When it comes to unique travel experiences, staying in a one-of-a-kind hotel can make for a vacation you’ll never forget. *Contact us if you would like your hotel included on this page. Note, This page contains affiliate links which help us support the blog.
Safari and Animal Experience Hotels
Hotels Made from Converted Things
Ship and Maritime Themed Hotels
Ice Hotels and Igloos
Hotel de Glace – Quebec City, Canada (ice hotel) Made from both ice and snow, this is a seasonal hotel (January to March) and it is part of Valcartier Vacation Village, 30 minutes from Quebec City.
Icehotel 365 – Jukkasjärvi, Sweden is home to this year-round ice hotel.
Aurora Ice Museum Hotel – Located in Fairbanks Alaska, this hotel has both hot springs and a seasonal ice hotel.
Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel – This ice hotel located in Alta Norway (Northern Norway) contains spectacular ice sculptures, and is open from late December to early April. There is an ice bar, hot tub, sauna, several igloo rooms, and many arctic activities and adventures like dog sledding and King Crabbing.
Treehouse Hotels
Free Spirit Spheres – in Qualicum, BC, Vancouver Island, Canada has treehouse spheres that are truly adorable. Their goal is to allow guests 16 and over to experience nature in relative luxury, while showcasing the majesty and true value of west coast rainforest.
Treehotel – Harads, Sweden this hotel has 7+ different accommodation options including a treehouse mirror cube (pictured above), and several unique treehouses ranging from industrial to futuristic to rustic.
Out’n’About Treehouse Treesort – This truly unique treehouse hotel is located in Cave Junction, Oregon (4.5 hours from Portland or 6 hours from Sacramento).
Bangkok Tree House – This hotel in Bangkok, Thailand has modern treehouse structures you can stay in. It is in a great location near the floating market (10 min).
Hanging and Cliff Hotels
Skylodge Adventure Suites – Sacred Valley, Peru hike and climb to these pod-like structures hanging off a cliff for the adventure of a lifetime. Feel like you’re sleeping in a cliffside nest while enjoying the views and activities offered.
Magic Mountain Lodge (Huilo Huilo Montana Magica Lodge)- Located in Panguipulli, Chile this hotel is built into a mountain with nearby waterfall and outdoor activities.
Astarte Suites – This Santorini, Greece hotel is built into and perched on the cliffs for spectacular views of the ocean.
Starlodge Adventure Suites– Also in Peru, these space-age pods hang from the mountainside. With many activities, hot tubs, and more, you won’t be bored while taking in the spectacular views here.
Safari and Animal Experiences
The Oberoi Vanyavilas – Located in Ranthambore, India is this 5 star luxury tents hotel in a tiger reserve. Jaipur and Sanghaner Airport are 112 mi from the resort.
Singita Sasakwa Lodge, Tanzania – This luxurious lodge is located in the heart of the Serengeti in Tanzania offers guests the chance to see the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo) on daily game drives.
Giraffe Manor, Kenya – This boutique hotel is located in a suburb of Nairobi and is home to a herd of endangered Rothschild’s giraffes. Guests can feed and interact with the giraffes during their stay.
Amangiri – This modern yet rustic luxury resort is located in the heart of Canyon Country in Utah (about 4 hours from Las Vegas) and offers guests the chance to see bighorn sheep, mountain lions, and other wildlife in their natural habitat.
Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle– This unique resort is located in the heart of the Golden Triangle in North Thailand and offers guests the chance to interact with rescued elephants in a humane and sustainable way. Blissfully secluded, you can get here by long-tail boat on the Mekong River, by helicopter, or by car from the Chiang Rai airport (just over an hour’s drive) or by car service from other Four Seasons Properties in the area.
The Ranch at Rock Creek – In Philipsburg Montana (1.5 hours from Missoula or 2.5 hours from Bozeman) you’ll find this luxury ranch, which offers guests the chance to go on privately guided horseback rides and see a variety of wildlife, including elk, bison, and bald eagles. There is also a bowling alley, lounge, spa and excellent dining options on site.
Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa – In Wolgan Valley Australia you’ll find this eco-friendly resort is located in the heart of the Blue Mountains and offers guests the chance to see kangaroos, wallabies, and other Australian wildlife in their natural habitat.
Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort – This is the hotel you may have seen all over social media. Sleep in rooms or bubbles surrounded by elephants!
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort – This resort located in Florida on Disney property includes animals such as giraffes roaming the property as well as swimming pools and African cuisine.
Lapa Rios Eco Lodge – Located on the Osa peninsula on the coast in southern Costa Rica, this lodge offers accomodations on 1,000 acres of Central America’s last remaining tropical lowland rainforest. Here, you can encounter monkeys, frogs, and hundreds of types of birds.
Sea Lion Lodge – On the Falklands Islands, off the southern tip of South America, you’ll find this unique wilderness lodge you can see a variety of unique animals like penguins, sea lions, seals, seabirds and more.
Salt Lick Game Lodge – This amazing game lodge in Kenya provides fantastic accommodations with views of countless animals. It is one of the world’s most photographed hotels and it’s no surprise why!
Royal Malewane Private Game Lodge – Located in Kruger National Park in South Africa, Royal Malewane is an exclusive private safari lodge with three separate luxury lodges in the Greater Kruger National Park. The guiding team is one of the most qualified in Africa and will ensure you have a once in a lifetime experience.
Buffalo Camp – Kapama Private Game Reserve – This luxury tented camp is located in Kapama Private Game Reserve near the Kruger National Park in South Africa.
Mason Elephant Park and Lodge – One of Bali’s “Most Unique” Hotels, offering 30 rooms and within an elephant sanctuary, the Mason Elephant Park and Lodge is a wonderful option if you’re looking for a unique stay.
Holmen Husky Lodge – In Alta, Norway, you escape into the wild with a variety of accommodation types including arctic domes, surrounded by adorable husky dogs. Enjoy dog sledding and northern lights. There are direct flights to Alta from Oslo.
Sorrisniva Arctic Wilderness Lodge – In far northern Norway, you’ll find this arctic wilderness lodge on the same property that houses an igloo hotel in the winter months. Take a snowmobile safari to see reindeer, hike, take a riverboat, or have a dog sledding experience.
Hotels Converted From Other Things
Crane Hotel Faralda – Amsterdam, Netherlands is home to a riverfront crane converted into a luxury hotel.
Spitbank Fort – Located near Solent, England these forts surrounded by water were turned into a luxury hotel and are currently for sale.
Jumbo Stay – Not far from the airport in Stockholm, Sweden is a converted Boeing 747 that you can stay in. Don’t miss this unique opportunity next time you have a layover.
No Man’s Fort – In Solent, England (South of London off the coast of Portsmouth) is a sea fort turned into a luxury hotel.
Frying Pan Tower – North Carolina, USA is home to a former lighthouse converted into a hotel.
Pousada do Crato – Crato, Portugal (2.5 hours from Lisbon) has a spectacular former monastery converted into a hotel.
The Liberty Hotel – Boston, Massachusetts, USA is where you will find this former prison converted into a luxury hotel.
Winvian Farm – This hotel has a variety of room types, including a treehouse and a room inside a helicopter.
Les Cols Pavellons – In Olot, Spain this gorgeous space offers minimalist hotel rooms in a greenhouse atmosphere. Sublime architecture and luxury in essence. Located in Olot, it has been a benchmark in luxury, sustainability and hospitality for 18 years. Les Cols Pavellons has been a benchmark in the hospitality industry since Judit Planella, together with Joaquim Puigdevall, started this adventure now 18 years ago. They have received different awards for architecture and also for tourism excellence.
Hotel Costa Verde – Costa Rica is home to this amazing hotel that has lodging options that are within a refurbished airplane. They also offer other bungalows, hotel rooms, and accommodations with breathtaking panoramic ocean views.
V8 Hotel – Stuttgart, Germany is home to this car-themed hotel inside a former airport terminal. Their themed rooms will have every vehicle-lover smiling.
La Claustra – Airolo, Switzerland is home to this hotel in a former military bunker.
Wasserturm Hotel Cologne – Cologne, Germany is a hotel built inside a former water tower. Architecturally stunning, the hotel features a soaring lobby and a rooftop terrace with fantastic views.
Pullman Train Hotel – Head to Indianapolis Indiana to stay in an actual train car in an old train station.
The Silo Hotel – Cape Town, South Africa has a hotel located in a former grain silo
The Ned – In London, England, Created in 2017, The Ned originated in the former Midland Bank headquarters.
Qbic Hotel – This hotel in Amsterdam, Netherlands is located in a former office building.
The Factory Hotel – In Münster, Germany there is a hotel located in a former factory.
The Henry Jones Art Hotel – Hobart, Australia is home to this hotel located in a former jam factory and warehouse.
Hotel du Vin & Bistro – This Bristol, England hotel is located in a former sugar factory and warehouse.
Cave Hotels
Kokopelli’s Cave Bed & Breakfast – Farmington, New Mexico has a hotel room built into a cave that you can stay in.
The Caves – Negril, Jamaica has a hotel built into cliffs overlooking the sea, with several caves below, including a bar inside a cave.
Cappadocia Cave Suites – Cappadocia, Turkey is home to several cave hotels, and this one is a great option. Watch hot air balloons fill the sky every day from the terrace.
Desert Cave Hotel – In Coober Pedy, South Australia there is a hotel in a former opal mine. They offer above ground and underground hotel rooms.
Mira Mira Cave House – About an hour from Melbourne Australia is the Mira Mira Cave house, where you can stay in unique accomodations including a cave, cottage, Japanese house, or sculpture.
Winery Hotels
L’AND Vineyards – Montemor-o-Novo, Portugal (1 hour from the Lisbon airport) is home to this gorgeous wine resort with vineyard suites.
Hotel Marqués de Riscal – Please click this link to appreciate the architechture of this one of a kind hotel! Spectacular! This hotel is located in Northern Spain, 1 hour from Bilbao and 5 hours from Barcelona.
The Vines Resort & Spa – Located in Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina and having won several awards, this resort has beautiful villas with spectacular views all in the setting of private vineyards and breathtaking Andes mountain vistas.
Delaire Graff Estate – This winery estate is a beautiful place in South Africa (outside of Cape Town) to stay, dine and drink wine.
South Coast Winery Resort – This winery resort and spa in Temecula California has rooms with breathtaking views of the surrounding vineyards as well as restaurant and spa.
Fun, Unique and Odd Hotels
The Boot Bed and Breakfast – Tasman, New Zealand is hotel in the shape of a giant boot.
Palacio de Sal – Uyuni, Bolivia is where you will find this hotel made entirely of salt.
The Saguaro – In Palm Springs, California you can find this hotel with a vibrant, colorful design.
Longitude 131° – Ayers Rock, Australia is home to these luxury tents and villas with spectacular views of Uluru.
Fogo Island Inn – Located on Fogo Island, Canada you’ll find this hotel with stunning ocean views and stunning modern design with floor-to-ceiling windows. Stargazing, hiking, ice skating, wildlife watching, berry picking, and more (depending on the season).
Under Water Hotels
The Manta Resort – Pemba Island, Tanzania has a hotel with an underwater room. The Manta Resort Underwater Room is a unique and luxurious accommodation option located on the Pemba Island off the coast of Tanzania. This room is situated in the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean, with three levels that include a rooftop deck for stargazing, a bathroom at sea level, and a bedroom that’s five meters beneath the surface. The underwater room features large windows that provide a breathtaking view of the vibrant marine life that surrounds the room, including colorful fish, octopuses, and even dolphins. Pricing starts around $1000/night for 2 people, but varies seasonally.
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island – Rangali Island, Maldives has this hotel with an underwater restaurant and villas.
Poseidon Undersea Resort – Fiji upcoming underwater hotel – we will update when they begin taking reservations.
InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland – This massive, new hotel in China has underwater and aquarium rooms!
Resorts World Sentosa – Located in Singapore, this hotel offers many underwater experiences within the hotel.
Reefsuites by Cruise Whitsundays – This hotel offers both under water as well as floating accommodations on the great barrier reef. The floating hotel is moored offshore at Hardy Reef, 40 nautical miles from Airlie Beach.
Ship and Maritime Themed Hotels
Stay on a Real Boat – Stay on a real motorized or sailboat to explore various beaches, coasts, and sights. Enjoy fishing, snorkeling and more while you have a unique stay on a boat.
25hours Hotel – Hafencity, Hamburg, Germany is home to this hotel designed around a maritime theme.
The Queen Mary – Long Beach, California, USA is home to a luxury hotel on a real ocean liner.
Private Island Hotels
Grand Hotel Tremezzo – Located in Lake Como, Italy, this stunning hotel with luxurious rooms on its own private beach and park with panoramic views is one you must put on your must-see list. Youll also find pools, a spa, and great dining and bar options here.
North Island, Seychelles – North Island is a luxury private island resort located in the Seychelles. The island features only 11 villas, ensuring privacy and seclusion for its guests. The villas are designed with natural materials such as wood, stone, and thatch, and are equipped with private pools and direct access to the beach.
Laucala Island, Fiji – Laucala Island is a private island resort located in Fiji. The island features 25 villas, each with its own private pool and stunning views of the ocean. The resort offers a variety of activities, including water sports, golf, and spa treatments.
Petit St. Vincent – Located in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Petit St. Vincent is a private island resort in the Caribbean. The resort features 22 cottages, each with its own private beachfront, and offers a variety of activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, and sailing.
Necker Island– In the British Virgin Islands, you’ll find this breathtaking private island. Necker Island is a private island owned by Sir Richard Branson, located in the British Virgin Islands. The island features a luxurious resort with 10 guest rooms and suites, and offers a wide range of activities such as water sports, tennis, and spa treatments.
Velaa Private Island, Maldives – More than a resort, Velaa is the passion project of a couple to create the world’s perfect home. It is a place where guests are truly carefree and able to indulge in the best the world has to offer—food, wine, adventures and serenity. Comprised by 47 villas, houses and residences, Velaa Private Island is situated in Noonu atoll, comfortably 45 mins by private seaplane from the capital Male.
Little Palm Island Resort & Spa – Little Palm Island Resort & Spa is a luxury private island resort located off the coast of Florida. The resort features 30 thatched-roof bungalows, each with its own private outdoor shower and ocean views. The resort offers a variety of activities such as snorkeling, diving, and kayaking.
Theme Hotels
Hoshinoya Tokyo – Tokyo, Japan is home to this luxury hotel with a traditional Japanese design.
The Roxbury – This unbelievable hotel in the Catskills, Roxbury New York and an additional location in Statton Falls, has over-the-top themed rooms you have to see to believe including a Cinderella room (pictured above), a Coconut Creme Pie room complete with a ceiling of merengue, a space pad, and a fairy forest cottage.
21c Museum Hotel – This collection of modern art museum-partnered hotels is truly a unique hotel experience that supports the arts. Find them in cities like Chicago, Nashville, Louisville, and Kansas City.
O Museum in The Mansion– Named “Coolest Place” in DC by Booking. If you’re in Washington DC and want to sleep in an actual mystery house, this is the place for you. With hidden doors throughout the mansion, you’ll be part of the fun when you stay here.
Chateau Avalon – This Kansas City hotel has a variety of theme rooms to delight their guests. They include a Serengeti room, a Tahitian treehouse, Pirate room, and Egyptian palace.
Madonna Inn – This Funky and fun hotel is located in San Luis Obispo California. Vibrant colors and eclectic décor will have you fully immersed. A beautiful terrace with pool, hot tubs, and hot pink tennis courts are just a few of their amenities.
Castle Hotels
Ashford Castle – Make your way to lovely Cong, Ireland (27 miles from Galway or 155 miles from Dublin) and you’ll be able to take in the beauty of this 350 acre property and 800 year old castle with 5-star hotel, formerly home of the Guinness family.
Ballynahinch Castle Hotel – This castle located in Recess, Ireland offers rooms, dining, and activities such as hiking, fly fishing, and cycling.
Château de Bagnols – Located in Bagnols, France, in the heart of the vineyards of Beaujolais about 35 minutes from Lyon, this castle offers accomodations as well as fine dining.
Château de Castel Novel – An hour south of Limoges in Varetz, France you’ll find this charming castle hotel and restaurant.
Château de Chissay – Chissay-en-Touraine, France, 3 hours south of Paris, is home to this lovely castle hotel. This former fortified castle was built under Charles the 7th in the 16th century. There is even a room located in the former dungeon!
Château de Codignat – Bort-l’Etang, France, 1 hour 45 minutes from Lyon, is a medieval castle turned into a 5-star hotel and restaurant. The castle also features a swimming pool and tennis courts.
Dromoland Castle Hotel – Located in Newmarket on Fergus, Ireland, this spectacular castle is something out of a fairy tale. Beyond the castle itself is the 450-acre estate with golf course, horseback, tennis, spa and more.
Thornbury Castle – This castle hotel in Thornbury, England near Bristol and 2 hours from London, is beautifully decorated and has lovely gardens and a restaurant.
Castle Hotel Sonnenburg – Reopening in 2024 after a renovation, located in St. Lorenzen, Italy is this historic property which features a swimming pool, restaurant, spa, and more.
Dalhousie Castle Hotel – Bonnyrigg, Scotland, UK is home to this castle hotel and spa. Best of all, it is just just eight miles from Edinburgh.
Borthwick Castle – 35 minutes outside of Edinburgh Scotland is where you will find the Borthwick Castle, one of the largest and best-preserved surviving medieval Scottish castles. Currently, it is only available for group private rentals and events.
Culcreuch Castle Hotel – Located in Scotland, this castle hotel is currently closed for renovations.
Fonab Castle Hotel – Located in Pitlochry, Scotland this 5 star castle hotel has been lovingly restored to embrace its history. There are 42 rooms and a penthouse with great views. There is an onsite bar and restaurant as well as a spa.
Kliczków Castle – This castle in Poland is about 2 hours from Dresden Germany or Wroclaw Poland. Besides charming guest rooms, they also have a pool, saunas, and a spa.
Domaine de Ronchinne – Renovated in 2022, the castle 1 hour south of Brussels Belgium offers many types of rooms for guests. They also have a pool and restaurant.
Dornoch Castle Hotel – Dornoch Castle Hotel is located in the historic town of Dornoch Scotland (23 mi from Inverness Airport) and is situated opposite the 12th century Dornoch Cathedral. Stay in a historic Scottish Castle and enjoy the restaurant, bar and stunning scenery.
Castle Gjalski Hotel – Just outside Zagreb Croatia, you’ll find this charming castle hotel. In the surrounding area, you’ll find plenty of castles, thermal baths, and outdoor activities. They even have a family room with a separate sleeping area for kids.
