When it comes to travel, staying somewhere unique can turn an ordinary trip into an extraordinary adventure. Unusual accommodations like treehouses, ice hotels, and other quirky lodgings offer more than just a place to sleep—they provide unforgettable experiences that add magic and excitement to your journey.
If you’re tired of traditional hotels and want to discover some truly remarkable places to stay, this guide will introduce you to some of the most unusual accommodations around the world that promise adventure, comfort, and a story to tell.
Why Choose Unusual Accommodations?
Opting for unusual lodging offers several benefits:
- Memorable Experiences: Unique stays create lasting memories and great stories.
- Closer to Nature: Many unusual accommodations are designed to immerse you in natural surroundings.
- Cultural Insight: Some quirky lodgings offer a peek into local traditions or innovative architecture.
- Instagram-Worthy Moments: From frosty ice suites to elevated treehouse decks, these places are picture-perfect.
Top Unusual Accommodations Around the World
1. Treehouses
Treehouses aren’t just for kids anymore. Around the globe, luxurious treehouse hotels blend comfort with nature, offering panoramic views, cozy interiors, and a sense of peaceful seclusion. Whether nestled in tropical rainforests or temperate woodlands, treehouses allow you to reconnect with nature from a unique vantage point.
Popular Spots: Costa Rica’s Finca Bellavista, USA’s Treehouse Point in Washington, and the Treetops Resort in New Zealand.
2. Ice Hotels
Imagine sleeping in a room made entirely of ice—walls, beds, and even glasses at the bar! Ice hotels are seasonal wonders, crafted each winter in places like Sweden, Finland, and Canada. Despite the chilly surroundings, these hotels often provide cozy thermal sleeping bags and heated common areas, combining novelty with comfort.
Must-Visit: The ICEHOTEL in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden, and the Hôtel de Glace in Quebec City, Canada.
3. Underwater Hotels
For those who want to explore marine life up close, underwater hotels offer spectacular views of coral reefs and aquatic creatures right from your bedroom window. These unique accommodations provide a surreal experience combining luxury with the wonders of the ocean.
Examples: The Manta Resort’s Underwater Room in Zanzibar and Atlantis, The Palm’s underwater suites in Dubai.
4. Cave Hotels
Carved into natural rock formations, cave hotels provide an extraordinary blend of ancient architecture and modern comfort. Found mainly in regions with volcanic history like Cappadocia in Turkey or Matera in Italy, cave hotels often feature charming interiors, natural insulation, and stunning landscapes.
Noteworthy Locations: Cappadocia Cave Suites and Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita in Italy.
5. Houseboats
Floating accommodations are perfect for travelers who love water and want to wake up to gentle waves. Houseboats are available on lakes, rivers, and canals worldwide and vary from rustic to luxurious.
Popular Destinations: Amsterdam’s canal houseboats, Kerala’s backwaters in India, and the Amazon River.
Tips for Booking and Enjoying Unusual Accommodations
- Research Amenities: Unique lodgings might have different facilities compared to hotels; check what’s included.
- Book Early: These popular and limited spots fill up quickly.
- Consider Seasonality: Some, like ice hotels, are seasonal and only available during certain months.
- Embrace the Experience: Prepare for adventure and a break from the ordinary comforts.
Why Unusual Accommodations Make Travel More Exciting
Staying in unusual accommodations transforms travel from a routine trip into a unique story. These places encourage you to step out of your comfort zone, connect with nature and culture in unexpected ways, and see the world from a different perspective.
Whether it’s drifting to sleep in a treetop canopy, marveling at frozen sculptures in an ice hotel, or snorkeling just outside your underwater suite, unusual accommodations create memories that last a lifetime.
