Are you tired of boring hotel stays? So are we. Gone are the days of generic, forgettable accommodations. We’re ushering in a new era of booking unique hotel stays you’ll actually be excited to spend time in. Your hotel should reflect your quirky spirit and enhance your travels. We’ve compiled a list of the best hotels that will give you immersive, one-of-a-kind experiences. From treehouses to igloos to jungle bubbles, we’ve got you covered. And we’ve provided options at a variety of price points. Keep reading to uncover the most unique hotel stays around the world you’ll never want to check out of.
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Airplane Hotels
You might be tired of being on a plane after traveling to your destination. But if you’re not, we highly recommend checking out this airplane hotel! You may even be able to check the mile-high club off your bucket list.
Hotel Costa Verde (Costa Rica): Feel like you’re flying through the trees in this 727 Fuselage Home at Hotel Costa Verde. This treetop suite is partially made out of a vintage Boeing 727. From your room, you’ll have jungle and ocean views. There’s only one of these suites at the hotel, so be sure to book in advance! Though they do have a Cockpit Cottage available to book as well that can only be accessed via suspension bridge!
Wildlife Encounters
Experience the world’s most majestic animals up close at these one-of-a-kind hotels.
Giraffe Manor (Kenya): Is there any experience cooler than having breakfast with a giraffe?! Here at Giraffe Manor you can do exactly that, and get truly up close and personal with the giraffes. Pro Tip: This hotel books up years in advance, so we definitely recommend planning ahead if you’re looking to travel to Kenya. Check out our blog post on Giraffe Manor for even more information.
Mara River Safari Lodge (Bali): Want to go on a safari without the ultra hefty price tag? At this safari lodge in Bali you can encounter zebras, rhinos, cheetahs, and other exotic animals without spending quite as much as a traditional safari. Depending on your room you might even be able to watch these animals roam freely from your balcony! The real highlight is Tsavo Lion Restaurant where you can take in the lions while you dine. If staying here feels a bit out of budget, fret not! You can always visit Bali Safari & Marine Park where this hotel is located and just visit for the day.
Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort (Thailand): Similarly to Giraffe Manor, you can sleep above the elephants’ natural habitat. Imagine waking up in a bubble in the jungle and getting to experience elephants in an ethical yet immersive way. Here you’ll also find tree-top dining, sidecar jungle exploration, and a stunning view of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos. The resort works with the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation to promote the conservation and rehabilitation of elephants.
Nature-Inspired Stays
Sometimes we really just need a break from screens, lights, and distractions. Even on vacation, we don’t always fully unplug. But these unique hotel stays encourage you to be present and in tune with yourself.
Free Spirit Spheres Vancouver: This hotel is truly one-of-a-kind and is such a dreamy experience. Different from traditional treehouses, this hotel features quirky spherical pods hanging over the forest. Guests here are particularly moved by the connection to nature they feel when visiting.
Hotel Jokulsarlon / Glacier Lagoon Hotel (Iceland): Sleeping next to Europe’s largest glacier is a super cozy experience here at this family-owned hotel. Experience the breathtaking beauty of Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon alongside top-notch service and food. And in case you’re not already sold after looking at a few photos, they even have tours of an ice cave INSIDE the glacier! Pro Tip: Stay between October through March for the best chance of seeing the Northern Lights.
Castle Stays
Want to feel what it’s like to live like royalty? You can experience the lap of luxury by staying in castles that date back hundreds to thousands of years.
Amberley Castle (UK): This 900-year-old hotel is full of medieval charm, yet still feels luxurious. AND this one doesn’t break the bank! It’s still not a budget travel find, but compared to some of the other unique hotel stays on this list and given the fact that it’s a castle, it’s pretty reasonable. This hotel has also received the Michelin One Key award – so you know it’s good. Enjoy a game of croquet, tennis, or golf on-site during your stay.
Dromoland Castle (Ireland): This castle hotel is perfect for those who want immersive experiences that transport them to a different era. Here you can experience archery, falconry, clay shooting, and forest bathing. And for those looking for a more modern experience, the hotel also offers a championship golf course and a luxurious spa center.
Glamping & Bubble Hotels
I’ve never understood why people take the bare necessities, hike into the mountains, and sleep on the ground. Camping is just not my thing. But what is my thing is getting close to nature in style. Enter glamping.
Oom Bubble Boutique (Mexico): This is a truly luxurious glamping experience. If you love the idea of being out in nature without any semblance of roughing it, this glamping experience is for you. Plus there’s no shortage of romance here with breathtaking star gazing through the transparent domes. And it’s adults only, making it one of our favorite unique places to stay for couples.
Borealis Basecamp (Alaska): Spend the night under the stars inside of an igloo. Well, sort of an igloo. These are igloo-shaped domes, so rather than freezing in a structure made of ice, you’ll be kept insulated and warm. The transparent roofs offer views of the stars above and the Northern Lights if you’re lucky. Imagine not even having to get out of bed to view the aurora borealis! You can also book a dogsledding or snowmachining tour, or take a walk with the reindeer. This is one of our favorite unique hotels in the U.S.
Underwater Hotels
If I could live underwater, I would. I want to live the reverse of The Little Mermaid. But alas, mermaids are not real. Luckily I can feel like one in these underwater hotels.
Resorts World Sentosa (Singapore): Okay so this one isn’t technically underwater… But it does have floor-to-ceiling aquariums inside of the Equarius Ocean Suites. These suites are essentially townhouses where the first floor gives you a view of the beautiful and numerous fish, and the second floor offers land views. This suite also comes with your own butler service. It’s a splurge for sure, but a fun way to feel like you’re at sea without the work of getting there!
The Manta Resort (Tanzania): On Pemba Island, Tanzania, you can stay in a floating villa that is anchored to the ocean floor. The bedroom suite is submerged, granting you exquisite views of schools of fish as soon as you wake up. The upper decks are not submerged, giving you plenty of space to lay out, dive in, and soak up the sun.
Houseboats
Okay, so houseboats aren’t quite as cool or unique as underwater hotels. But those can be expensive! And you don’t have to stay in a tropical paradise to get the same relaxed feeling you get from being by the water. Sitting on the deck of a houseboat in Amsterdam as the sun goes down is truly a magical and relaxing experience.
Lightship Amsterdam (Amsterdam): There are loads of houseboats to choose from in Amsterdam, but naturally we had to find the most unique one! This houseboat is adorably designed as a lighthouse, which will make you feel even more like you’re out at sea.
Cave Hotels:
The idea of sleeping in a cave may not seem like an ideal way to spend your vacation, but these special hotels are genuinely so cool. You’ll feel cozier than ever after a long day of sightseeing when you return to these tucked-away havens.
Cappadocia Cave Suites (Turkey): You’ve definitely seen this place on social media. It’s an absolute dream. You can cozy up inside your own personal cave suite, take a dip in the jacuzzi, and then head outside to see the hot air balloons on the skyline. Pro Tip: Though this one doesn’t break the bank, you can opt for a slightly cheaper option with Cappadocia Caves Hotel.
Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita (Italy): This cave hotel is located in Matera. Matera is a stunning location and an excellent alternative to Rome or Florence if you’re after a less touristy vacation. You’ll feel so at peace and secluded in this cave hotel. Five minutes relaxing in your candlelit room or your stone-carved bath will melt away any stress you have from your travels.
Nostalgic Hotels
Go back in time by staying at these old-timey properties.
The Wigwam Motel (Arizona): Taking a drive down Route 66? Take a load off and travel back in time when you stay in this nostalgic roadside motel. The rooms are all teepee-shaped.
Pioneertown Motel (California): Experience Old Hollywood by staying at this rustic hotel in a little town that was once built as a set for old Westerns. This is a great stop on the way to Joshua Tree or Palm Springs.
Converted Hotels
Why would you want to stay in a traditional hotel that’s meant to be only a hotel, when you could stay in a crane or caboose hotel?!
Numa Amsterdam The Crane (Amsterdam): There’s no shortage of unique hotel stays in Amsterdam! Here you can stay high up in the air in an aparthotel that overlooks the city. This was a formerly functional crane that now sits above the IJ River.
The Red Caboose Motel (Pennsylvania): There’s a theme on this list of converting old machinery into unique hotel stays! Here you can stay in a retired train caboose. There are 38 caboose cars in total, 19 of which were part of the Pennsylvania Railroad. This motel is located in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, which has the largest Amish population in the U.S. We recommend taking an Amish buggy ride while you’re here!
Your hotel shouldn’t just be a place to crash. It should be part of the adventure! These incredibly unique hotel stays around the world don’t just enhance your trip–they become the experience. We hope you enjoyed this list and found some inspiration for your next trip. Let us know which ones you’re most excited to book!
