. The owners have retained many of the original elements like the three-tiered corridor and original cast-iron doors. Check out the governor's old house with mezzanine, four-poster beds and mini cinema.

T: 0044 186 526 8400 W: www. malmaison-oxford. com

THE WRITER'S RETREAT GOLDENEYE
Oracabessa, Jamaica

Its previous incarnation: the estate where Ian Fleming wrote his 14 James Bond novels The huge desk where Fleming created his master character still sits in the main villa, which was built in 1946, and visitors can rent the original Fleming House, notable for its giant bamboo master bed. Island Records founder Chris Blackwell turned the property into a resort in 1992 and since then holidaymakers have been flocking to Goldeneye to experience the 18 acres of lush gardens, tropical forests and private beach.

T: 876 975 3345 W: www. islandoutpost. com/goldeneye

THE POOR HOUSE HOPPER HOTEL ET CETERA
Cologne, Germany

Its previous incarnation: a soup kitchen The former cloister of the Merciful Montabaur Brothers once gave alms to the indigent of Cologne. It's still giving shelter but now it's a pretty little boutique hotel in one of the city's liveliest quarters. The 49 rooms come with cherrywood furniture and marble bathrooms, and the menu, with options such as fillet of beef with ginger butter sauce and grilled truffled polenta cubes, will ensure that you won't go hungry.

T: 0049 221 924 400 W: www. hopper. de

THE NUNNERY HOTEL EL CONVENTO
Puerto Rico

Its previous incarnation: a Carmelite convent.

This remarkable hotel was built three-anda-half centuries ago and is now part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World group. The nuns, who left the property in 1903, used underground tunnels to reach the cathedral, thus preserving their modesty. Today it still retains a lot of the original character and old world decor, but with luxurious touches. It is close to Old San Juan's shopping Mecca, Cristo Street, where high-street stores and antique shops co-exist. The Camelites took a vow of poverty but luckily you don't have to.

T: 800 468 2779 W: www. elconvento. com

THE DESIGNER DEN CASA CASUARINA
South Beach, Miami

In its previous incarnation: Gianni Versace's mansion Versace was murdered on the front steps of this house in 1997 but don't let squeamishness stop you from experiencing the most opulent of hotels. This replica of the house in Santo Domingo where the descendants of Christopher Columbus once lived was built in 1930. Versace bought in 1992 and went to town decking it out in fountains and Italian mosaics. A businessman subsequently purchased it after Versace's death and now it operates as a members-only club and 10-room hotel.

T: 305 672 6604 W: www. casacasuarina. com

THE YOUNG TURK FOUR SEASONS
Istanbul, Turkey

Its previous incarnation: the prison where Billy Hayes did time Talk about a complete volte-face for this building. A fabulous Four Seasons since 1994 , it's hard to reconcile its current luxury with the miserable prison to which Hayes was sentenced following a conviction for smuggling drugs. Little here is reminiscent of Midnight Express now. Instead, this neoclassical hotel has 200 members of staff for only 150 guests in a wonderfully exotic location.

T: 0090 212 638 8200 W: www. fourseasons. com/ istanbul

THE TORTURE CHAMBER HOTEL SANTO DOMINGO
Madrid, Spain

Its previous incarnation: home of the Spanish Inquisition During the turbulent years of the Inquisition, the main law courts were held here, although these days the only rack you're likely to encounter is of the beautifully cooked lamb variety in the Inquisicion restaurant. Bang in the centre of Madrid, within walking distance of Gran Via, Puerto del Sol and Plaza Mayor, the hotel also houses a fine array of paintings, artefacts and antiques, mainly from the 19th century.

Stylish, spacious and charming.

T: 34 91 547 98 00 W: www. hotelsantodomingo. com