Unconventional Stays: Unusual Accommodations Around the World 

Skylodge Suites at night, Sacred Valley, Peru. Photo Credit- Getty Images

Are you craving a once-in-a-lifetime adventure? Ready to break free from the mundane and dive into the extraordinary? Traveling is a surefire way to ignite your spirit, and the cherry on top is discovering unusual accommodations around the world. These eccentric havens offer more than just a place to rest your head; they are immersive experiences that will leave you with unforgettable memories. Explore the world of unique and unusual accommodations around the world that will redefine your travel escapades.

Treehouse Hotels

Photo Source-Bangkok Tree House

Treehouse hotels are not just a childhood fantasy anymore. They have become popular among travelers seeking unique and memorable accommodations. From rustic to luxurious, tree house hotels offer a wide range of options for those who are looking for something different from the traditional hotel experience.

Bangkok Tree House in Thailand is a great example of a unique and eco-friendly tree house hotel that features beautiful and sustainable design. The Floating House in Costa Rica is another example, providing breathtaking views of the ocean and lush forests. Other treehouse hotels include Treehotel in Sweden, Post Ranch Inn in California and Acre Baja, near San Jose del Cabo, Mexico.

With comfortable amenities such as air conditioning and hot tubs, treehouse hotels are slowly becoming a popular choice among travelers who crave adventure and entertainment while enjoying nature’s serenity.

Ice Hotels

Hotel de Glace. Valcartier, Quebec, Canada. Photo Source-Getty Images

Ice hotels are a unique kind of temporary hotel that is made entirely out of snow and sculpted ice blocks. These hotels are usually designed and built with the intention of offering guests a truly unforgettable experience. Some popular ice hotels are located in Canada, Sweden, Romania, Norway, Austria, and Finland.

One excellent example of an ice hotel is the Ice Hotel in Sweden, which has both warm and cold room accommodations. The hotel provides guests with expedition-style sleeping bags specifically designed for extreme temperatures, ensuring that they can fully enjoy their stay.

Other examples of ice hotels include Hotel de Glace in Quebec, Canada and Snowhotel Kirkenes, Norway For thrill-seekers and those craving a unique lodging experience, ice hotels present a captivating and daring option.

Underwater Hotels

Photo Source- Atlantis, The Palm

Have you ever thought about sleeping under the sea? Underwater hotels provide a unique experience for tourists, allowing them to have a close-up view of marine life that they wouldn’t get anywhere else. From the Palm-Atlantis in Dubai, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island Resort, to the Manta Resort in Zanzibar, in Tanzania there are a variety of options available for those seeking adventure beneath the waves.

These hotels offer luxurious rooms, ranging from quaint cabins to opulent suites, with all the amenities of a five-star resort. Poseidon’s Undersea Resorts Island is a standout, offering guests the ultimate experience in aquatic tourism. Overall, underwater hotels provide entertainment and thrills beyond a tourist’s wildest dreams—a chance to truly sleep under the sea.

Capsule Hotels

Capsule hotels are a unique type of accommodation that is also gaining popularity all over the world. These hotels offer guests a basic, affordable sleeping solution in small, capsule-like beds. The concept originated in Japan in 1979 and has since spread to other countries. One example of a capsule hotel is the Capsule Inn Osaka (men only), which was the world’s first capsule hotel.

Capsule hotels are known for their optimized use of space and technical ingenuity. Despite the limited space, capsule hotels are equipped with all of the necessary bedding and amenities that guests need to feel comfortable. Some examples of exclusive capsule hotels are The Pod in New York, Skylodge Adventure Suites in Peru, and The Capsule by Container Hotel in Kuala Lumpur. Capsule hotels are perfect for travelers who are looking for an affordable and unique experience.

Hobbit Hotels

Photo Source- Hobbitenango Hotel

Hobbit hotels are unique and charming places to stay that are based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s stories about a fictional race of people.These types of hotels usually feature earthy and whimsical designs, such as earthen roofs, circular doors, and domed ceilings that resemble the hobbit homes in the stories.

The hotels often promote sustainable and eco-friendly living, and some even feature treehouses and other unconventional accommodations. Examples of hobbit hotels include Hobbitenango in Antigua Guatemala, The Hobbit House in Wales, UK, Woodlyn Park in New Zealand, and The Shire of Montana in Montana, US. Overall, hobbit hotels offer a one-of-a-kind experience that blends form and function to create a unique and beautiful accommodation.

Castle Hotels

Castle hotels are fascinating establishments that offer visitors a unique and charming experience. These are old castles that have been reconstructed and repurposed as hotels. They provide a glimpse into a rich history and embrace a mix of styles such as Gothic, Renaissance, Romanesque, and more.

Some great examples of castle hotels include the Ashford Castle in Ireland,the Kilkea Castle, both in Ireland, and the Raan Palace Kempinski in Istanbul, Turkey. Guests staying in castle hotels can expect to be transported to a different time and place, with impressive and well-preserved architecture providing a unique and memorable experience. While many of these hotels boast luxurious amenities, the ultimate objective is to offer guests an extraordinary lodging experience, complete with a captivating glimpse into the past.

Train Hotels

Photo Source- Eastern and Oriental Express

Train hotels are another type of quirky accommodation that offers a unique and memorable lodging experience. These hotels use train coaches and carriages to host bedrooms, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the world of trains. Some train carriage hotels are even out of service and stationed in picturesque and tranquil locations.

From spacious bygone suites to elegant lounges and fine dining, train carriage hotels offer a blend of luxury and adventure. The vibe is charmingly vintage with an old-school train theme, and guests often feel like they’ve stepped back in time. The Eastern and Oriental Express in Europe and Asia is a perfect example of a train hotel. They are an excellent way to infuse fun and adventure into one’s stay, and they’re sure to leave guests with lasting memories of their train-themed accommodations.

Cave Hotels

Photo Source- Doda Artisanal Cave Hotel

Cave hotels are accommodations located within natural or transformed cave structures. These hotels offer a unique and thrilling experience for travelers who want to experience something fresh and exciting. With luxurious amenities and quality service, cave hotels provide guests with a comfortable and stylish place to stay.

Examples of luxurious cave hotels include the Cave Suite at the Columbarium Hotel in Israel, the Divan Cave Hotel near Goreme in Cappadocia,Turkey, and the Doda Artisanal Cave Hotel in Cappadocia, Turkey. The Village Cave Hotel, also in Turkey, offers an authentic and unique experience, situated within the ancient rock formations of Cavuşin.

Beckham Creek Cave in Arkansas, USA, also offers a unique cave accommodation on a 90-acre property. With the various options, there’s never been a better time to book a stay in a cave hotel and experience the ultimate underground getaway.

Wigwam Hotels

Photo Source- Wigwam Motel, Holbrook, Arizona

Wigwam hotels, also known as Wigwam Villages, are a charming motel chain in the United States that were built during the 1930s and 1940s. These unique hotels are designed to resemble traditional Native American wigwams, complete with cone-shaped roofs and rustic wooden interiors. They were initially established to provide affordable lodging for middle- and lower-class travelers who were exploring the country.

Today, the Wigwam Motel in Holbrook, Arizona, is still open for business and remains a popular Route 66 landmark. Other examples of Wigwam hotels can be found in San Bernardino and Rialto, California. These hotels are a nostalgic reminder of the past and offer an opportunity for travelers to experience a touch of the past while still enjoying modern conveniences.

Lighthouse Hotels

Corsewall Lighthouse hotel/ Photo Source- Getty Images.

Lighthouse hotels are former lighthouses or keepers quarters that have been converted into accommodation for tourists. These hotels are becoming more popular among travelers who want to experience something unique and different. They offer stunning views of the ocean or other natural surroundings, and the history behind each lighthouse adds to their charm.

Examples include the Runde Lighthouse in Norway, Heceta Head Lighthouse Bed & Breakfast in Oregon, East Brother Light Station in California, The Lightkeeper’s Inn in Maine, and several others from around the world. Tourists can visit these lighthouse hotels and enjoy a comfortable stay with all the necessary amenities. These conversions also preserve these historic landmarks and give them new life.