The evolution of hotels saw its beginnings in the humble inn. Inns provided lodgings with the most basic amenities to weary travelers.
Fast forward to the 20th century; luxury became the thrust of the hotel. Now, the hotel industry is a sprawling $1 trillion market.
Yet this modern expanse has also made the hotel experience repetitive and boring. It might leave you wanting more besides the same template of luxury.
If you’re an adventurous traveler, then this guide’s for you. Take a look at these 12 unique hotels that will give you a new take on the hotel experience.
1. IceHotel, Sweden
It’s located in Jukkasjarvi, Sweden, and takes a new shape each year. A creative festival of architects, artists, and designers comes up with a design. Their creations only stay for the winter then melts away for the next iteration.
The IceHotel uses ice and snow from the nearby Torne River. It features an ice bar, ice gallery, ice chapel, heated restaurants, and camps.
2. The Ark, Kenya
The Ark Kenya is a hotel inside the Aberdare National Park. It overlooks the Yasabara waterhole, which attracts the local wildlife. This means you can observe them from the comforts of the hotel.
The building itself bears a resemblance to the biblical ark. It has several balconies, decks, and lounges. From here, guests can watch the comings and goings of local animals.
3. Hotel Kakslauttanen, Finland
The Hotel Kakslauttanen in Saariselka, Finland, features glasses rooms shaped like Igloos. These transparent yet warm rooms offer a clear view of the stars. If you’re lucky, you’ll also have a view of the Northern Lights.
Saariselka is one of the best places in the region for watching the northern lights. Besides stargazing, you can also tour the Arctic wilderness. The hotel’s glass Igloos also come in varying shapes and sizes.
4. The Manta Resort, Pemba Island, Tanzania
This 5-star resort is a remote paradise on the tropical island of Pamba, Tanzania. This resort makes it into the list of unique hotels and resorts because of its Underwater Sea Room. From its windows, you can watch and admire the exotic marine life.
Anchored to the ocean floor, this floating luxury suite has 3 levels. There’s a landing deck with a lounge and bathroom.
You also get to enjoy the top deck offering a great view of the sky and stars. There’s also the submerged room that sits 4 meters below the pristine waters. If you’re looking for an underwater hotel experience, then this is for you.
5. The Beaumont Hotel, London
The Beaumont Hotel might seem like your ordinary 5-star hotel. That is if it weren’t for the cave-like sculpture it offers as a suite. The suite, called ROOM, is a creation of British sculptor Antony Gormley.
The ROOM gives you sculptured darkness and heavy soundproofing. This means you can have a zen retreat in the middle of bustling London.
6. Null Stern Hotel, Switzerland
The Null Stern is one of the unique boutique hotel concepts. It’s also one of the more creative hotel names, with “Null Stern” standing for “no stars.”
This doesn’t mean the hotel is crummy. The hotel’s concept is a subversion of the trendy and extravagant hotels that are in vogue.
It serves as a commentary from its creators. These are the artistic entrepreneur brothers named Frank and Patrik Riklin.
The hotel sits in a disused Swiss nuclear bunker. There’s still a 24-hour butler that will cater to your needs.
7. Skylodge Adventure Suites, Peru
If you’re looking for one of the most adventurous hotels, Skylodge Adventure Suites is perfect for you. It features luxury capsules that cling to the steep cliffside. They’re found 1,200 ft up on the mountains of Cusco’s Sacred Valley.
These cliff-hanging suites are transparent. This means you’ll have a complete and breathtaking view of the Sacred Valley. The suites are hand-crafted and made of weather-resistant aerospace aluminum.
8. The Dunant Hotel, Italy
The Dunant claims itself to be a “0-star hotel”. Like the Null Stern, this serves as a statement of its philosophy. The Dunant Hotel wants its design to speak for itself.
The hotel features myriad pieces of art as furniture. They move around as you use and appreciate them. The Dunant hotel’s philosophy shuns conformity to traditional ideas of luxury.
9. Haslla Art World Museum Hotel, South Korea
This is another one of the unique hotels that focuses on artistic expression. Located on South Korea’s eastern coast, the Haslla Art World Museum Hotel is itself a piece of art.
The hotel’s design and architecture embody a harmonious balance between nature and art. It features art pieces and sculptures at the front and has 24 unique guestrooms.
10. Treehotel, Sweden
Located in Harads, Sweden, the Treehotel offers great views of the forest and the Lule River. Guests occupy tree rooms suspended 4-10 meters above the ground in the tall pine trees.
They’re reached via electric stairs, a ramp, or a bridge. The Treehotel blends into the surroundings, allowing for a seamless experience of nature.
11. Henn-na Hotel, Japan
Another instance of creative hotel names, “Henn” here means “to change” in Japanese. The name represents the hotel’s commitment to evolving the hotel experience.
How else does the hotel show its philosophy? With a staff of multilingual robots. There are robot receptionists and porter robots that’ll carry luggage to guests’ rooms.
12. Manakau PurePod, New Zealand
If you’re looking for isolation, then the Manakau PurePod is for you. Few escape resorts can offer this resort’s isolation.
The PurePod sits in the middle of nothing. To be exact, it’s located in the heart of the Seaward Kaikōura Mountain Range.
This is about 2.5 hours drive from Christchurch, the largest city in New Zealand’s South Island. The place is so remote that you won’t find signs of civilization even if you climb the hills nearby.
Plan Your Trip to These Unique Hotels
Luxury hotels offer the best amenities and comforts to please any guest. Yet, the regular hotel experience can be dull for the curious or adventurous traveler. These unique hotels can give you a completely new experience of hotel comfort and luxury.
Featured image source: Icehotel.com
