Advertising

Unusual hotels are the kind of thing that makes any trip stand out from the ordinary and become an unforgettable trip.

You know those places that you see and think: “Wow, someone really had this crazy idea?” Well, unlike regular hotels, with their standard pools and identical rooms, these ones have something special — sometimes it’s the place where they are, sometimes it’s the way they were made.

If you enjoy an adventure or just want to return home with a good story to tell, come with me and I'll show you some of the coolest unusual hotels out there.

What makes a hotel “unusual”, after all? It could be a strange building, like in a cave or hanging from a tree, or even a themed vibe that throws you into a completely different world.

So, let's take a trip around the planet and discover these pearls that combine creativity, nature and, of course, a touch of boldness.

Advertising

1. Unusual hotels at altitude: sleeping among the trees

To start, how about sleeping high up? I'm not talking about skyscrapers, but tree houses that look like something out of a movie.

O Treehotel, in Sweden, is one of those. It's in the middle of a frozen forest, with hanging cabins that look anything but ordinary: there's a cube with a mirror, a giant bird's nest... it's crazy! And, look, on some nights, there's even the Northern Lights to make everything even more surreal.

There is also the Free Spirit Spheres, in Canada. They are wooden acorns swinging between the trees — you lie inside and feel the wind lulling you to sleep.

It's the kind of place that makes you forget your cell phone and just enjoy the sound of the leaves.

Advertising

These unusual hotels are perfect for those who want to take a break from the hustle and bustle and immerse themselves in nature.

2. Underwater accommodation: unusual underwater hotels

Now, if you prefer to go to the bottom of the sea, there are unusual hotels that literally put you underwater. Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, in the Maldives, is one that I think is amazing.

There, the room called “The Muraka” has glass walls, and you sleep watching colorful fish swimming next to the bed. Imagine opening your eyes in the morning and seeing coral? It’s jaw-dropping!

Another one that follows this line is the Atlantis The Palm, in Dubai.

It's not exactly on the sea, but the suites overlook a giant aquarium, with more than 65 thousand animals swimming around.

Advertising

It's pure luxury, and even though it's artificial, it gives off an impressive ocean floor feel. These unusual hotels are for those who want something that no one will believe when you tell them.

3. Unusual hotels in extreme locations: from ice to desert

And there are those unusual hotels that face places where we would never imagine sleeping.

O Icehotel, in Sweden, for example, it's made entirely of ice — walls, beds, everything! Every year they rebuild it from scratch, with artists meticulously crafting the details.

You sleep in a thermal bag so you don't turn into a popsicle, but I swear it's worth it just for the unique vibe.

Already in the Atacama Desert, in Chile, the Alto Atacama Desert Lodge & Spa is another surprise.

It looks like the hotel sprang from the sand, it blends in so well with the place.

And at night, the starry sky is a show in itself. These unusual hotels are for adventurous souls who are up for anything.

4. Themed hotels: a journey within your accommodation

There are also unusual hotels that take you to another world without even having to leave your room.

O Hobbit Motel, in New Zealand, is one that I love. It feels like you're in “The Lord of the Rings”, with round doors and that hobbit village vibe.

It's very close to the places where the scenes were filmed, so it's a great option for fans.

Another one that I find funny is the Dog Bark Park Inn, in the United States.

The hotel is a giant dog — you enter through its belly and sleep in a room full of doggy details.

It's so bizarre that it's brilliant. These unusual hotels show that you can invent anything and still make it work.

5. Sustainability in focus: unusual and ecological hotels

And we couldn't miss the unusual hotels that think about the planet. The Bamboo Indah, in Bali, is one I would like to visit one day.

Everything there is made of bamboo, and the little houses seem to float above the rice fields. It's simple, beautiful and doesn't weigh on your conscience, you know?

In the same vibe, the EcoCamp Patagonia, in Chile, there are some round domes in the middle of the Torres del Paine mountains. It runs on clean energy and keeps you close to nature without damaging it.

These unusual hotels are proof that you can travel differently and still take care of the world.

6. Unusual hotels in recycled structures

Finally, there are unusual hotels that take old things and transform them into something new.

O Silo Stay, in New Zealand, uses old grain silos to make modern rooms.

It's small, but it has an industrial charm that I think is really cool.

And the Jumbo Stay, in Sweden? A Boeing 747 plane turned into a hotel, right next to Stockholm airport. It has everything from simple rooms to a suite in the cockpit.

These unusual hotels are like a slap in the face to the norm — who would have thought you could sleep in one of these places?

Why choose unusual hotels?

Okay, but why would anyone choose these unusual hotels over a normal place? For me, it's simple: they make the trip something else.

It's not just sleeping, it's living a story. You come back with photos that no one can believe and memories that won't leave your head.

There are options for every taste — from caves to the bottom of the sea, from igloos to old airplanes.

So, if you're thinking about your next trip, give these places a try. Maybe you'll find your perfect spot?

Tips for planning your stay

Before you rush out to book one of these unusual hotels, take note of a few tips.

First, take a good look at where it is and how to get there — some are in the middle of nowhere, like a desert or forest.

It’s also worth reading what other guests thought, so you don’t get any surprises.

Another thing: book in advance, because these places fill up quickly and usually don't have many rooms.

And, of course, consider the time of year — the Icehotel, for example, only runs in winter. If you plan it right, you're sure to be a success.

Conclusion of unique experiences

First of all, unusual hotels around the world are more than just a place to sleep — they are pieces of the journey.

Whether it’s because of the different style, the place or the idea behind it, they make you look at tourism in a new way.

So, the next time you’re planning a getaway, think about one of these unusual hotels. It could be the chance to experience something you never imagined.

With so many crazy things out there — from igloos to airplanes, trees to deserts — there’s an unusual hotel waiting for you. Just choose, pack your bags and go for it.

Because, after all, the world is full of surprises, and these hotels are just the beginning.