Keen to explore the unique hotels around the world?
When it comes to traveling, the first two things that come to mind are: where to go and where to stay. How about staying in a hotel that is a tourist attraction on its own? It is the best way to "kill two birds with one stone" where you can explore the location within walking distance from your hotel room.
Whether you get to feel like a queen in a castle or find yourself lost in the forest, we break down our favorite top 10 unique hotels around the world to escape into.
Image Credit: PxHere
From afar, this 5-star hotel gives the vibe of a French Renaissance Chateau. Strategically located on Fifth Avenue and Central Park South in New York City, the century-old hotel has hosted many celebrities like John Lennon and Elizabeth Taylor as well as being the film set for iconic movies such as The Great Gatsby and Home Alone 2.
Rich with history, it is one of the unique hotels NYC has made into an official Landmark of the NY City Landmarks Preservation Commission since 1966 so you will be seeing this hotel here for a very long time!
Location: 5th Avenue and Central Park S, New York, NY 10019, USA
If you are familiar with the Heard vs. Depp trial, you will remember that Hicksville Trailer Palace was one of the infamous locations where an argument between the duo took place among their peers. We can understand why they had a gathering here as it is one of the unique California hotels located near Joshua Tree with a variety of vintage-themed trailers and music facilities.
Stay in one of their 13 trailers with funky names like "Project Z", a zombie-themed accommodation, or "The Pee-Wee", a circus-themed wagon that was also featured in its eponymous film. You can even rent the entire luxury park to host a retreat!
Location: 2517 Foxy Flats Rd, Joshua Tree, CA 92252, United States
Image Credit: Giraffe Manor
Don't be alarmed if you see giraffes peeking through your window in the morning. Just like its name, you will find Rothschild's giraffes roaming around the accommodation, and is one of the most unique destinations in the world.
This private lodge is located within the forest of Nairobi and has a history of hosting safari visits since the 1930s. The iconic hotel doubles as an animal sanctuary so not to worry, these giraffes are in good hands!
Location: Gogo Falls Road, Nairobi, Kenya
Image Credit: Ashford Castle
Experience living like a queen or a king in this five-star hotel located in Ireland. This 800-year-old castle is only accessible to restaurant patrons and hotel guests where you can explore the castle's secret passageways, landscaped gardens, and antique rooms fit for royalty. Notable figures such as the Prince of Wales and President Ronald Reagan have stayed in this beautiful accommodation.
Aside from its luxurious rooms and hallways, you will never run out of activities to do in this spacious 350-acre estate. Whether it is horse riding, falconry, shooting, golf, or cycling, the castle offers a rejuvenating retreat that will make you wish you were a permanent resident of the castle.
Location: Ashford Castle Dr, Leaf Island, Cong, Co. Galway, Ireland
The village of Göreme is on our must-visit list of unique destinations to visit in Turkey. Known for its buildings carved within pre-historical rock formations, The Kelebek ("butterfly" in Turkish) is named after its "fairy chimneys" rocks that rise above the ground, shaped like butterfly wings. Although the hotel is built in 1993, you may find caved rooms that existed as a shelter space since the 8th century.
If you are looking for the best romantic getaways, book your luxury cave stay at the Kelebek Special Cave Hotel. You will not be disappointed by its gorgeous valley and hot air balloon views, soothing Turkish spa, authentic Anatolian cuisine, and impeccable hospitality.
Location: Aydınlı Mah, Yavuz Sk. No:1, 50180 Göreme Belediyesi/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir, Turkey
Image Credit: Pierre-Arnaud KOPP from REIGNIER, France, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
There are cave hotels and then there are ice hotels. Stay in North America's only ice hotel that is only open for 3 months. From January to March, you can sleep in a beautifully carved "igloo". Don't skim on clothing though as it gets really cold here.
If you are wondering whether Hôtel De Glace rebuilds every year, the answer is yes. So make sure you are taking lots of photos with the ice sculptures and artwork along the way before it melts!
Location: 2280 Bd Valcartier, Saint-Gabriel-de-Valcartier, QC G0A 4S0, Canada
Imagine being deep in the Arctic forest, observing the wilderness, and getting a glimpse of the Northern lights all from the comfort of your room. That is what Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort offers to its guests with a 360-degree magnificent view of the Northern lights from their famous glass igloos.
The resort is open all season long with a range of accommodations: from log chalets for a family gathering to a wedding chamber for the lovebirds who prefer private honeymoon destinations. There are also plenty of activities to participate in such as the reindeer safari and sleigh rides. Truly a magical place to be in!
Location: Kiilopääntie 9, 99830 Saariselkä, Finland
When it comes to Arabian architecture, Dubai does it best. The Atlantis hotel is built on the largest man-made island in Dubai, the Palm Jumeirah. You can tell that the entire hotel is based on the legend of the Atlantis Kingdom with its nautically-themed rooms and massive family-friendly water parks.
It is also Dubai's second-largest hotel with over 1,500 rooms facing the Arabian Sea or Palm Jumeirah. If you will like a peek into the hotel's 65,000 marine life in its aquarium, you can get an unobstructed view from its Underwater Suites.
Location: Crescent Road, The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Image Credit: Banyan Tree AlUla
At Banyan Tree AlUla in Saudi Arabia, the experience is surreal. AIUIa is a desert landscape deemed to be the world's largest living museum with 5 heritage sites. Honestly, living here feels like you are part of a Westworld or Star Wars location.
The villas are scattered all across the desert, sheltered by futuristic large beige-colored tents with a private corner of prehistoric rock formations and an external fire pit. While you are not meditating within this space, take the time to visit the other heritage sites (one of them has pre-Arabic inscriptions) as you explore one of the top unique hotels around the world.
Location: Wadi Ashar, Tabuk Road, AlUla 43563, Saudi Arabia
In "The City Of Wine" in Spain lies a modern architectural masterpiece designed by the world-famous Canadian-American architect Frank Gehry. Each of the 61 rooms in this 5-star hotel has a touch of Gehry's creativity and a picturesque view of the town of Elciego. Also, don't miss out on experiencing the unique luxury life in the countryside.
Location: C. Torrea Kalea, 1, 01340 Eltziego, Álava, Spain
We hope you can tick these top 10 unique hotels around the world off your bucket list! Every hotel has its charm with a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you will never forget. Make sure you get your friends and family on board with this exciting trip!
