The Most Unusual Hotels You Can Stay In Around the World

Imagine waking up inside an igloo, surrounded by pristine, snow-covered landscapes, or falling asleep in a transparent bubble beneath a blanket of stars. For the adventurous traveler, unique accommodations aren’t just about a place to rest but an integral part of the journey. The most unusual hotels you can stay in around the world are redefining how we experience travel, offering a chance to step out of the ordinary and immerse ourselves in something extraordinary.

Gone are the days when hotels were just a means to an end. Today, they are destinations themselves, combining creativity, culture, and comfort. These unusual hotels cater to every kind of traveler, whether you’re seeking solitude, adventure, or a touch of whimsy. From underwater havens to treehouses perched high above the ground, these accommodations are designed to ignite curiosity and leave an indelible mark on your memory.

But why do these unconventional stays resonate so deeply? They provide more than just a unique backdrop; they often connect travelers to the environment, history, and culture of a place in ways traditional hotels cannot. By offering unforgettable experiences, these remarkable accommodations remind us that the journey is just as important as the destination.

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1. Underwater Retreats: Dive Into Luxury

If you’ve ever dreamed of sleeping beneath the waves, underwater hotels offer a surreal way to bring that vision to life. The Maldives, a tropical paradise, is home to several underwater suites, such as The Muraka at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, which features floor-to-ceiling windows that provide a front-row seat to marine life.

Why stay underwater? The appeal lies in the unparalleled intimacy with nature. You can watch schools of colorful fish glide by, witness the subtle dance of coral, or spot a graceful stingray—all from the comfort of your bed. These hotels often combine luxury with environmental conservation, ensuring that your stay contributes to marine preservation efforts.

Not limited to the Maldives, underwater stays are becoming increasingly popular worldwide. Sweden’s Utter Inn offers a more rustic experience with a submerged room below Lake Mälaren. Whether luxurious or minimalist, underwater hotels let you explore a world usually reserved for divers and marine biologists.

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2. Treehouses: Elevated Escapes

Reconnect with your inner child while experiencing breathtaking views from a treetop haven. Treehouse hotels provide a unique blend of nostalgia and adventure, offering stays that are both cozy and exhilarating.

One standout is Treehotel in Sweden, which features creatively designed treetop accommodations, including a mirrored cube that blends seamlessly into the forest. Similarly, Tsala Treetop Lodge in South Africa offers luxurious suites suspended above the canopy, with plunge pools and open decks that immerse you in the sounds and sights of nature.

Why are treehouses so appealing? They tap into our desire to escape the hustle and reconnect with the natural world. Elevated above the ground, these retreats provide a sense of seclusion and tranquility while offering stunning views and eco-friendly designs.

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3. Desert Dreamlands: Staying Amid the Sands

For travelers seeking solitude and surreal landscapes, desert hotels provide a one-of-a-kind experience. These accommodations are built to harmonize with the barren beauty of their surroundings, offering a sanctuary from the vast, unending horizons.

In Jordan, Wadi Rum Bubble Luxotel offers transparent bubble rooms that allow you to stargaze without interruption in the heart of the desert. Each bubble includes modern amenities while keeping you connected to the raw beauty of the surrounding sands. Similarly, Amangiri in Utah, USA, combines minimalist architecture with the grandeur of canyon landscapes, offering an unparalleled connection to the desert’s silence and stillness.

Desert hotels often emphasize sustainability, using renewable energy and eco-conscious designs to minimize their impact on fragile ecosystems. This makes them an excellent choice for responsible travelers who want to leave a light footprint.

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4. Historical Havens: Sleeping in the Past

History enthusiasts can take their love of the past to the next level by staying in a hotel that doubles as a historical landmark. These accommodations often blend ancient architecture with modern comforts, offering a unique way to connect with history.

Take Giraffe Manor in Kenya, for example, where guests share breakfast with the resident giraffes in a 1930s-era mansion. Or consider the Icehotel in Sweden, which is rebuilt every winter using ice blocks harvested from the Torne River. Each year’s design features intricate ice carvings, making every visit unique.

Historical hotels transport guests to another era, offering a sense of timelessness and a deeper understanding of a destination’s culture. By staying in these places, you’re not just witnessing history—you’re living in it.

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5. Quirky and Whimsical Stays

For those who prefer the fun and unexpected, quirky hotels are a treasure trove of delight. These accommodations often challenge conventional design, blending humor with hospitality.

In Canada, Hotel de Glace is a temporary structure made entirely of ice and snow, offering visitors a magical yet fleeting experience. In Austria, you can stay in a repurposed wine barrel at Schlaf-Fass, a charming nod to the country’s winemaking heritage.

Meanwhile, Japan offers some of the most futuristic and whimsical stays, such as Henn-na Hotel, where robots check you in. These quirky stays cater to those who crave the extraordinary, offering stories you’ll share long after your trip ends.

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6. Floating Hotels: Drifting into Serenity

For travelers drawn to water but uninterested in diving beneath the surface, floating hotels provide the perfect balance. These accommodations often combine innovative architecture with serene settings, allowing guests to enjoy the soothing rhythm of water.

Examples include the Manta Resort’s Underwater Room in Zanzibar, where the bedroom floats in the sea, or the River Kwai Jungle Rafts in Thailand, offering a rustic experience on a serene river. Floating hotels are ideal for those seeking tranquility, as the gentle motion of water promotes relaxation and peace.

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7. Space-Age Stays: The Future of Hospitality

Though still in its infancy, space tourism is carving a niche for those who want to truly leave the planet behind. Companies like Space Perspective and Orbital Assembly Corporation are working on hotels that will orbit Earth, offering unparalleled views of the cosmos.

While these space-age stays may still be aspirational, they signify the next frontier in travel. Until then, Earth-bound experiences like Japan’s Kokopelli’s Cave, a luxury suite carved into a cliffside, offer a similar sense of awe and wonder.

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Conclusion

In a world brimming with travel options, the most unusual hotels you can stay in around the world stand out as destinations in their own right. These extraordinary accommodations transform trips into once-in-a-lifetime experiences, blending comfort with creativity and fostering a deeper connection with the places we visit.

From underwater retreats that immerse you in marine life to treehouses that reconnect you with nature, these hotels cater to every kind of wanderlust. They spark curiosity, inspire wonder, and often offer a sustainable way to explore some of the planet’s most remote and beautiful locations.

So, why settle for the ordinary when you can choose the extraordinary? Whether you’re an adventurer, a dreamer, or someone simply seeking a break from the mundane, these remarkable hotels promise an unforgettable journey that goes beyond the typical vacation. Start planning your stay at one of these unique destinations, and let your travel story become as memorable as the places you’ll discover.