Traveling around the world will take you to all kinds of breathtaking mountains, lakes, mountains, deserts, landmarks, and, most importantly, hotels. However, even the fanciest of hotels become boring after a while – rarely 5-star hotels have anything extraordinary to offer, and you will get used to them after a while. However, have you considered looking into some of the more eccentric accommodation options available around the world? In this post, we have collected 12 unique hotels in the world to stay – of course, do not forget that while they may not have the most excellent facilities you have seen, they are unique in their own way. To find out why these places are so special, keep close attention to the paragraphs below.
The Treehotel in Sweden
Yes, you read that right – a hotel set up on a tree. Sweden’s Treehotel is not like the tree houses you are used to seeing in children’s cartoons and movies – while it is built in a tree, it is certainly more advanced when it comes to comfort and accommodation. With an impressive rating of 4.5 out of 5, the Treehotel attracts hundreds of people from all around the world thanks to its seven dedicated rooms. It is important to note that the rooms are not interconnected and, instead, they are all in separate living pods placed high up in the pine trees. Visitors can also take advantage of the on-site restaurant, and also view the majestic Aurora Borealis without leaving the premises.
Finland’s Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort
Igloos have always looked cozy, but neither of us want to sacrifice the comfort of warmth, light, and a soft bed. What if you could spend a few nights in an igloo without having to make any sacrifices when it comes to comfort? This is possible thanks to Finland’s astonishing Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort – it hosts beautiful, small, and cozy igloos with a glass roof that allows you and your loved one to gaze upon the beauty of the Aurora Borealis. Surprisingly, the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort has something else in store for thrill-seekers – a real igloo built of ice. While it does offer a warm sleeping bag and some other commodities, you will need to endure the room’s low temperatures, just like a true Eskimo.
Angad Arts Hotel, Missouri
Unlike the above two entries, Missouri’s Angad Arts Hotel is not found in the wilderness. In fact, it is right in the middle of civilization. The hotel, located in St. Louis, is a great choice for art enthusiasts and fans who want to experience the feeling of spending a night in an art gallery or museum. All of the hotel’s rooms have a unique touch to them, and they are nothing like the accommodation you will find in regular, high-profile hotels. Apart from the unique art found inside the hotel, travelers will be able to quickly travel to any of the 40 art venues surrounding the hotel.
Hotel Palacio de Sal, Bolivia
A salt hotel may sound a bit absurd at first, but this is exactly what Bolivia’s Hotel Palacio de Sal has to offer to its visitors. Just about everything in this hotel is built with the help of salt – starting from the walls and ceiling made of salt bricks, to the beds and furniture. Even the floors are covered with salt to make the experience even more authentic. But do not be fooled by the ‘cheap’ material used to build everything – the hotel features an excellent restaurant, spa service, and a tour operator that will help you explore the surrounding area. An interesting tidbit of information about the hotel is that visitors are prohibited from licking the walls – you can probably guess what happens to salt when it gets wet.
The Hotel Costa Verde in Costa Rica – a Hotel in a Boeing’s Fuselage
While pretty much all travelers have used a plane to get to their desired destination, few of them can brag about spending a night in a grounded plane. If you wish to join this exclusive club, you should plan a trip to Costa Rica and, more specifically, to the Hotel Costa Verde. The hotel is built inside a retired Boeing 727 that is certainly not going to fly you into the air any time soon – what it can do, however, is give you a great place to relax before continuing your travels. And if Costa Rica is not among your planned travels, then you will be excited to know that Stockholm has a similar offer thanks to the Jumbostay Hotel that allows you to rest in a decommissioned Boeing 747.
Giraffe Manor, Kenya
The Giraffe Manor is Kenya is the place to visit if you want to combine your hotel stay with the opportunity to interact with one of Africa’s most impressive animals, the giraffe. As soon as guests arrive at Kenya’s infamous hotel, they will be taught how to behave around giraffes, and how to feed them safely. Why is this required, you may ask? The answer is very simple – all guests of the Giraffe Manor are likely to see the endangered Rothschild giraffes peeking through the windows and looking for treats. All guest rooms have a dedicated space for giraffe food, so make sure to give some to the tall visitors if you stay there.
Dog Bark Park Inn, Idaho
Dog-lovers will love the idea of the Dog Bark Park Inn. Unfortunately, there are no dogs inside – the name of the hotel comes from the fact that it is built in a dog-shaped structure. Despite the lack of K9 friends, the hotel is full of all kinds of dog-themed fun things – cookies, books, games, and more. Last but not least, the hotel is dog-friendly, so make sure to bring your best friend!
Red Caboose Motel in Pennsylvania
If the airplane hotel did not catch your attention, then maybe Pennsylvania’s train-based hotel will be more up your alley? The Red Caboose Motel is not on top of the list when it comes to comfort, but spending the night in a refurbished American caboose is certainly a rare opportunity. And if you are visiting because you love trains, then you will be delighted to hear that the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania is within walking distance of the hotel.
Villa Casa Casuarina in Florida
Also known as the Versace Mansion, this hotel used to be Gianni Versace’s villa in the past, and it is also the place where the infamous designer was assassinated in 1997. Nowadays, the palace’s ten bedrooms accept guests from all over the world. Visitors can enjoy the beautifully detailed interior and exterior of the building, as well as the custom-built furniture. Much of the building features over-the-top finishes, much like the 24-karat gold lining of the swimming pool.
The Muraka in the Waters of the Maldives
Yes, the subheading is not a mistake – this hotel is literally in the water. IT was initially constructed in Singapore by some of the world’s most renowned architects, and it was then submerged in the waters of the Indian Ocean, right next to the Maldives. Guests can spend a night under the breathtaking beautiful waters of the Indian Ocean as long as they are ready to cover the $40,000/night hotel fee.
The Yays Crane Apartment in the Netherlands
A real estate company in the Netherlands had a very eccentric idea about their next project – they purchased a decommissioned crane, and then worked with a team of designers to turn it into a stylish & attractive apartment for guests. While not exactly a ‘hotel,’ the Yays Crane Apartment certainly deserves a place on our list.
Helga’s Folly, Sri Lanka
The Helga’s Folly Hotel in Sri Lanka has prepared a truly eccentric and unique experience for its visitors. The website of the hotel literally says that you should not consider visiting if you are looking for a typical hotel. Helga’s Folly is decorated with one-of-a-kind psychedelic art, various sculptures, models, candelabras, and all other kinds of decorations. If a night in this strange place seems too much, then you will be glad to hear that you can enjoy its marvels for a quick dinner at the on-site restaurant.