For most travelers, accommodation is simply a place to rest after a long day of exploring. But what if your stay was just as exciting as your destination? Imagine waking up in a glass igloo under the Northern Lights, dozing off in an underwater suite surrounded by fish, or spending the night in a treehouse swaying gently in the wind. Around the world, hoteliers and creative minds have transformed ordinary stays into extraordinary experiences, turning planes, caves, bubbles, and even cliffsides into unforgettable lodging.
From plane hotels that repurpose retired aircraft into luxury suites to cave hotels carved into ancient rock formations, there’s no shortage of jaw-dropping places to spend the night. You can sleep underwater, suspended off a cliff, or inside a transparent dome in the desert. There are even ice hotels that melt away each spring, only to be rebuilt for the next winter season!
Unusual accommodations are more than just a novelty—they provide a deeper connection to nature, history, and culture. A stay in a desert bubble hotel lets you fully appreciate the vastness of the night sky, while a treehouse retreat immerses you in the serenity of the forest. Some locations offer an added thrill, like capsule hotels on mountainsides that require climbing to reach your bed. Others provide a glimpse into the past, like converted castles, train carriages, or lighthouses that have been given new life as boutique stays.
Here is an overview of the most unforgetable unusual accommodation out there:
Treehouses
It’s the childhood dream that never really disappears—your very own treehouse. Only this time, there’s no creaky wooden ladder or questionable roof tiles. Treehouse Hotels take it to the next level, offering luxury with a touch of adventure. Wake up to the sound of rustling leaves, with nothing but nature stretching out beneath your balcony.
Underwater Hotels
Sleeping with the fishes (in a good way). Few can say they’ve awoken to a shark gliding past their bedroom window. Underwater hotels offer a dreamlike encounter, immersing you completely without ever requiring you to get wet. Whether a stylish suite with a panoramic ocean view or a snug bubble beneath a lake, these retreats bring the underwater world to your bedside. One minute, you’re in bed; the next, you’re watching stingrays drift past as sunlight ripples through the water above.
Cave Hotels
For others who prefer the idea of being surrounded by stone rather than water, cave hotels offer a completely different kind of escape. They turn natural rock outcroppings into some of the most atmospheric lodging imaginable. Some are centuries old, carved into the sides of cliffs, and others are subterranean oases with modern luxuries. Soft light, rich texture, and the cooling caress of natural stone make these places unbelievably relaxing.
Converted Trains
For the romance of train travel enthusiasts who can do without the actual journey, sleeping in a converted train carriage is a genius compromise. From painstakingly restored vintage steam trains to modern cabins atop redundant tracks, the stays marry nostalgia and luxury. Original details are preserved—think original upholstery, polished wood, and brass fittings—melding nostalgia and luxury.
Ice Hotels
And for the ultimate adventurer, sleeping in an ice hotel is an adventure. These frozen masterpieces are carved each year, so each visit is a one-of-a-kind experience. Rooms carved from ice, thick fur blankets, and drinks served in frozen glasses all add up to an experience that’s nothing short of amazing. It’s chilly, naturally—but that’s the adventure. And with saunas, heated lounges, and warm drinks always nearby, there’s a perfect balance of chill and warmth.
RV Camping
Freedom to roam sometimes, the best kind of stay isn’t in one place at all. RV camping enables you to change scenery whenever the mood strikes. From waking up to mountain scenery one morning to parking by a quiet lake the next, it’s a way of traveling that turns the journey itself into part of the adventure. It’s not so much a matter of destination—it’s a matter of having all the comforts of home with you as you decide, minute by minute, where home is going to be. For vacationers who crave flexibility but don’t need to forgo comfort, an RV trip can be the perfect getaway.
Desert Domes
For an out-of-this-world experience, desert domes offer a unique blend of isolation and comfort. Found in some of the world’s most stunning arid landscapes, these futuristic-looking pods provide a striking contrast against the vast expanse of sand and rock. Designed to withstand extreme climates, they offer panoramic stargazing opportunities, with clear, unpolluted night skies serving as an astronomical wonderland. Inside, modern amenities ensure a cozy, peaceful retreat in the heart of the desert.
Hobbit Homes
For those enchanted by the charm of fantasy worlds, hobbit homes bring fairytales to life. Built into hillsides with round doors and grass-covered roofs, these accommodations evoke the cozy dwellings of Middle-earth. Despite their storybook appearance, they often feature modern conveniences, making them a perfect blend of fantasy and comfort. Whether tucked away in the countryside or crafted as part of an immersive themed experience, these homes make for a whimsical stay.
Floating Hotels
For travelers who want to be surrounded by water without going underwater, floating hotels provide a tranquil, unique lodging experience. Whether it’s a luxury houseboat, a floating cabin on a calm lake, or a stylish hotel built on stilts above the ocean, these accommodations let you wake up to gentle waves and stunning sunrise reflections. Some are moored in bustling harbors, while others drift in secluded, remote locations, offering total serenity.
Lighthouse Stays
For those seeking a remote and dramatic retreat, staying in a converted lighthouse is an unforgettable experience. Perched on rugged coastlines or isolated islands, these historic beacons offer breathtaking ocean views, a sense of solitude, and a touch of maritime history. Whether fully renovated with modern comforts or kept in their charmingly rustic state, lighthouses provide a one-of-a-kind stay that blends adventure with tranquility.
Bubble Hotels
Sleeping under the stars takes on new meaning with bubble hotels. These transparent domes offer an uninterrupted view of the sky, allowing guests to drift off beneath a canopy of stars while remaining protected from the elements. Found in remote locations such as deserts, forests, or even snowy landscapes, they provide an unparalleled celestial experience with the added comfort of a cozy, climate-controlled interior.
Bookstore Hotels
For literature lovers, spending the night in a bookstore is a dream come true. Some unique accommodations allow guests to sleep among the shelves, surrounded by thousands of stories waiting to be explored. Whether in the form of a converted bookshop or a boutique literary hotel, these spaces combine the joy of reading with the charm of an unusual overnight stay. Cozy reading nooks, unlimited access to books, and a quiet, introspective atmosphere make them the perfect retreat for bookworms.
Plane Hotels
Aviation enthusiasts can take their love for flight to the next level by staying in a converted airplane hotel. These decommissioned aircraft have been transformed into luxurious accommodations, with cabins turned into stylish suites. Parked in scenic locations or suspended above the ground, they offer a one-of-a-kind stay with a touch of aviation nostalgia. Whether it’s a vintage propeller plane or a retired jumbo jet, sleeping in an airplane—without turbulence—is an experience like no other.
From sleeping high up in the trees, deep under the ground, or even below the sea, quirky accommodation brings that extra bit to any adventure.
