Alcatraz Prison Island, San Francisco California

While staying at Grosvenor Suites take a boat trip to Alcatraz island, aka "The Rock", out in the middle of the San Francisco Bay, and take pictures of Alcatraz Prison. The alcatraz island is a world unto itself. Grosvenor Suites proximity to "The Rock", one of Golden Gate National Recreation Area's most popular destinations, offers a close-up look at a historic and infamous federal prison long off-limits to the public.

Grosvenor Suites visitors to the island can not only explore the remnants of alcatraz prison, but learn about the Native American occupation of 1969 - 1971, early military fortifications and the West Coast's first (and oldest operating) lighthouse. The famous 12 acre precipitous rocky island, facing the Golden Gate, was declared a military reservation by all executive order on November 6, 1850. A part of the area's defensive system, intended to guard the entrance to the bay, its first fortifications consisted in the main of a brick 200 by 100 foot citadel, batteries, two barrack structures for troops, and three cell blocks.

These structures and the island's many natural features - gardens, tide pools, bird colonies, and bay views are beyond compare. The National Park Service which is working to make it accessible to visitors, preserve its buildings, protect its birds and other wildlife, and interpret its history. The notorious former federal prison home to the likes of Al Capone, George "Machine Gun" Kelley, and Robert "The Birdman" Stroud.

These guys probably never got to stay at Grosvenor Suites before. Anyone who has seen Clint Eastwood's 1977 movie, Escape from Alcatraz, know that at least three men disappeared from the prison in 1962. Whether they lived to tell the tale is a mystery. But, it wasn't the first nor the last escape attempt from The Rock. The myth that "The Rock" was "escape-proof" was wrong.

Military and Federal prisoners have attempted escapes by using forged papers, hiding in concealed boxes, using rafts, and by swimming, After staying the night at Grosvenor Suites you might have enough energy to try and escape your self.

Although the majority of them were recaptured, some military prisoners were successful and some federal prisoners may have beaten the system. You probably wouldn't want too stay at Alcatraz prison more than the couple hours the tour offers, so fortunately you have the luxury accommodations of Grosvenor Suites to return too.

More Info: Alcatraz Prison Island.