Photo: Ice hotel

9 of the Coolest Hotels Around the World

Travel Insider Guides
by Emily Whiteside Feb 14, 2017

People who choose to stay in a hotel based on how big the beds are and whether or not it has a mini-bar in the room are doing it all wrong.

Hotels are far more than just places to sleep and relax after a hard day of exploring a new city. They are an experience in themselves, and some are so unusual and entertaining that their exotic location is just a bonus.

So, without further ado, here are 10 of the craziest hotels around the world.

1. Tree Hotel, Harads, Sweden

Une photo publiée par Treehotel (@treehotel) le

You can do what your parents never let you as a child and live in a treehouse. These treehouses aren’t just regular treehouses either; guests can stay in a bird’s nest treehouse, a dragonfly shaped one, or even a treehouse shaped like a UFO. For people who like things a little more secluded, there’s a cube where the outside is all camouflaged by mirrors which reflect their surroundings.

The hotel is situated in the middle of a forest and not far from the Lule River, so, not only is the hotel unique, it’s also in a peaceful, serene location.

2. The Hideout, Bali, Indonesia

This one is technically a house and not a hotel but it deserves a place on this list. The house is set in a secluded part of a forest and offers a cosy retreat for adventurers and creative spirits alike. From the house you can see Campuhan — a sacred place where two rivers meet, which is used for ceremonies and as a source for holy water.

The house comes with a fully equipped kitchen and a scooter for rent. If you want luxury don’t stay at the hideout, but if you want to learn how to play the Ukulele, make art, play board games in the forest, and experience authentic Balinese culture then this is the place for you! Oh, and did we mention the kitten that lives there?

3. Ice Hotel, Sweden

Not everyone is a fan of a summer holiday in a hot location, so for those people there is the Ice Hotel in Sweden, where everything is made out of ice. This hotel has both warm and cold rooms and they recommend that guests book one night in a cold room and a couple in a warm room to make the most of their stay. They even have a packing list which includes thermal, woolly underwear.

As well as being a unique hotel it’s also an art project as it was designed and sculpted by a number of artists. They even have art suites where guests can properly enjoy the handiwork and craftsmanship that went into building it.

In addition to the rooms made of ice the hotel has an ice bar, a restaurant, and a church. And don’t worry, for those of you who don’t want to lose all of their toes to frostbite, the hotel has warm rooms such as a lounge and warm cabins.

4. V8 Hotel, Stuttgart, Germany

Who didn’t want a race car bed when they were younger? Well this hotel in Germany lets you live out that dream, and you can bring your family along for the ride.

The hotel prides itself on being able to offer guests the chance to escape from everyday life by staying in motor car-themed rooms and by offering supercar driving experiences, where people can drive a Mercedes-Benz or a Porsche. Rooms aren’t just specifically cars either; other room themes include a car wash, an American gas station, Route 66 and even a drive in movie theatre.

5. La Balade Des Gnomes, Durbury, Belgium

The word Gnome here doesn’t mean that guests at the hotel have to sleep with thousands of creepy-looking gnomes and their fishing rods staring at them. It actually refers to the fact that every room in the hotel makes you feel like you’re in a fairy tale.

There are ten rooms and each has its own story theme, from an island-themed room with water acting as the sea (and yes the bed is a boat), to a room called La Route Du Vin which looks like a wine cellar.

6. Attrap’Rêves, France

This is possibly one of the most magical hotels on the planet and the magic is all created by the stars themselves. This hotel allows guests to sleep in a clear dome in which they can gaze up at the stars whilst enjoying all the comforts of a hotel.

As well as being at one with nature, the hotel offers an open-air jacuzzi, champagne, luxury dinners and massages. They pride themselves on being family-run, unique, romantic, private (each bubble has a private access), and set in a beautiful, relaxing setting.

7. Hong Nga Guesthouse/Crazy House, Dalat, Vietnam

Une photo publiée par Anni Llŷn (@anni_llyn) le

This hotel in Vietnam, popularly known as The Crazy House or The Fairy Tale House, is often referred to as one of the most unusual places to stay around the world — and rightly so! The hotel was originally built as a personal project by the owner, who is passionate about architecture and nature. The location of Dalat heavily influenced him because of its stunning scenery and tranquillity.

The guesthouse is shaped like a large tree and has natural elements, such as mushrooms and spider webs, carved into the exterior. Each room has an animal theme and has handcrafted furniture inside. The tiger room has a large tiger on the wall (not a real one!), and the Eagle room has a fireplace in the shape of an eagle egg. The best thing about the hotel is it brings guests back to nature by simply surrounding them in it.

8. 21c Museum hotel, Louisville, USA

The museum hotel in Louisville, Kentucky is exactly what it says it is — a boutique hotel and a contemporary art museum all rolled into one.

The museum has rotating artist exhibitions, unique events, and installations made especially for the museum for guests to enjoy. The hotel section has large luxury rooms (including a specially sculpted room by a NY artist), an award winning restaurant, and a spa.

9. Liberty Hotel, Boston, USA

Une photo publiée par Belinda Pegg (@bcaporaso) le

This hotel is a far cry from the place it once was. The Liberty hotel used to be a jail which housed some of Boston’s most notorious criminals but now houses guests who are after a bit of luxury. The hotel has large rooms and suites, a concierge service, 24-hour in room dining, free Wi-Fi, a fitness centre and complimentary yoga. You can even bring your dog!

You know you’re getting a somewhat authentic prison stay (albeit a very luxurious one) because, when the rights to the building were bought in 1991 by the Massachusetts General Hospital, they made it a requirement that significant elements of it be retained. If you look up from the lobby, the corridors, where cells would have once been lined up next to each other, are still intact, so those staying there can never really forget where they are.

Featured image by Ice Hotel.

Discover Matador