12 Most Unique Hotels in the World That You Can Actually Stay In
Discover the world's most extraordinary hotels—from underwater suites and treetop spheres to ice palaces and airplane lodgings—each offering an unforgettable escape like no other.
- Alyana Aguja
- 4 min read
Travel to the world’s most unusual hotels, where design and experience collide. From sleeping under the Northern Lights in a glass igloo to waking up with giraffes in a Kenyan manor, these incredible stays reframe the art of travel. Whether suspended between treetops, underwater, or inside a repurposed airplane, every destination offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience that combines luxury with awe.
1. Icehotel, Jukkasjärvi, Sweden
Image from Strawberry
Rebuilt every year using ice and snow cut from the Torne River, Icehotel features changing art suites crafted by artists across the globe. Thermal sleeping bags on ice beds provide a bed for the night, with carved ice sculptures around you. Once spring comes, the hotel returns to being part of the river, with a process symbolic of fleeting beauty.
2. Treehotel, Harads, Sweden
Image from Condé Nast Traveler
Situated in northern Sweden’s forests, Treehotel offers individually crafted treehouses suspended high above the trees. Each has a unique theme, such as the Mirrorcube or Bird’s Nest. Guests enjoy panoramic vistas of the Lule River valley; if luck is on their side, they can see the Northern Lights. This environmentally friendly hideaway combines cutting-edge architecture with peaceful natural scenery.
3. Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, Maldives
Image from Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
Where the world’s first underwater residence, The Muraka, is located, this resort provides a two-story aquarium-like suite buried more than 16 feet beneath sea level. Visitors are enveloped in colorful ocean wildlife observable via floor-to-ceiling windows, creating a real underwater experience. An undersea restaurant, Ithaa, and panoramic views of coral gardens are also available at the resort.
4. Giraffe Manor, Nairobi, Kenya
Image from Cheetah Safaris
Situated on 12 acres of private property inside 140 acres of native forest, Giraffe Manor is renowned for its resident herd of Rothschild giraffes. These friendly giants pay regular visits during breakfast and dinner, sticking their heads through the windows expecting a snack. The manor’s graceful interiors and green surroundings provide an unusual combination of luxury and wild animal interaction.
5. Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, Saariselkä, Finland
Image from www.kakslauttanen.fi
Situated north of the Arctic Circle, this resort provides glass igloos from which visitors can view the Northern Lights and starry night sky from their beds. Wooden log cabins and a snow church complete the magical Arctic experience. In winter, there are husky safaris, reindeer sledding, and ice fishing.
6. The Manta Resort, Pemba Island, Tanzania
Image from The Manta Resort
The highlight of this resort is its Underwater Room, a floating room with an underwater bedroom surrounded by windows that offer a 360-degree view of marine life. On top of the water, guests can sunbathe or gaze at the stars on the deck and enjoy the serenity of the Indian Ocean. Diving and spa services are also available on the untouched island.
7. Free Spirit Spheres, Vancouver Island, Canada
Image from Architectuul
Suspended in the canopy of a sea rainforest, these spherical treehouses provide a glamping experience like no other. Every hand-built sphere rocks softly with the breeze, offering a peaceful experience of being close to nature. The compact and cozy interiors are meant for relaxation and contemplation in the midst of the forest cover.
8. Book and Bed Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
Image from bookandbedtokyo.com
A bibliophile’s paradise, this hostel is a place with beds surrounded by bookshelves lined with more than 3,000 titles in various languages. The compact, cozy sleeping quarters offer an innovative combination of accommodation and bookroom. It’s situated in the busy Ikebukuro district, which makes it a great refuge for visitors looking for a literary oasis.
9. Hotel Costa Verde 727 Fuselage, Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
Image from Vrbo
This lodge has a remodeled 1965 Boeing 727 airplane converted into a high-end two-bedroom suite on a jungle cliff. The inside of the aircraft is teak wood-lined, and balconies provide breathtaking ocean and jungle views. Monkeys and exotic birds are regular guests, adding to the unusual stay experience.
10. Huilo Huilo Montaña Mágica Lodge, Neltume, Chile
Image from Tripadvisor
Volcano-shaped, this moss-and-vine-covered lodge is topped by falling water, offering a whimsical, fairy-tale atmosphere. The rooms are rustic and small, with windows protruding from the verdant foliage. Situated within a biological reserve, visitors may discover the vibrant biodiversity of the Patagonian rainforest.
11. The Dog Bark Park Inn, Cottonwood, Idaho, USA
Image from Wikipedia
This bed-and-breakfast takes residence in the gigantic beagle-shaped building fondly referred to as “Sweet Willy.” Travelers must enter the facility through the second-story patio, while dog-themed appointments pervade inside. The establishment is the product of chainsaw sculptors Dennis and Frances, representing an offbeat roadside stop and a unique place of accommodation.
12. Sala Silvermine Underground Suite, Västmanland County, Sweden
Image from New Atlas
Located 155 meters below ground in a historic silver mine, this suite offers a truly secluded experience. The cool, dimly lit cavern features luxurious bedding and antique furnishings. Guided tours of the mine’s vast underground network are available, providing insight into its rich history.