When the typical hotel setup just won’t cut it, venture off-the-beaten-path and stay in one of the world’s quirkiest accommodations. Each of these unique hotels does its best to provide guests with a cool experience, whether you’re greeted in the morning by giraffes, sleeping in an overwater bungalow or its walls are made of ice.
With over 400 million annual visitors to HotelsCombined, we’ve uncovered the most unique hotels across the globe. You won’t have to sacrifice comfort either, as most of these quirky hotels have the same perks you’d find at a standard hotel–in addition to over-the-top decor, fun amenities and stunning scenery. Get ready to add these unique hotels to your ever-growing bucket list.
Kelebek Special Cave Hotel, Turkey
If you’ve never dreamt about sleeping in a cave hotel room, you’re missing out. Perched above the quaint village of Goreme, Kelebek Special Cave Hotel in Turkey is a dreamy escape with otherworldly rooms carved into the caves. In addition to exposed rock walls, upgraded Suites add living rooms and flat-screen TVs.
A highlight of the hotel is the chance to watch the daily flight of hot air balloons right from your terrace, and if you’re up for the adventure yourself, the hotel can arrange a private balloon ride. The hotel also features a rooftop pool, Turkish bath and sauna and a la carte restaurant serving local cuisines.
Star Rating: 3*
Price: USD 80 – USD 255
Guest Rating: 9.4
Address: Aydinli Mah. Yavuz Sok. No:1 Goreme, Göreme 50180, Turkey
Marques de Riscal a Luxury Collection, Spain
You’ll be taken aback by the avant-garde exterior design of Marques de Riscal in Spain, while the interior features zigzag windows, cathedral-height ceilings and bespoke details. You can enjoy Michelin-awarded cuisine at Restaurante Marques de Riscal or sample fine wines at Vinoteca & Bistro, then indulge in a Crush Cabernet Scrub at the posh spa.
Along with vineyard and Sierra de Cantabria views, rooms feature flat-screen TVs and Nespresso coffee machines, with upgraded suites adding private terraces. Rooms also come with complimentary access to the indoor pool, relaxation area, steam room, fitness centre and Jacuzzi.
Star Rating: 5*
Price: USD 555 – USD 948
Guest Rating: 9.1
Address: Calle Torrea, 1, 01340 Elciego, Álava, Spain
Giraffe Manor Hotel Nairobi, Kenya
Sure, you can go on an epic African safari, but Giraffe Manor Hotel Nairobi in Kenya offers something even better–it brings the safari to you. The boutique hotel is famous for its resident Rothschild giraffes, who can be seen wandering the 4.5-hectare ground and sticking their heads through the windows for a snack.
Enjoy breakfast with a giraffe or meet a baby elephant, then relax in one of the safari-style rooms. The Karen Blixen Suite has two bedrooms with king-size four-poster beds, a fireplace and writing desk. The best part? It has a private balcony where you can feed the giraffes.
Star Rating: 5*
Price: USD 1,750 – USD 4,375
Guest Rating: No Rating
Address: PO Box 15565 – 00503, Nairobi, Kenya
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, Maldives
While the Maldives is full of lavish all-inclusive resorts, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island stands out as one of the island’s most unique hotels with the world’s first undersea restaurant. Open-air restaurants and beach bars are also available, as well as an over-water spa, water sports and infinity pool.
Lavish villas boast indoor-outdoor living, private pools and Indian Ocean views. You can step directly on the beach in a Deluxe Beach Villa, while Water Villas have ocean-facing tubs. For something truly unique, book The Muraka, a luxury two-level residence with the master bedroom submerged below the Indian Ocean.
Star Rating: 5*
Price: USD 592 – USD 4,924
Guest Rating: 9.2
Address: Rangali Island, Rangali Island 20077, Maldives
Icehotel, Sweden
Ever dreamed of sleeping in an igloo hotel? Icehotel in Sweden does just that, offering one-of-a-kind ice suites with sculptures, double beds and walls made completely out of ice. Rebuilt every winter out of ice from Torne River, other in-room perks include free Wi-Fi, entry to the sauna and a buffet breakfast.
HotelsCombined visitors love the sauna, as well as the seasonal and local ingredients served at ICEHOTEL restaurant. Sign up for various winter-related experiences, including ice sculpting classes, snowmobiling and Northern Lights viewings. Relax with an ice cocktail at Icebar, join a dog sledding tour or learn about wildlife on an arctic wildlife safari.
Star Rating: 3*
Price: USD 171 – USD 450
Guest Rating: 9
Address: Marknadsvagen 63, Jukkasjärvi, Norrbottens Lan, Sweden
Arctic TreeHouse Hotel, Finland
Did you know amazing treehouse hotels exist? Arctic TreeHouse Hotel in Finland is easily one of the most unique hotels in the world, allowing you to see the mesmerizing Northern Lights right from your bed. The luxe treehouse accommodations boast private saunas, hillside vistas and floor-to-ceiling windows.
Relax with a glass of bubbly by the cosy fireplace in the lobby bar or visit Rakas Restaurant & Bar for local cuisine and romantic candlelit dinners. You can also take advantage of the hotel’s “tailor-made experiences”, which include dog sledding and snowmobile tours and a pampering Arctic Forest Spa.
Star Rating: 4*
Price: USD 508 – USD 713
Guest Rating: 8.8
Address: Tarvantie 3 Arctic Circle, 96930 Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland
Villa Casa Casuarina, USA
Fashionistas won’t want to miss a chance to stay at opulent Villa Casa Casuarina, which is the former Versace Mansion. Set in Miami Beach, this historic mansion dates back to 1930. Purchased by the famous Italian designer in 1992, its decadent suites boast mural-covered walls and private balconies overlooking Ocean Drive.
Dine poolside with a feast of Italian Mediterranean food and international wines at Gianni’s, then take a dip in the Thousand Mosaic Pool or bask in the sunshine at the Rooftop Lounge. At night, Onyx Bar is a lively spot with signature cocktails.
Star Rating: 4*
Price: USD 528 – USD 1,128
Guest Rating: 8.7
Address: 1116 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139, United States
Fantasyland Hotel, Canada
You’d never expect one of the world’s most unique hotels set inside a mall, but Fantasyland Hotel in Canada is truly one-of-a-kind. Set within West Edmonton Mall, the rooms here feature over-the-top imaginative decor. Feel like an astronaut in the space room, live like Caesar in the Roman room or enjoy island living in the Polynesian room.
L2 Grill serves all-day dining, while the L1 Lounge is a chic spot to sip cocktails. Head to the casino or get pampered with a massage at Rain Salon Spa. Families with kids will love its easy access to World Waterpark, Galaxyland and Fort Edmonton Park.
Star Rating: 4*
Price: USD 116 – USD 329
Guest Rating: 8.2
Address: 17700 87 Ave Nw, Edmonton, AB, Canada
V8 Hotel Classic Motorworld Region Stuttgart, Germany
Set in the Motorworld exhibition complex, V8 Hotel Motorworld Region Stuttgart in Germany is one of the world’s most unique hotels. In addition to an on-site restaurant, buffet breakfast, gym and sauna, guests can admire beautiful vintage cars at the Mercedes-Benz Museum and Porsche Museum.
Every room is themed after classic cars, from Vive La France and Made in Germany to the British Racing. A highlight is the V12 Mercedes Suite, located in the former airport tower of the V8 Classic, which features a sauna and roof terrace. For the real deal, sign up for the Drive It experience with a super sports car.
Star Rating: 4*
Price: USD 146 – USD 768
Guest Rating: 8.9
Address: Charles-Lindbergh-Platz 1, 71034 Böblingen, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany
Book and Bed Tokyo, Japan
Book and Bed Tokyo is not only a top-rated capsule hotel in Japan, but it’s also one of the most unique hotels in the world. Appealing to literary geeks across the globe, this hotel has an extensive library of books and comic books. Choose one of the Bookshelf beds, which are located behind the bookshelves and have reading lamps and electrical outlets.
Calling itself “an accommodation bookshop”, guests can unwind in one of the cosy reading lounges. In addition to being a book lover’s dream, the hotel boasts a lobby bar, 24-hour showers and toilets and easy access to the Ikebukuro train station.
Star Rating: 2*
Price: USD 123 – USD 220
Guest Rating: 8
Address: 1-17-7, Lumiere building 7th floor, Tokyo 171-0021, Japan
The Witchery by the Castle, Scotland
One of Scotland’s most atmospheric hotels, The Witchery by the Castle has just nine indulgent suites. Every room boasts theatrically gothic decor and is filled with antiques, featuring velvet-upholstered details, leather panelled walls and free-standing baths. Stay in the romantic Guardroom for rooftop city views.
On-site dining is just as glamorous, featuring a 16th-century oak-panelled and candlelit dining room and hand-painted ceiling in the Secret Garden room. An award-winning a la carte menu is served all day, while Afternoon Tea offers a more traditional experience. Just a short walk away is the iconic Edinburgh Castle.
Star Rating: 5*
Price: USD 693 – USD 877
Guest Rating: 8.8
Address: 352 Castlehill, Edinburgh, EH1 2NF, United Kingdom
Taj Lake Palace, India
A gorgeous floating palace sounds like a dream, right? Book a room at Taj Lake Palace in India and see why it’s one of the most unique hotels in the world, set in the middle of Lake Pichola. The 5-star luxury hotel offers stunning lake and city views from its rooms and suites, which include butler services.
You’re spoilt with activities, with a swimming pool, yoga facilities and a rooftop bar. Let your cares melt away at the lavish spa with its signature Indian therapies. Ready to explore dry land? Getting to and from the hotel is easy with a water taxi.
Star Rating: 5*
Price: USD 598 – USD 6,311
Guest Rating: 9.5
Address: Lake Pichola, P.o.b. 5, Udaipur, India
Quinta Real Zacatecas, Mexico
Built in the restored San Pedro bullfighting arena, Quinta Real Zacateca is one of the coolest hotels in Mexico. Spacious suites surround the hotel’s ornate courtyard and are equipped with king-size beds, air conditioning and mini bars.
Located on the edge of the ring, the on-site restaurant La Plaza serves local specialties, while Botarel bar boasts live music every weekend. The hotel’s convenient location means you’re just minutes from Zacatecas’ historic centre and the must-see Eden’s Mine attraction.
Star Rating: 5*
Price: USD 127 – USD 203
Guest Rating: 9.3
Address: Avenida Ignacio Rayon 434, 98000 Zacatecas, Zacatecas, Mexico
Sun Cruise Resort and Yacht, South Korea
If you’ve got a love of boats, Sun Cruise Resort and Yacht in South Korea is one of the unique hotels you should book first. In the shape of a cruise ship, it’s located near Simgok Port and Jeongdongjin Beach and features a collection of fun, nautical-themed rooms.
You’ll find standard amenities such as flat-screen TVs and mini bars, while upgraded rooms boast floor-to-ceiling windows and balconies with ocean views. There’s also a Korean and European restaurant, outdoor seawater pool and an on-site convenience store. Looking for some evening entertainment? Head to the lively karaoke rooms and belt out your favourite tunes.
Star Rating: 5*
Price: USD 2,432 – USD 30,074
Guest Rating: 8.5
Address: 950-39, Heonhwa-ro, Gangdong-Myeon, Gangneung 210-824, South Korea
Inntel Amsterdam Zaandam, Netherlands
Seemingly plucked out of a fairytale, Inntel Amsterdam Zaandam has one of the most unique hotel facades. Made from stacked traditional houses, the hotel’s cosy rooms feature designer furniture, flat-screen TVs and coffee makers. Upgrade to a posh Founders Suite for a living room, sauna and whirlpool tub.
Guests are pampered with a Wellness Club with swimming pool and gym, as well as a breakfast buffet, High Tea and local dishes served at Restaurant Pour Sean. History enthusiasts won’t want to miss the chance to explore the Anne Frank House, easily accessed after a 15-minute train to Amsterdam Central Station.
Star Rating: 4*
Price: USD 147 – USD 327
Guest Rating: 8.7
Address: Provincialeweg 102, 1506 MD Zaandam, North-Holland, Netherlands
Good Hotel London, England
London is one of the world’s most exciting cities, so make the most of your visit by staying at the unique Good Hotel London, located just four kilometres from London City Airport. The ultra-modern floating hotel is moored at Royal Victoria Dock and features inviting perks such a rooftop bar overlooking London and communal living room.
Wake up to River Thames views in a Deluxe Water View Room, which also features a king-size bed and working desk or enjoy extra space in a Water View Corner Room. An even better reason for staying here, the hotel has a social business model that re-invests all its profits into helping the local community.
Star Rating: 4*
Price: USD 146 – USD 401
Guest Rating: 8.1
Address: Western Gateway, London, E16 1FA, United Kingdom
Crazy Bear Beaconsfield, UK
Housed in the oldest documented building in Beaconsfield, Crazy Bear Beaconsfield is quintessential England and the antithesis to standard hotels. Live like a king in one of the individually designed rooms, which feature dramatic decor such as copper roll-top baths, marble and porcelain wet rooms and leather floors.
Enjoy fresh cuisine sourced from an Oxfordshire farm at the on-site English restaurant or choose from traditional cuisines at the Thai restaurant. Speaking of Thailand, you can also enjoy Thai massages at the spa, while the outdoor pool, Jacuzzi and lively bar are also great places to unwind.
Star Rating: 5*
Price: USD 216 – USD 679
Guest Rating: 8
Address: Old Beaconsfield, Beaconsfield, HP9 1LX, United Kingdom
The Library Hotel, USA
There are tons of luxury hotels in Manhattan to choose from, but The Library Hotel stands out from the crowd with its collection of over 6,000 books. Each of the rooms honours one of the 10 categories of the Dewey Decimal Classification and has about 50-150 books exploring a distinctive topic, from languages and technology to the arts and philosophy.
You can also upgrade for a room with a terrace and city views, while the 14th-floor Bookmarks Lounge also boasts city views and literary-inspired cocktails. Enjoy the daily breakfast buffet, evening wine and cheese reception and turndown with bottled water and Belgian chocolates.
Star Rating: 4*
Price: USD 403 – USD 762
Guest Rating: 9.3
Address: 299 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10017, United States
Enjoy an Unforgettable Stay in The World’s Most Unique Hotels
From quirky to downright weird, this comprehensive guide highlights unique hotels around the world that offer some serious Instagram-worthy bragging rights. Perfect for the adventurous traveller who wants to break free from cookie-cutter hotels or travellers who love to go off-the-beaten-path, these unique accommodations offer a memorable overnight stay along with luxury on-site facilities.
What is your favourite from our list of unique hotels? Let us know in the comments below.
