Unusual Hotel Rooms

If you've been staying at hotels whose rooms all seem to blend, well you're in for a surprise when you read about these incredible establishments! Many world-travelers now want new and different experiences when they travel, where they stay has become as important as the destination for many people (myself included!). 

I have always dreaded the phrase "I only go there to sleep"...OMG please know that this is no longer the case for many. Personally I find there is nothing worst then traveling to a beautiful historic city filled with charming architecture and then arriving in a hotel that looks like any drab clone which could be anywhere in the world, not reflecting where you are. Arriving in a room which reflects your city is so satisfying as it continues your experience.

Having said that, the following are extreme examples in unusual hotel rooms, not for everyone but I thought it would be fun to take a look at them. Sorry for the long post but I think you will enjoy it.

THE MURAKA- MALDIVES, RANGALI ISLAND

Discover THE MURAKA, a first-of-its-kind, luxury two-level residence with a master bedroom submerged over 16 feet below sea level in the Indian Ocean, as part of the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island resort.

Experience a private seaplane arrival or travel from the main resort by their private speedboat, which you can use for the duration of your stay, before being escorted along THE MURAKA jetty by your personal island host.

Above water, enjoy living and dining areas fitting of one of the world’s most exclusive residences.

* Two bedrooms and a bathroom with ocean-facing tub

* Outdoor deck with infinity pool

* Private 24-hour butler and private chef

* On-call fitness trainer and spa treatments

* Private jet skis

Make your way down the spiral staircase or elevator to your private underwater aquarium and architectural masterpiece.

* Master bedroom with 180-degree curved acrylic dome

* Floor-to-ceiling windows in the bathroom and walk-in closet

* Dedicated tunnel viewing theater

KAKSLAUTTANEN ARCTIC RESORT, FINDLAND

Get the celebrity treatment with world-class service at Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort Igloos and Chalets.

Surrounded by nature, this unique property is located in the Saariselkä Fell region of Finnish Lapland. The property offers glass igloos and traditional wood chalets and has the world’s largest smoke sauna. Free WiFi and free parking are available.

The thermal glass igloos feature a bedroom with a glass roof and luxury beds. Some igloos include a bathroom with sauna, while others have shared shower facilities. The chalets feature cooking facilities, a seating area and fireplace. A private sauna is also included.

Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort offers 2 à la carte restaurants, which serve Laplandic specialities such as reindeer and char-grilled salmon. The hotel’s smoke sauna even has its own restaurant, Savusauna.

Six saunas are available, each has a relaxation room with an open fireplace. A nearby ice hole is ideal for cooling off.

Husky and reindeer safaris can be arranged, and snowmobiling is also possible. Guests can also rent cross-country skis, Nordic walking sticks and snow shoes. Urho Kekkonen National Park is 5 km away.

THE YAYS CRANE APARTMENT - AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS  

To say The Yays - Crane Apartment is a special place to spend the night would be selling it short. It’s the ultimate experience for fans of history, design and architecture, and for those who seek exclusivity and uniqueness. Built in 1957, this crane has seen the KNSM Island evolve from industrial area to creative hub, and underwent a similar transformation when it was turned into a luxury apartment. Wake up to the sun rising over the IJ river. Explore the KNSM Island on your Yays bicycle. Cross the bridge into town to discover everything it has to offer. In The Yays - Crane Apartment, you’re not just staying in one of the most unique accommodations in the city - you’re staying in a piece of Amsterdam history.

GIRAFFE MANOR - NAIROBI, KENYA

Giraffe Manor is an exclusive boutique hotel, owned by The Safari Collection. Often referred to as one of the most instagrammed properties in the world, Giraffe Manor is set in 12 acres of private land within 140 acres of indigenous forest in the Langata suburb of Nairobi. Giraffe Manor is one of Nairobi’s most iconic buildings. The historic manor house has extraordinary appeal, that harks back to the 1930s when visitors first flocked to East Africa to enjoy safaris. With its stately façade, elegant interior, verdant green gardens, sunny terraces and delightful courtyards, guests often remark that it’s like walking into the film Out of Africa: indeed, one of its twelve rooms is named after the author Karen Blixen.

One of the most fascinating things about Giraffe Manor is its resident herd of Rothschild’s giraffes who may visit morning and evening, poking their long necks into the windows in the hope of a treat, before retreating to their forest sanctuary. Giraffe Manor can be booked for the night or as part of a complete tailor-made safari with The Safari Collection.

FANTASYLAND HOTEL - EDMONTON, CANADA

Fantasyland Hotel is located within North America’s most comprehensive retail and entertainment complex, West Edmonton Mall. The hotel is ideal for any adventure seeker as its uniquely decorated theme rooms will allow you to live out your fantasy. Feel like an astronaut in the space room, live like a Caesar in one of the Roman rooms, relax on an island in the modern Polynesian rooms and experience several other ageless, exotic locales in the many other theme rooms offered.

Fantasyland Hotel also has classically decorated rooms that feature free WiFi, LCD televisions, a hairdryer, voicemail, clock radio and air conditioning. Offering many pet-friendly rooms, you can also bring your furry-friend along for your stay.  

DOG BARK INN - COTTONWOOD, IDAHO

Dog Bark Park Inn is a bed & breakfast guesthouse inside the World's Biggest Beagle. Guests enter the body of the beagle from a private 2nd story deck. Some of the dog's decorative furnishings are carvings by Dog Bark Park chainsaw artists Dennis & Frances. Inside and up another level to the head of the dog is a loft room with additional sleeping space plus a cozy alcove in the muzzle.

OTTOMAN CAVE SUITES - CAPPADOCIA, TURKEY

Ottoman Cave Suites is a charming and comfortable small rock hotel located near the center of Göreme and in an area with easy access to many important tourist sites in Cappadocia. As a family business, they  believe that small and spiritual things are what matter in life, and therefore they take care of even the smallest detail to provide all kinds of help and comfort to make your time here valuable and enjoyable. 

From charming and original old doors, to ornamented fireplaces and authentic cave décor, everything here will make you feel at home. The pleasant, friendly and humble atmosphere offers you the perfect refreshment for a romantic weekend or business trip in Cappadocia. Your complimentary tea and coffee await you in your room! 

All of the rooms are individually and carefully decorated in order to capture the Ottoman spirit and ambiance that permeates the hotel with the advantage of being a rock hotel. Unlike any hotel chain, all rooms come in different shapes and sizes, gaining a different and characteristic atmosphere. In this place where traditional and modern texture are melted in the same pot, we have a variety of warm and comfortable rooms suitable for all kinds of budgets.

You can choose their magnificent double suites or their chic, rock-carved rooms with enormous bathrooms. It has elegant double king size beds and is the perfect option to crown your honeymoon, romantic weekend getaway or any special day within some hammam services. The luxury rock carved suites specially designed with romance inspirations are their most popular and preferred rooms. All rooms are equipped with a thin screen TV, LAN connection and telephone.

Prepare yourself for a busy sightseeing trip in Cappadocia and enjoy a traditional Turkish breakfast! The open buffet breakfast is served in their restaurant from 7.30 to 10. For breakfast, different types of local bread, fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, olives, different types of cheese, eggs (boiled, in oil or omelet style), yogurt, fruit juice, milk, cereal, honey, homemade jams, & dried fruit with fresh tea and coffee.

THE VILLA CASA CASUARINA (VERSACE MANSION) - MIAMI, FLORIDA

Casa Casuarina was built in 1930 by Alden Freeman.  Alden Freeman’s father, Joel Freeman was Treasurer of  The Standard Oil Trust (also known as Rockefeller’s Company) and left Alden a fabulous wealth when he passed away. That gave the young and wealthy Alden the opportunity to retire at the age of 27 from being an architect and travel all over the world. 

Freeman, always well-travelled and very intelligent, loved the adventurous spirit of Christopher Columbus and on one of his many trips around the world, went to visit the Alcazar De Colon in Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic) which was built by Diego Columbus (Christopher Columbus’s Son) and is known for being the oldest residence in the western hemisphere. Alden was so inspired by the house that he decided to build his own home in Miami Beach as homage to the Alcazar De Colon and bought back 2 bricks from the house. One sits to the right hand side of the main entrance.

The property had a total of 24 apartments. Freeman lived in the top-floor-front apartment on the southeast corner. The remaining 23 apartments in the building were available for rent and to house many of Freeman’s friends that visited Miami Beach.

In 1992, while on vacation with his family in Miami Beach, Versace took a walk down Ocean Drive and was immediately attracted to the house by the “Kneeling Aphrodite” statue and fell in love with the unique Spanish architecture of the property. Obsessed with Greek and Roman mythology, Versace purchased the original house built by Freeman for $2.95 million and the lot next door, an old art deco hotel called the Hotel Revere. Although this neighborhood was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979 and despite strong opposition from the Miami Design Preservation League, Versace bought the Revere Hotel next door for $3.7 million in order to demolish it and put in the Garden, Swimming pool and South Wing.

Versace invested an additional $32 million in renovations in which he added the south wing, the pool and garden and turned the 24 apartments into 10 large suites in the original house and an additional 2 new suites in the south wing. 

What still remains here from the Versace era are the richly decorated walls, floors, ceilings, and windows, as well as the pool, garden, and the entire south wing.

TREEHOTEL - STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN

Even though you might be a world away from home, at the Treehotel they we welcome you like family. They will take you away from the stresses and demands of everyday life.

Living up among the tall trees in the pine forest of Northern Sweden has never been so easy. Gaze out at Sweden’s spectacular nature from up in the Mirrorcube or the UFO. From September to March you have the chance to watch the Northern Lights illuminate the sky above you, or take a family fishing trip and learn all about the berries you pick up along the way. One thing’s for sure at the Treehotel, you’ll be inspired by your surroundings and experiences.

Whether you’re looking for an adventure, a relaxing break or simply to wind down in nature, Treehotel invites you to experience nature, their restaurant and surroundings, in the most unique and memorable way you can imagine.

SUN CRUISE RESORT - SOUTH KOREA

Located on a coastal cliff in Jeongdongjin, a tourist destination known for having the best view of the sunrise in South Korea, Sun Cruise Resort is one of the country’s biggest tourist destinations. The hotel is a specially designed cruise ship on land. It is constructed high on the edge of a mountain, so that a stroll on the sun deck allows its guests to feel they are out at sea without suffering from motion sickness. Sun Cruise Resort features 211 rooms, both condominium and hotel style, a Western and a Korean restaurant, revolving sky lounge, a night club, a karaoke, and sea water pool.

HOTEL COSTA VERDE - COSTA RICA

Costa Verda is located on a coastal rainforest bluff nestled between the lush green of Manuel Antonio National Park and the incredible blue of the Pacific Ocean. Hotel Costa Verde is a perfect destination for either a short stay or for those seeking a comfortable base camp for adventure travel, ecotourism, sport fishing, surfing or the peace and tranquility of Manuel Antonio’s legendary white sand beaches and National Park.

Just three hundred yards from the beach overlooking the world famous Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Verde features 3 cliff-side pools with sundecks and spacious rooms, studios and bungalows. All rooms offer balconies with a bird’s-eye view of the Park’s majestic coastline or rainforest canopy vistas dotted with toucans, sloths, coatis and monkeys.

The resort is home to one of the world’s most unusual hotel suites, a refurbished Boeing 727 airframe (built in 1965), which in its prior life shuttled globetrotters on South Africa Air and Avianca Airlines (Colombia). This fully outfitted, meticulously detailed, two bedroom, Boeing 727 fuselage suite jets out from the jungle canopy, affording you views that will make you feel like you’re flying.

Furnishings are hand-carved, teak furniture from Java, Indonesia. This  727 home features two air conditioned bedrooms–one with two queen sized beds and the other with one queen sized bed, each with its own private bath, a flat screen TV, a kitchenette with microwave, dining area foyer, an ocean view terrace, a private entrance up a river rock, spiral staircase, and 360 degrees of surrounding gardens.

Enjoy an evening on the terrace while sipping a glass of wine and observing your tree top neighbors: sloths, toucans, monkeys and more.

PALACIO DE SAL (SALT HOTEL) - BOLIVIA

Their story begins with the crazy initiative of a great visionary, a nobleman, Don Juan Quesada Valda, a pioneer in organized tourism in the south of the country, who in 1998 decided to create a salt hotel. And precisely, this innovative and creative idea of ​​building a 100% salt hotel, that is, walls, ceilings, tables, chairs and other implements, was materialized in what he called “Palacio de Sal”, a suigeneris hotel, of unique and special architecture, whose objective was to provide visitors who came to the salt flat, a magical place where they can find balance with nature and enjoy a pleasant and unforgettable rest that will last in their memories.

In 2004 the hotel was moved to the shores of the salt flat, this with the intention of offering tourists the comfort and convenience they need. Since then, the exotic, the modern and the indigenous have been harmoniously combined to create, on more than 4,500 square meters, the first salt hotel in the world, an unusual and incomparable space that falls in love with everyone who visits it and that, with everyone the services that modern hotels demand, is capable of turning your visit into a magical experience.

What makes this hotel unique in it's class is for being entirely built with salt: walls, floors, ceilings, furniture, sculptures … everything is salt! 

HOTEL MARQUES DE RISCAL -ELCIEGO, SPAIN

Since its unveiling in 2006 this masterpiece hotel created by Frank Gehry has become a highly sought-after contemporary, luxury retreat. Design, art, gastronomy, wine and the lush landscape all combine to create a memorable sojourn among medieval towns in Elciego. The hotel’s luxurious interior bears the unmistakable stamp of Gehry’s design. Tilted walls, zigzag windows, cathedral-height ceilings and a host of bespoke details create the impression of accommodation as a work of art in its 43 rooms & suites.

THE SHIRE OF MONTANA - MONTANA, USA

Carved out on the hillside in Trout Creek, Montana, the Hobbit House is a charming and faithful recreation of Shire. If you’re a Tolkien fan, the level of detail in this place will blow you away with references to the books on every corner.

The Shire of Montana is truly a sound architectural masterpiece that boasts an eco-friendly mentality for heat conservation. The dome ceiling provides a peaceful acoustic experience that softens any stressful mood. As a partially underground suite that is embraced within the earth and designed with aesthetic appeal, it offers many modern day conveniences, yet incorporates the mystique and caricature of a cozy home featured in your favorite fantasy books. With master craftsmanship details throughout the premises, combined with the imaginative surroundings the Shire of Montana is a meticulously built, unique and mystical experience. 

With the hustle and bustle of today’s busy world, there needs to be a place where adults can get away and let their “Inner Child” emerge. No worries, no hassles, no cell phone and no children. Our resort was built with this idea in mind using only the finest in quality and craftsmanship that makes up the Shire of Montana.

When individuals leave the Shire, they marvel at the intricate details and the imagination of this Fairy-tale like village. Sometimes couples just need several days to themselves to sit back with a nice glass of wine and be bathed in the lap of luxury, re-confirm their relationship, reconnect with nature or meditate on their spirituality while being surrounded with magic and fantasy.

BIVACCO GERVASUTTI - MONT BLANC, ITALY

Looking to spend a night or two in a space-age capsule that appears to be teetering off the edge of a cliff? Set 9,300 feet above sea level on the Frebouze Glacier in the Mont Blanc massif in Italy, Bivacco Gervasutti, named after the Turin-born Alpine climber Giusto Gervasutti, replaces a modest wooden shelter built in his memory in 1948. Mont Blanc, literally meaning “White Mountain,” has the highest peak in Europe and lies in a range that spans Italy and France. A popular spot for hiking, skiing, and snowboarding, Mont Blanc is now home to this capsule hotel.

Designed and built by Italian architects Luca Gentilcore and Stefano Testa, using helicopters to fly in each section, the unique new structure includes living and dining areas, and two sleeping quarters that can accommodate up to twelve people. Anyone capable of the challenging ascent from Val Ferret by foot is welcome to visit and stay in the bivouac. With its solar-powered energy and Internet access, this modern Alpine shelter is a far cry from the old, draughty wooden version.

INNTEL ZAANDAM - AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS

Inntel Zaandam looks like a patchwork of traditional wooden cottages that are typical for Zaandam district of Amsterdam. Inside it’s every bit as creative as it is outside so you’re in for a lot of surprises.

This incredible-looking hotel is twelve stories high and looks as if a giant has taken a number of the green-painted cottages typical of the Zaan region and mashed them together. One blue house stands out in the mix – it is a reference to Monet’s painting “The Blue House” completed in Zaandam in 1871. The inspiration behind the project was the concept that the hotel is your temporary home. Located in the newly-revamped Zaandam district in Amsterdam, when you stay here you will be only a short train ride from Amsterdam’s city center. The area is a well-known day trip for tourists and is famous for its windmills and quiet streets. The historic streets and waterways are being restored to bring back some of the old style living and the Inntel Hotel fits right into this plan. Your room is decorated in a modern way but with traditional accents and vintage photographs. Some have a rain shower and whirlpool tub, all have wifi.

LA BALADE DES GNOMES - DURBUY, BELGIUM

Architect, Mr Noel, built and operates La Balade des Gnomes – an unusual hotel with 10 crazy rooms guaranteed to captivate the imagination. In fact, the motto of the hotel is “all that you can imagine is real”. It is located near Durbuy in Belgium which is a tiny 17th century town with cobbled streets and lovely shops. The inspiration for each of the hotel’s rooms comes from traditional fairy tales. In fact “La Balade des Gnomes” translates as “the walk of the Gnomes”. Each room leaves an impression like a good Tim Burton movie. 
There is a Trojan horse (which isn’t technically a fairy tale, but we wont quibble semantics) where you can stay in, well, a giant wooden horse. Other rooms include the Macquarie Island room where your bed is a boat which appears to float on real water and there is a real beach with real sand in your room. The suites are filled with wooden toadstools, starry skies (glowing on your ceiling) and crooked windows.

QUEEN MARY HOTEL - LONG BEACH, CALIFORMIA USA

If the splendor of Titanic captivated your imagination, then the Queen Mary Hotel is probably right up your alley. Once a luxury liner for the rich and famous, Queen Mary now serves as an indulgent hotel with art deco suites.

All the pomp and grandeur of the Titanic without any of that silliness with icebergs; the Queen Mary has had a long and prosperous career with no bad renditions of ‘My Heart Will Go On’ yet.

Beginning life in the 1930s, it was built in Scotland and became the luxury liner of choice for celebrities and rich people. It saw action in the 2nd World War when it was painted grey and converted to carry troops. It then rode the White Star Line and did cruises before being moored in Long Beach and turned into a hotel. An added plus is that it is rumored to be haunted! 

KAROSTA PRISON - LATVIA

Unchanged since Tsarist Russia, for 100 years this prison served to brutalize those who fell foul of the Tsar and Communist Party. The place is said to be haunted. Perhaps you feel brave enough to take their tour. Just don’t blame your captors… I mean hosts when you see a cell door open and slam of its own accord or hear the sound of chains echo down the halls. If you are especially unlucky you might witness the ghost of a long-dead prisoner – skeleton thin, just staring at you.

For a truly unique experience, the very brave can spend a night in the cells to experience some of what prisoners might have gone through. Perhaps you want to take some of your friends with you for a slice of real adventure. If so, the prison/hotel has special packages for hen and stag nights and, incredibly, weddings. I can only assume that any woman who wants to spend her wedding day in a communist jail must be completely insane.

Happily for everyone this unusual experience can include tours of the surrounding naval base, perfect for people with a historical interest in the period and it does mean that you are allowed outside eventually. They will even let you ride bikes around the prison… before executing you. No, that was a joke. They don’t execute their guests – I think.

LIFEBOAT HOTEL - HARLINGEN, NETHERLANDS

Unusually for a decommissioned lifeboat hotel (wow, I’ve talked about so many unique hotels that this phrase doesn’t even seem strange) this one is still functioning. You can hire a captain to take you, your partner and your whole hotel out into the open sea. Now that sounds fun!

This lifeboat saw active service for over 30 years as part of England’s royal coastguard. It performed 105 rescue operations and saved 45 people from drowning. It was saved itself from the scrap yard by a Dutch lifeboat enthusiast who restored it and moored it in Harlingen Harbor. Now it will rescue you from mundane hotels. You will find two cabins below deck which are divided into a sitting room and bedroom. You can fix yourself breakfast using catering facilities located in the cockpit. There are plenty of local restaurants and sauna for you to visit and the Hannema museum to explore. Wonderful.

NAKAGIN CAPSULE TOWER - TOKYO, JAPAN

This historical building is an example of metabolism a movement in Japanese architecture that drew inspiration from how living organisms arrange themselves. Metabolists viewed society as an organism and the Nakagin Tower is one of the few remaining examples of their work.

Each capsule is like a cell, a self-contained living space designed for bachelor salarymen. One wall is all appliances such as cabinets, TV, and microwave, and the rest of the space is used for a bed and airplane-sized toilet. Each capsule was assembled off-site and then attached to a concrete pillar so each one can be removed without affecting the others.

Recently there has been discussion of demolishing the tower but Nicolai Ouroussoff, architecture critic for The New York Times, spoke out against the idea, “like all great buildings, it is the crystallization of a far-reaching cultural ideal. Its existence also stands as a powerful reminder of paths not taken, of the possibility of worlds shaped by different sets of values." Today, it remains standing.

Nakagin Capsule Tower was recognized as a unique building by Hollywood too. It was featured in the 2013 superhero film The Wolverine as a love hotel in Hiroshima Prefecture.

THE SHELL HOUSE - ISLA MUJERES, MEXICO

You know when you hold a shell to your ear, listen and hear the sea? What if you could live inside the shell? The Shell House is such a place. Inside, you will always hear the sea and smell the sea too, because the Caribbean waters are just footsteps away.

The Shell House is comprised of two living areas. There is the main holiday home with a living area and kitchenette on the ground floor and master bedroom on the second. Next door is the second room which has a kingsize bed and bathroom. There is a courtyard with a swimming pool too.

The Shell House was built from concrete and found materials by the artist-owner and his wife. They live nearby and are on-hand to make sure you have a fantastic trip. The interior living area has no corners, it is completely round. The shell-themed bathrooms are a real trip; the sink is made of conch shells, the taps are made of coral, and the towel racks from other seashells found along the beach.

THE MATA RESORT - PEMBA ISLAND, TANZANIA

Located on Pemba Island in Zanzibar, The Manta Resort has a remarkable jewel in its crown of luxury, an underwater sea room. It’s part of an ingenious floating structure. There are three levels. The landing deck is where the boat drops you off and the location of the lounge and bathroom. The top floor has daybeds and shades for relaxing in the day and watching the stars at night - they say you can see the Milky Way and the planets due to the lack of light pollution.

Below sea level is the submariner room, a bedroom bubble where fish glide past your window. There are even fish that have made their homes around the structure; out here you won't be visited by other guests but by three bat fish and a trumpet fish called Nick (although I heard Nick the trumpetfish is an alcoholic, but he's fine if you catch him before 4 pm). The room is located in a “blue hole” in the middle of a living coral reef so it is the perfect place for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts and also people who just really like The Little Mermaid.

MONTANA MAGICA LODGE - NELTUME, CHILE

Eschew Disney Land’s magical pretensions and come to Huilo Huilo Montaña Mágica Lodge for a truly magical experience. The magic should be plain to anyone who sees its main building. A gigantic man-made volcano that spews spa waters over its rocky sides instead of lava. Windows peak from the sides like so many giant eyes with deep green mossy eyelashes.

Entry to the hotel is pretty normal, from the treetop walkway to lobby via the monkey bridge. So no surprises there then. When you get in you will be able to see that you are located in amongst 232 square miles of living-breathing rainforest. There are outdoor hot-tubs peeking out from the walls of waterfall/volcano/hotel and around you are many unusual animals including the world’s smallest deer that stands 13 inches tall.

ARTE LUISE KUNSTHOTEL - BERLIN, GERMANY

One of the coolest galleries in the world…which room would you like?

There’s only one place to be in Europe if you want cutting edge art - Berlin. Artists from all over the world come here to open galleries, boutiques or, in the case of Art Luise, a hotel. The hotel is located in a beautiful neoclassical building built in 1829. It is located close to the Reichstag and other essential sights.

Previously home to the rambunctious Mowe Art Club it has taken current owners over 20 years to turn it into its current incarnation. The painstaking detail is clear. Billed as an ‘art gallery in which you spend the night’ the hotel has a number of rooms each decorated by a different artist. Even the staircases are curated by a philosophy professor. He designed them to induce a state of contemplation while on your way to get a sandwich. Nice. Your room is totally unique, just check out these photos, which one would you choose? The restaurant pays homage to the building’s long history and is maintained in the traditional German way while serving a contemporary menu.

KENNEDY SCHOOL HOTEL - PORTLAND, OREGON USA

This elementary school was built in 1915 in a semi-remote location in Northeast Portland. One of the first rules installed for pupils and parents in the early years forbade the taking of pop shots at the rabbits from the moving streetcar. It closed its doors as a school in 1974 and looked set to be demolished. But it was saved by a group of ex-pupils and townsfolk. 

Today it has been named the ‘number one quirkiest hotel in the US’. So prepare to stay in a room where you can write your to-do list on a real-life chalkboard. They have their own brewery and the bar is located in the old detention rooms, who says the Americans are without a sense of irony? The school canteen is now a courtyard restaurant and there is more dining to be had in the old boiler room of the school. There is a beautiful soaking pool that is energy efficient as part of the hotel’s ‘green policy’ which is good to know.

MUSTANG MONUMENT RESORT - WELLS, NEVADA USA

The Mustang Monument Eco Resort, just south of Wells, Nevada, offers a unique safari and adventure experience for all its patrons. Mustang Monument covers about 2350 square kilometers and prides itself on being eco-friendly and sustainable.

All the private rooms, luxury teepees, and cottages at the Mustang Monument are tastefully furnished and ranch house themed. They offer all the modern amenities you need. If you need some relaxation time, spend a day in the spa and treat yourself to any of the packages offered by fully licensed relaxation and rejuvenation personnel.

This luxurious western-style ranch offers guests several unique safari experiences that allow you to reconnect with the majestic outdoors and the world of wild horses. During your stay at Mustang Monument, you also indulge yourself with the adventure of a lifetime by taking outdoor equestrian excursions, hikes, and much more. You can enter the habitat of 650 wild mustangs that have been rescued from the wild and roam the 900-acre spread. If you want more physical activity, sign up for archery, rappelling, rock climbing, off-road Tom-Car adventures, and paintball matches.

SALVA SILVERGRUVA - SALA, SWEDEN

Lounge on your luxury leather chair underneath a delicate chandelier that hangs from the roof of a room which has been tunneled out of a pure rock, 155 meters below the surface. As if you were Gollum from Lord of the Rings. Except for massively rich and less ring-obsessed. So yes, the hotel is in a converted silver mine.

You are pretty much left alone down there with staff on the surface. So you get the whole place to yourself. There is plenty of adventure to be had around the place. You can do a high-wire assault course, go whizzing on a zip wire and explore the subterranean world of the silver mine through several different tracks. If you like your golf, there is a fine course above ground for you to check out 10 kilometers from Sala Silvermine.

The hotel also conserves the mine’s unique history and historical tours are available too. It is also the site of some of the finest cave-diving in the world. Down here, under the water, there is no current and the environment has been untouched by oxygen and light so you enter and brave and mysterious world of labyrinthine tunnels and plunge-pools.

SKYLODGE ADVENTURE SUITES - CUSCO, PERU

Have you ever imagined what it’s like to be a bird, sitting high above the rest in a cozy nest, overlooking the vast beauty of nature’s surroundings? If so, you’re in for a treat! The Skylodge Adventure Suites in Cusco, Peru offer an incredible travel experience unlike any other.

Accessible only by climbing, hiking, or zip-lining, each transparent capsule suite vertically hangs at the top of a 1200 ft mountain (!!!) and offers a 300-degree view of the stunning Sacred Valley landscape.

Each capsule suite houses four beds, a dining room, solar-powered lighting, and, yes, bathroom facilities! While curtains are provided to block the sun and allow for privacy, guests may want to keep them open at all times to enjoy the breathtaking views.

Guests are also provided with breakfast and dinner complete with wine because, as you can imagine, dining options are rather sparse on the edge of a cliff! This food is made fresh and literally brought up to guests by a seasoned climber!

Whether you’re an avid climber or have no knowledge of traversing mountains at all, you can live on the edge by staying a night at the Skylodge.

EDEN MOTEL - TAIWAN

Set in the middle of the bustling Kaohsiung City in Taiwan, lies the rent by the hour Eden Motel. The 22 themed rooms come in four flavors: World – virtual travel to faraway countries, Fantasy – romantic and love overdose settings, Fashion – quirky rooms with barbwire and design that would make Christian Grey blush, and our favorite the Batman suite.

The carefully designed world of Gotham features a large Batman bed, a mini Batman mobile that seems to function as a sofa, Batman posters and logos all over and a TV to watch your favorite Batman movie, or something else. Did I mention that the minimum stay is 3 hours? Not days, hours. Which begs the question, is it the perfect playground for your kids to enjoy the mystical world of Batman, or something else?

AMAZON JUNGLE PALACE - COLONIA PARICATUBA, BRAZIL

The Amazon Jungle Palace is the first floating eco-friendly, luxury hotel to offer beautiful views and an unforgettable experience. Nestled in the Amazon rain forest on Rio Negro, the hotel is only 8 kilometers from Manaus and offers daily transfer to the international airport. The natural construction elements harness the natural beauty of the Amazon rain forest while offering panoramic views of Rio Negro and Lago Salvador.

The hotel was designed utilizing the most modern concepts of sustainable tourism, including state-of-the-art water treatment facilities and waste management systems to preserve the surrounding environment. Even though the hotel is focused on ecological preservation, each luxury apartment offers amenities on par with any five-star resort. Each room is equipped with air conditioning, water heating systems, a safe, a fully stocked mini-bar, and a hi-tech LCD television with satellite programming. All rooms offer a breathtaking view, but depending on your budget you can also splurge for a balcony, pool view, or even a deck with a Jacuzzi.

During your stay, be sure to try some of the local cuisines at the Araticum restaurant. You can also enjoy snacks and drinks as you lounge by the outdoor swimming pool. The Amazon Jungle Palace can also arrange for a wide array of activities including bird-watching, canoe trips, and ritual performances by the native tribes.

While there are many options in the area, the Amazon Jungle Palace offers you the authentic rain forest adventure with the comfort of luxury accommodations.

HOTEL JESTED - LIBEREC, CZECH REPUBLIC

Situated in the northern mountains of the Czech Republic, Hotel Ještěd dominates the skyline of the Liberec region. Reaching an altitude over 1,000 meters, it has been a significant landmark and place of historic importance. The first monument was built at its summit in 1737, but today guests can now sleep and dine above the clouds.

Due to its unique design, architect Karel Hubáček received the Perret Prize and the structure was declared a cultural monument in 1998. The overall aesthetics make it seem as if it belongs in a science fiction film, the innovative design has combined a TV tower, hotel, and restaurant all in the same structure. Each room offers breathtaking views on the nature around. You have your choice of a modern room or a more retro design, but no matter which you choose breakfast will be included with the room rate.

You will also receive complimentary tickets for the cable car which will take you to the summit. It is easily accessible, but keep in mind it does not operate in inclement weather. Also be sure to enjoy a meal in the circular restaurant which boasts stunning views as well.

This rare find in Northern Bohemia allows you to experience an important piece of the country’s heritage while providing and unforgettable experience.

THE BOOT - TASMAN, NEW ZEALAND

I like how this cottage-shaped-like-a-giant-boot actually has shoelaces. See that? Attention to detail. This romantic bed and breakfast cottage is the only accommodation in the 2.4 hectare Jester House Estate. 

Inside, there is a fireplace, kitchenette, and bathroom with a shower built for two. Up the spiral staircase, there is a queen-sized bed and a Juliet balcony that overlooks the pond and the fragrant gardens. Outside you can relax on the lovely garden furniture surrounded by your grove of hazelnut trees perfect for more privacy in the mid-afternoon sun. The rest of the estate is at your disposal with the Jester House Café which cooks organic food and pours specialist beers.

The estate has a stream where tame eels live. You can actually feed them by hand. The extensive permaculture gardens are full of fruit trees and flowers. Much of the constructions are built along with eco principles and use timber and earth from the estate to resemble modern medieval constructs.

YELLOW SUB - LIVERPOOL, UNITED KINGDOM

Ever wanted to live the high life and join one of the biggest bands of all time? Even if you can barely play a tambourine, we can all live in a yellow submarine, at least for one night.

Fans looking for the full Beatles experience can book accommodation in this unusual boat hotel which is painted to look like the vessel on the cover of their record “Yellow Submarine”. This boat on the River Mersey in Liverpool (where the band is from!), features a stylish lounge area equipped with The Beatles gold discs, the mod scooter from the film Quadrophenia, and designer furniture from Paris and New York. The psychedelic interior design will make you feel like it’s the Summer of Love all over again!

In the submarine, there are three en-suite bedrooms, a kitchen, and plenty of space to practice your best John Lennon impressions. On top of all that you will also be staying in a piece of cinematic history. Prior to becoming a hotel, the boat had been used in the Sean Connery thriller, The Hunt for the Red October. 

The Yellow Sub is situated near Albert Dock, so you are just steps away from the best bars and restaurants Liverpool has to offer. With great views, your own bar, and the chance to be the envy of every music fan on the planet, you will definitely want to twist and shout over this one.

EH'HAUSL - AMBERG, GERMANY

Fascinating stuff, this hotel. It was built in 1728 and could well be the smallest hotel in the world. The story goes like this: back in ye olden days in Germany, couples who wanted to marry had to own property. So some enterprising local put down his frothy beer and sausage (sorry Germans!) and built a tiny house in a 2.5-meter gap between two buildings. This house was then bought by a couple who owned it until they were married and after they tied the knot, they sold it to the next couple.

Today, “the marriage house” has been renovated by top designers and offers you the chance to take the keys and live in this remarkable property for a brief time. The emphasis is on luxury living and you can see from these pictures that time spent in the spa-bath, watching the antique fireplace, or listening to the music collection is the time when you experience some lovely relaxation.

Hope you enjoyed this visual trip around the world. If you would like information on any vacation please contact me at francine@grandexplorer.com or 1-800-903-5750

Dream on!