Why settle for ordinary hotels when the world offers sleeping experiences that are truly one of a kind? Travel isn’t just about where you go—it’s also about where you stay. Unique accommodations can turn a great trip into an unforgettable one. From treehouses and castles to underwater suites and bubble domes, these stays are more than just a place to rest—they’re the highlight of the journey.
Here are 21 of the world’s most unique accommodations that you absolutely must experience.
1. Giraffe Manor – Nairobi, Kenya
Wake up to giraffes poking their heads into your breakfast nook. This boutique hotel in Nairobi is home to a herd of endangered Rothschild giraffes who wander freely around the property.
- Best For: Wildlife lovers and couples
- Why It’s Unique: Nowhere else offers such close encounters with giraffes in such a luxurious setting.
- Photo Tip: Capture the moment as you feed a giraffe from your second-story window.
2. Icehotel – Jukkasjärvi, Sweden
Carved completely out of ice and snow, the Icehotel is rebuilt each year with new themed art suites. Guests sleep in thermal sleeping bags on beds made of ice.
- Best For: Winter lovers and art enthusiasts
- Highlight: Ice art exhibitions and icy cocktails in the ice bar
- Tip: Book a warm room for your second night if you’re new to arctic conditions.
3. Treehotel – Harads, Sweden
Experience the forest from a completely new perspective. These treetop cabins include futuristic designs like a mirror cube, a bird’s nest, and even a UFO-shaped pod.
- Best For: Design lovers and eco-conscious travelers
- Why It’s Unique: Combines sustainability with imaginative architecture
- Best Time to Visit: Winter for Northern Lights, summer for endless sunlight
4. The Manta Resort – Pemba Island, Tanzania
Sleep beneath the sea in a floating suite. The underwater room is surrounded by vibrant marine life, offering 24/7 viewing from your bed.
- Best For: Honeymooners and ocean lovers
- Highlight: Sunbathe on the rooftop deck, then sleep under the sea
- Fun Fact: Fish are drawn to the lights at night—nature’s aquarium show
5. The Muraka – Maldives
This luxury residence features an underwater bedroom 16 feet below the Indian Ocean. The Muraka combines oceanic views with five-star service.
- Best For: Luxury travelers
- Why It’s Unique: One of the only underwater villas in the world
- Highlight: Personalized butler, private infinity pool, and marine immersion
6. Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort – Finland
Sleep under the stars—and the Northern Lights—in a heated glass igloo. Located in Finnish Lapland, this resort blends comfort and Arctic magic.
- Best For: Aurora chasers and romantic getaways
- Highlight: Husky safaris, ice fishing, and reindeer sleigh rides
- Tip: Visit between late August and April for the best aurora sightings
7. Skylodge Adventure Suites – Sacred Valley, Peru
Hang 400 feet above the Sacred Valley in transparent pods bolted to a cliff. To reach your room, you must climb a mountain or zipline down.
- Best For: Adventure seekers
- Why It’s Unique: One of the most thrilling accommodations in the world
- Tip: Don’t look down until you’re ready!
8. Free Spirit Spheres – British Columbia, Canada
These spherical wooden pods are suspended in the rainforest, offering a cozy, peaceful stay surrounded by nature.
- Best For: Solo travelers and nature lovers
- Highlight: Rock gently to sleep like a bird in a nest
- Sustainability: Built using eco-friendly materials with minimal environmental impact
9. Bubble Hotel – Iceland
Known as the “5 Million Star Hotel,” these clear inflatable domes let you sleep in the middle of nature with unobstructed views of the night sky.
- Best For: Stargazers and photographers
- Highlight: Possible Northern Lights views from your bed
- Pro Tip: Visit in winter for the full aurora experience
10. Crane Hotel Faralda – Amsterdam, Netherlands
Stay inside a repurposed harbor crane turned into a luxury suite towering above the IJ River.
- Best For: Urban explorers and couples
- Highlight: Rooftop hot tub with city views
- Fun Fact: You can bungee jump off the crane too!
11. Book and Bed – Tokyo, Japan
Sleep surrounded by thousands of books in this cozy hostel designed for bookworms.
- Best For: Budget travelers and bibliophiles
- Why It’s Unique: Sleep in a small capsule hidden behind a bookshelf
- Vibe: Quiet, minimalist, and deeply comforting
12. Conestoga Ranch – Utah, USA
Relive the pioneer days by staying in restored Conestoga wagons—with modern luxuries included.
- Best For: Families and glampers
- Highlight: Campfires, lake views, and a Wild West theme
- Location: Near Bear Lake, a.k.a. the “Caribbean of the Rockies”
13. The Boot B&B – Tasman, New Zealand
Step into a fairytale by staying inside a giant boot-shaped cottage.
- Best For: Couples and fantasy lovers
- Highlight: Storybook vibes with handcrafted interiors
- Photo Tip: Perfect for whimsical Instagram shots
14. Desert Dome Camp – Wadi Rum, Jordan
Sleep in a Martian-style dome in the middle of the Jordanian desert. The backdrop? Sandstone cliffs and starlit skies.
- Best For: Stargazers and film fans (“The Martian” was filmed here)
- Highlight: Camel treks and Bedouin dinners under the stars
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn
15. Train Car Hotel – Colorado, USA
Live out your railcar dreams in a refurbished vintage train car with panoramic mountain views.
- Best For: Train enthusiasts and mountain lovers
- Why It’s Unique: A moving experience—even when stationary
- Pro Tip: Great for romantic getaways
16. Cave Hotel – Cappadocia, Turkey
Stay in ancient cave dwellings carved into soft volcanic rock—some dating back thousands of years.
- Best For: History buffs and cultural travelers
- Highlight: Watch hot air balloons float by at sunrise
- Tip: Try a Turkish bath carved into stone
17. Dog Bark Park Inn – Idaho, USA
Sleep inside the world’s biggest beagle. Yes, it’s a hotel shaped like a dog.
- Best For: Families and novelty seekers
- Why It’s Unique: Quirky charm with a cozy heart
- Fun Fact: The inside is dog-themed too!
18. Spitbank Fort – Solent, UK
Once a sea fortress, this private island hotel now offers luxury suites, spas, and panoramic sea views.
- Best For: History lovers and privacy seekers
- Highlight: Arrive by boat, dine like royalty
- Vibe: Secluded and stylish
19. Sala Silvermine – Västmanland County, Sweden
Descend 155 meters underground to stay in the world’s deepest hotel room, inside a historic silver mine.
- Best For: Thrill seekers and curious minds
- Highlight: Subterranean silence and candlelit charm
- Pro Tip: Great for unplugging from the world
20. Palacio de Sal – Uyuni, Bolivia
This hotel is built entirely of salt—from the walls and floors to the furniture.
- Best For: Eco travelers and novelty hunters
- Highlight: Located right by the famous Uyuni Salt Flats
- Fun Fact: Licking the walls is not encouraged 😄
21. The Seashell House – Isla Mujeres, Mexico
A whimsical villa shaped like a giant white seashell offers a luxurious escape on a tranquil island.
- Best For: Beach lovers and creative spirits
- Highlight: Private pool and sea views from your own shell
- Photo Tip: Every corner is Instagram-worthy
Final Thoughts: Make Your Stay the Experience
Travel isn’t just about the destination—it’s also about how you feel when you get there. These 21 unique accommodations offer more than just a good night’s sleep. They offer stories. They offer magic. Whether you’re sleeping in an ice room, a floating bubble, or a historic cave, these one-of-a-kind places create memories that last a lifetime.
So next time you plan a trip, don’t just book a place to stay—book an experience.