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When traveling, do you want to stay in the same old generic hotel you can find in any other city? Or do you really want to find somewhere special? The world has some pretty unique hotels, so it’s time to get creative with your next trip.
It could be a location that just beats anywhere else you’ve ever been, or distinctively decorated rooms that will blow your mind. Whatever extraordinary features you’re looking for in your next vacation getaway, these hotels will have you counting down the days until your departure. In fact you might have to come up with a whole new travel bucket list that revolves only around hotels.
Unique hotels and how to find them
From spectacular views, interesting themes and activities you won’t find anywhere else, it’s time to get excited about travel again with these unique hotels around the world.
While some of the most unique hotels are one-of-a-kind, independently run properties, there are also some by the big name hotel chains too. That’s why this list contains a good mix of places that even the pickiest of travelers will find somewhere they can’t wait to book.
The castle hotel
Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, Canada
While the Fairmont Banff Springs might not be an actual royal castle, it is modeled after one. And it really feels like you’re in a castle. From the heritage appearance to the suits of armor at every turn, regal-looking banners and décor dot each haunted nook and cranny of this magnificent property in the Canadian Rockies. Truly one of the most unique hotels you’ll find in western Canada.
Located a short walk from the town of Banff, Alberta, this deservedly popular hotel in the Rockies is perfect for exploring the stunning national park of the same name. With cute little shops, world-class restaurants and one of the most famous golf courses in the world, the Fairmont Banff Springs is an exquisite luxury stay.
Take in the views from the castle grounds, and plan some hikes around Banff National Park. Banff is the King of the great outdoors. And every King needs its castle which is why the Banff Springs should be top of your list.
Spend a day at the spa, complete with outdoor pool overlooking the soaring mountains. Or try your hand at ghost hunting while navigating the majestic hotels never-ending corridors. End your day with a German beer at their hidden Alpine-esque Wadhaus Pub and watch elk graze along the river to a beautiful Canadian sunset.
The treetops hotel
The Treehouse Lodge, Peru
Contributed by Audrey from That Backpacker
Did you know that you can stay in a treehouse in the Amazon Jungle? As far as unique hotels go, the Treehouse Lodge in the Peruvian Amazon is right at the top!
Getting there is no easy feat and it involves flying to Iquitos, driving two hours to Nauta, loading your luggage on a boat, and travelling an hour upstream until you reach the black waters of the Yarapa River. But once you arrive at the lodge, it’s what jungle dreams are made of!
The cool thing about the Treehouse Lodge is that each of their treehouses work with the natural environment. That means no two treehouses are the same. Some treehouses are accessed via hanging bridges and trap doors. Others have spiraling staircases that wrap around the tree trunks.
The treehouses have beds with mesh canopies to keep critters out, private bathrooms with (cold) showers, and front row seats to whatever is happening out in nature. One of the best things about staying here is getting to fall asleep to the sound of jungle creatures and a rolling rainstorm!
Some of the different activities guests can enjoy during their stay include a medicinal jungle walk, dolphin watching, piranha fishing, and sampling Amazonian dishes at the on-site restaurant.
The historic hotel
Weissen Rössl, Austria
Contributed by Martina & Jürgen from PlacesofJuma
Probably one of the most unique hotels in Austria is the beautiful hotel Weissen Rössl. A prestigious hotel directly at the picturesque Lake Wolfgangsee. It is world famous for the operetta and movie of the same name, the iconic ‘White Horse Inn’. Spend your vacation where the legendary “Heimatfilm” was filmed and experience the original locations during your stay in St. Wolfgang.
The hotel was already originally established in 1474, so it has been open more than 500 years! Located in the center of St. Wolfgang’s pedestrian zone and directly on the lakeside, the hotel really has the ultimate best location.
Also incredible beautiful are the high mountains which give this lake and the Romantic Hotel an extraordinarily enchanting backdrop. Although this 4-star superior hotel has been renovated and expanded several times, you can still experience a lot of historical flair in a unique ambience.
Unique to the Weissen Rössl is the spa area directly on the lake. There is an all year-round heated pool and a whirlpool floating in the lake with a magnificent view. All in all, a terrific hotel and because of its history and flair certainly one of the most unique around the world!
The nature lovers hotel
Gamboa Rainforest Reserve, Panama
Contributed by Joseph from The Culture Portrait
Surrounded by lush green rainforests and being in the vicinity of the maritime route of global importance, the Panama Canal, is the Gamboa Rainforest Reserve, a hotel located near Panama City, Panama.
Only 30 minutes from Panama City center by car, it feels as if you’re in the middle of the rainforest, but not too secluded to feel as if you are in a remote location. In addition the hotel has eco-friendly activities all over the place. From the Gamboa Resort enjoy views of the Chagres River. This was crucial in the creation of the artificial Gatún Lake – the water passage allowing ship transit between the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean.
It offers a variety of nature-related activities any nature lover will love. From the hotel, you can easily take a short boat trip to Monkey Island. Here you can see up to 4 species of monkeys in the wild that are friendly and want to be fed bananas. Then take an aerial tram through the rainforest where you can see sloths and monkeys too.
Lastly, you can visit a place that is every bird-watchers’ dream, the Panama Rainforest Discovery Center, which is extremely close to the Gamboa hotel. The place has record-numbers of bird species, and you can witness around 12-15 species of birds per hour of birding. If you enjoy hiking, the place also has a 1.1 km hiking trail called Pipeline Road, where you can watch the exotic birds as well.
The futuristic hotel
Marriott Marquis, Atlanta, USA
Contributed by Alanna from Periodic Adventures
Located in the heart of downtown Atlanta is a discrete architectural marvel that has been used as a filming location for many films and TV shows. It’s the Marriott Marquis!
From the outside it looks like a standard skyscraper hotel. But once you set foot inside, you can see why it has been the backdrop in fictional worlds like the Hunger Games films, Spider-Man: Homecoming, and the Loki series.
Designed by John Portman, the interior looks like a human skeletal system with the elevator shaft comprising the spine and all the branched hallways similar to ribs. Its dramatic 470 atrium is stunning from every floor.
The hotel itself is a really nice stay with large rooms, beautiful views of Atlanta, and a Bluetooth key accessed via the Marriott app. No more demagnetizing your key by keeping it too close to your phone. Now your phone is the key!
Don’t miss these Georgia bucket list activities just a few blocks from the hotel including the Georgia Aquarium, Centennial Olympic Park, and the World of Coca-Cola. It’s truly a prime location!
The palace hotel
Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur, India
Contributed by Sunetra from Globetrotting Su
Dreaming of staying in a royal King’s palace? How about if the palace is floating on a beautiful lake? Sounds dreamily unbelievable, right? The absolutely jaw-dropping white palace in the middle of Lake Pichola is now a dream-come-true unique hotel called Taj Lake Palace only accessible by boat.
The stunning hotel is located in Udaipur, nicknamed “City of Lakes” and “White City”. A beautiful and romantic city in the state of Rajasthan, Udaipur was once the land of the emperors and royal dynasty in the amazing country of India.
The Taj Lake Palace, formerly known as Jag Niwas, was a summer palace of the royal dynasty of Mewar. Built in 1746 by Maharana Jagat Singh II, it was later converted into a world-famous luxury hotel in 1963.
Step into this palace and immediately feel like royalty with a rose petal shower and an incredibly warm welcome. Every room is a luxurious work of art with an incredible view of Lake Pichola. The hotel’s elegant décor retains the original charm of the palace.
There are complimentary historical tours around the palace and every evening there is an event showcasing the cultural heritage of this unique royal city. A perfect stay for celebrating a special occasion as well as exploring the historical places around Udaipur.
The floating hotel
Paolyn Houseboats, Philippines
Contributed by Cazzy from Dream Big, Travel Far
Hovering on the bay just off the coast of Coron Island in the Philippines is one of the country’s most unique hotels, Paolyn Houseboats. One of its distinctive charms is its location, which renders it the only floating structure located near the island.
The owner Paolo went to great efforts simply to gain permission to build his hotel. He had to visit an indigenous Filipino tribe who owns Coron Island and its surrounding waters. But the resulting partnership is one that benefits both parties. For instance, a lot of the employees in Paolyn Houseboats are locals!
It’s a great place to stay if you want to explore the beauty of Coron Island. You can even kayak to the infamous Twin Lagoons. Not to mention a range of other tours that start earlier than those that leave from the mainland. This means you get to enjoy attractions like Kayangan Lake and Barracuda Lake before the crowd gets there.
You can arrange a private pick-up from as early as 8 am, which gives you plenty of extra time to immerse yourself in all that Paolyn Houseboats has to offer.
The high altitude hotel
Villa Pajón, Dominican Republic
Contributed by Christian from Punta Cana Travel Blog
Villa Pajón is a unique accommodation with 10 rustic but cozy bungalows in the Dominican Republic. Located in the country’s Central mountain range at an altitude of more than 7000 feet, this makes it the highest hotel in the Caribbean. Part of the Valle Nuevo National Park it’s also just around 4 hours driving from some of the finest beaches in the Caribbean.
The spectacular panorama view over the surrounding mountains is what really sets this unique hotel apart. Enjoy it from your bungalow’s terrace, equipped with a BBQ and rocking chairs. Once it gets cold at night – temperatures can reach the freezing point during December and January – light the fire or ensconce yourself in the warm blankets.
You have to bring all your groceries as there is no supermarket nor a restaurant close by. However you can request the service of a chef at the hotel if you don’t feel like cooking. The quiet surrounding area and national park have many hiking trails to explore. You’ll most likely have the stunning scenery all to yourself.
Villa Pajón can be best combined with a road trip through the Dominican Republic. The small city of Constanza is around a 1-hour drive away. Or continue further south to San José de Ocoa along the highest road in the Caribbean, up to an altitude of 8200 feet. But prepare for a very rough ride on the adventurous dirt road.
The fishing hotel
Tirthan Angler’s Retreat, India
Contributed by Sundeep & Bedabrata from Delhi-Fun-Dos.com
India is a land of surprises and Tirthan Angler’s Retreat in Tirthan Valley, Himachal Pradesh is one such spot. The hill state Himachal Pradesh, in the lap of the gorgeous Himalaya Mountains, is beautiful in every corner. Banjar village, where Tirthan Angler’s Retreat is located, is no exception. So it stands to reason why one of the most unique hotels around the world would be here.
Reaching Tirthan Angler’s involves a somewhat moderate 10 minute descent. One can hear the sound of a gushing river during the climb. The resort offers all comforts in rustic huts, though there is no television in the rooms. This ensures that a guest is as far away as possible from their urban routine and at one with nature and solitude. Most telephone networks are unavailable here – ideal for some solid reflection time.
But the best surprise about Tirthan Anglers’ Retreat is the river. The dining room overlooks the Phalachan River, a tributary of the Tirthan River. Phalachan winds its way almost inside the retreat. They have a lot of arrangements for activities beside the river such as a bonfire, makeshift bar, barbeque, and so on.
Fishing enthusiasts can try their hand at angling for trout, common to this region. They also have comfy tables and chairs and hammocks and boulders where one can laze, and generally do nothing.
The sea-view hotel
The Hilton Malta
Contributed by Joanna from The World In My Pocket
One of the most luxurious unique hotels in Malta is the Hilton. Located in Portomaso Marina, in Saint Julian’s, the Hilton Malta is a hotel that you can easily fall in love with. The luxurious rooms are decorated with a modern, light, Mediterranean design and have private balconies overlooking either the sea or the marina. The top rooms offer fantastic views over the sea, straight from the bed.
The bathroom of the executive rooms features both a shower and a jacuzzi bathtub. For breakfast, the hotel chefs are cooking eggs, omelettes and pancakes to order.
The facilities at the Hilton Hotel in Malta are plenty. The hotel has four outdoors pools and an interior one, a jacuzzi, a summer club with a beach bar, a spa, and a health club. For families with children, there is a kids club and two paddle pools.
The Hilton Malta hotel also has a few in-house restaurants, out of which, Blue Elephant, is the most spectacular. Designed to look like a village in Thailand, the restaurant has lush vegetation and an indoors river with a waterfall. Or try the Quarterdeck Bar, decorated in a nautical way including a gorgeous ceiling painted with the twelve zodiac signs.
The healthy living hotel
Marski by Scandic, Helsinki, Finland
Contributed by Lavina from Continent Hop
The Scandic hotel in Helsinki is a true example of how to incorporate the culture of a place within a property. In addition to being centrally located, and providing a cozy, homely feel, the best bit about the hotel that stands out is the presence of a sauna in most of the rooms! That’s in addition to the main hotel sauna.
The private saunas come with detailed instructions on how to use them and stay safe. It is one of the best amenities, especially in the winter. The bathrooms are spacious so you can do it the proper way and take a shower in between your private sauna sessions!
The rooms have great views and some even come with a balcony. The in house restaurant serves typical Finnish food and the staff are warm and friendly. Being centrally located most of the hotels in the Scandic range are close to most attractions in the city and also have good connectivity options.
The church hotel
Hotel L’Iglesia, El Jadida, Morocco
Contributed by Heather from Conversant Traveller
This wacky hotel in the seaside town of El Jadida in Morocco makes a great stopover if you’re travelling between Marrakech and Casablanca. Housed inside a restored 19th-century Portuguese church, Hotel L’Iglesia is one of the most unusual places to stay in Morocco.
Hotel L’Iglesia a luxurious spot to spend a day or two, with comfortable four-poster bed suites and heaps of history. Décor is a blend of contemporary European and Moroccan styles, with lots of 1930s retro furnishings that really bring the place to life.
Guests have the run of the old church, and you can spend your free time exploring the nooks and crannies, sitting in the lounge, or climbing up the tower for views out across the rooftops. Thanks to its out of the way location, you may just get the whole place to yourself!
The city itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with ramparts, a fortress and harbour to discover. There’s also an underground cistern that has featured in many movies, which is particularly photogenic when filled with water. You can pop to the beach and fish market too, as well as enjoying a stroll around the old town.
The hobbit home hotel
The Secret Garden Cotopaxi, Ecuador
Contributed by Carley from Home To Havana
Nestled among the Andes mountains and located in a national park just outside of Quito, Ecuador, the Secret Garden Cotopaxi is the perfect place to disconnect and enjoy nature, in the shadows of the snow-capped volcano Cotopaxi.
While the Secret Garden has both private and dorm room options, there is nothing about this incredible spot to remind you of a hostel. In addition to helping guests set up any activities in the park, they also offer a free hike every afternoon to a nearby waterfall. Plus, all meals, drinks, and snacks are included in the price of the stay here, and they’re delicious.
Guests can choose to stay in one of the several “hobbit hole” style accommodations built into the sides of the mountain. And you won’t be disappointed – the windows to these cozy rooms perfectly frame Cotopaxi in the distance for an incredible view.
After you visit the national park, keep heading south to Latacunga before making your way towards the small town of Quilotoa Ecuador. The stunning volcanic crater lake is one of Ecuador’s most beautiful destinations. Though the view of Cotopaxi from the Secret Garden may be even better!
The spaceship hotel
Fantasyland Hotel, Edmonton, Canada
Contributed by Nick from Spiritual Travels
For outer space aficionados, you can’t miss a stay in one of the space-themed rooms at Fantasyland Hotel in Edmonton, Canada. The Fantasyland Hotel, one of the most unique hotels in Canada, is located in West Edmonton Mall. Until 2004 this was the largest shopping mall in the world and is still the largest in North America. While the Fantasyland Hotel has numerous themed rooms to choose from, the Space Room is the best pick of the bunch.
From the moment you step into the room, you feel as though you have just been teleported directly to space. Every square inch is decorated with stars and constellations that glow under the room’s black lights. Two enormous television screens broadcast satellites floating in space, while an enormous black hot tub occupies one corner of the room. What’s truly out-of-this-world, though, are the space pod bunk beds for the kids, complete with their own LED light controls.
Besides the awesome room itself, Fantasyland Hotel guests can also venture out into the mall. Here you can find the world’s largest indoor amusement park, an equally huge waterpark, a laser maze and shooting range. Plus mini golf, IMAX theater, skating rink, and nearly 1000 shops!
The blue hotel
Cheong Fatt Tze’s Blue Mansion, Penang, Malaysia
Contributed by Nate from Travel Lemming
You may not be a millionaire, but you can feel like one for a night or two in Cheong Fatt Tze’s Blue Mansion in Penang, Malaysia. This stunning hotel is situated in the former mansion of one of Asia’s 19th century titans of industry, Cheong Fatt Tze. A man The New York Times once dubbed the “Rockefeller of the East.”
After his passing, the Blue Mansion slowly fell into disrepair. However it was rescued by local conservation groups as part of a 1980s project to restore it to its former glory. The conservation project brought in local artists to fix up the intricate artistic detail that adorns the trim of the mansion’s iconic blue walls.
Ultimately, the project was so successful that in 2008 the landmark was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status. In addition, the hotel has also been chosen as a backdrop for several famous movies like the mahjong scene in Crazy Rich Asians.
Besides its incredible history and Instagram-worthy walls, the hotel is a first class place to stay while visiting Malaysia. Indeed, there’s no other hotel in the world quite like the incredible Blue Mansion of Penang!
The secluded desert hotel
Feynan Ecolodge, Jordan
Contributed by Claudia from My Adventures Across The World
Feynan Ecolodge is easily one of the most beautiful, unique hotels you can hope to stay at during a trip to the Middle East. Located in Dana Nature Reserve, one of the most beautiful places to visit in Jordan, the hotel fully lives up to its name.
Entirely built in adobe, the hotel has no electricity other than in the main lobby and in the bathrooms. Therefore the lobby is the only place where you’ll be able to charge your phone! As night approaches, candles are lit throughout the buildings for guests to orient themselves. It gives the place an incredibly romantic aura.
As it is located in the middle of the desert with no buildings nearby, the Feynan Ecolodge is the perfect place for stargazing. Go to the terrace and staff will be happy to guide you as you admire the night sky.
Feynan works with local guides for tours of the region. Make sure to sign up for the sunset hike – it’s an easy one, and the sunset is out of this world! The hotel also serves buffet style meals – strictly vegetarian as there is no electricity to conserve meat. And the food is delicious!
The airport terminal hotel
TWA Hotel, New York United States
Contributed by Lannie from Lannie’s Food &Travel
The TWA Hotel at New York’s JFK Airport transports you back to the 1960s with its retro mod style. Formally an actual airport terminal, it was converted into an airport hotel in 2019.
But it’s not just any airport hotel. Among its highlights are “Connie”, a Lockheed Constellation L-1649A plane transformed into a chic cocktail lounge, the world’s biggest hotel gym, a rooftop pool overlooking JFK’s runways, plenty of food options and a Twister room (closed during COVID so check in advance of your trip). For a little pre-flight fun, why not jump into their photobooth?
Aviation or history buffs can also appreciate the free aviation museum, curated by the New York Historical Society. Film buffs may recognize the vintage terminal in movies like Catch Me if You Can and Ocean’s 8. It’s fun for anyone, really, and especially if you love unique hotels!
The 512 rooms in the TWA Hotel are chic and comfortable. The décor includes vintage travel posters, and of course, an old rotary phone! If you’re a sucker for a room with a view, pay for it, otherwise, you’ll be stuck with the complete opposite of that!
As well as a fun and kitschy experience, the TWA Hotel is connected directly to JetBlue’s Terminal 5. Talk about easy access for your next flight!
Most unique hotels around the world
How’s that for a list of fun, unique hotels to book your next vacation to? It used to be that hotels were more luxurious and elite to want to attract people. But now, everyone is looking for a hotel that has an edge, something completely different about it.
Staying in a hobbit hole hotel or sleeping in a space pod are way higher on the list than a regular hotel. And who can blame people, these are some incredible properties. And the fact that so many of them have eco-friendly aspects make them even more desirable for your next trip.
If you’ve enjoyed this post leave a comment or share using the social media buttons below. Which of these unique hotels do you want to stay in first?
I love this list! I am sucker for unique hotels. Even better if they are treehouses, houseboats, or palaces. The spaceship hotel has been added to my bucketlist!
I absolutely love a hotel with character so I’d happily stay at all of these, especially the treehouse in Peru! Now where’s my lottery win… 😉
I love seeing these unique places where people can use them for accommodations. Especially that houseboat in the Philippines, that looked stunning! I found some interesting accommodations when I was doing my research for Utah, like sleeping on just a bed in the middle of the desert underneath the stars.
What a great list!! We are going to Panama in October and will definitely look into Gamboa Rainforest Reserve! And pinning for later!
These are all so cool! Totally building my bucket list! I really love the Taj Lake Palace hotel, the spaceship hotel and the secret garden. How awesome!
It’s a really interesting list. I’ve never done one of these so it is inspirational. Love the Treetops hotel in Peru- very me! I’ve seen lots on the Taj Lake Palace and always wanted to stay there …… one day !
I did my own post on a similar theme earlier this year so I was intrigued to read yours! They all look sensational and I’m wondering which ones I’d most want to go to. Being a plane spotter I think it would have to be the TWA at JFK which sounds AMAZING. But I also love the look of Fairmont Banff Springs and the Gamboa ecolodge – Panama is such a stunning and under-rated country. Thanks for the inspiration 🙂
Sign me up for the futuristic hotel in Atlanta please! I’m architecture obsessed, and this would be a must stay for me!
That ecolodge is calling my name! Love the variety of places in this post, there is something for everyone!
All of them are so unique and amazing but that floating hotel had me dreaming.
WOW! I don’t even know where to begin with this list. What a fantastic list of hotels to visit. I’ve just started planning a big trip for my 40th next year, I think I’ll be adding a couple of these. I loved the treehouse hotel in Peru and the Spacestation one.
These are some interesting places to stay the night while traveling. That space room is out of this world!
Wow, what an incredible list! There are so many choices that I’m not sure what’s my favourite. The futuristic hotel, the terminal hotel and the houseboat are calling my name!
These are absolutely incredible! I can’t pick a favorite – I may have to try them all 😉
That one in the Philippines looks incredible! They all look so cool.
What a fun collection, while I have been to about half of the destinations, I have stayed at any of the hotels. The one that appeals to me most is the Hobbit one in Ecaudor.
That treetop hotel is going right to the top of my list! I’ve always wanted to stay in a hotel like that. There are some other hotels on this list that I love as well!
This is AMAZING!!!! I want to stay in all the hotels on this list….But my favorite one is the Floating Hotel at the Polinesia. So many awesome places, I am saving this and I will try at list a couple of this list, such a great post!
This list is so cool! I absolutely love the space-themed room. But the view from the lodge in Jordan is also amazing.
Wow I can’t decide which one I love the most!! I think maybe the treehouse in Peru as I adore the jungle.. my favourite Disney film as a kid was always the Jungle Book haha. This has got me craving an epic hotel for my next trip!!
THE PALACE HOTEL in India is something I’m adding to my list. My boyfriend’s family lives there and I’m planning a trip soon!
What an interesting collection. Most appealing to me would be the treehouse (cold showers notwithstanding), houseboat, repurposed church, and a building built of adobe with limited electricity. Each one sounds different from what could be experienced at home and would undoubtedly enrich the trip.
I never knew there are so many unique and interesting lodging options located around the world! I have been seeing some Treehouse lodging from my friends on IG,.. and boy do they look amazing! And I really want to see Banff NP, So the Fairmont looks incredible! Thank you for such a great list of accommodation ideas here!
I don’t often stay in hotels, as I prefer hostels, but some of these look so incredible I might have to consider a few – especially the floating one in the Philippines as that looks fantastic!
What crazy cool hotels! Each one is so different. I love the floating houseboat in the Phillippines but wouldn’t mind staying in any of them. Nice job pulling together a unique list.
What a wonderful list, thank you! I am a big fan of unique accomodations and love this compilation. I think the spaceship hotel looks like loads of fun for our science and sci-fi loving family! And, you’ve got some great gems in natural locations.
This is suuuuuuch a cool list! Love the lodge in Peru and the houseboats. Definitely saving this for future adventures.
OMG that TWA airport hotel looks like a must visit! I am adding that to my list ASAP!
Can’t believe I missed this post haha. Love these! There’s also the ice hotel and the jumbo jet hotel in Sweden, and the Madonna Hotel in California which has some really awesome rock rooms! And a giant dog in Idaho. We stayed in a wig wam in LA! (If you wanted an extra contribution lol)