The Most Unique Hotels in the World You Absolutely Have to Try

20 Feb 2025 | 129 views

Ever dreamt of waking up in a glass igloo under the Northern Lights, or sharing your breakfast with a giraffe poking its head into your dining room? Sure, typical hotels can be nice and all, but if you’re looking to level up your vacation game, you might want to check out these jaw-droppingly unique hotels from around the globe. Get ready to add some serious wanderlust to your bucket list!

1. Giraffe Manor – Nairobi, Kenya

Imagine sipping your morning coffee and suddenly feeling a gentle nudge on your shoulder—turn around and you’ve got a friendly giraffe peeking through the window! Giraffe Manor is famous for allowing guests to interact with a herd of Rothschild’s giraffes that roam the property.

Why it’s unique: You literally get to feed giraffes from your breakfast table. How many places can say that?
What to expect: A luxurious, old-world manor with a gorgeous garden, along with plenty of giraffe selfies.

2. Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort – Finnish Lapland

Sleeping in a heated glass igloo while the Northern Lights dance above you sounds like something out of a fairy tale, right? At Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, you can do just that.

Why it’s unique: The glass domes are designed so that you can watch the Aurora Borealis from the comfort of your bed. No freezing outside necessary.
What to expect: Winter wonderland vibes, activities like husky sled rides, and possibly the coolest view of the night sky you’ll ever witness.

3. The Manta Resort’s Underwater Room – Pemba Island, Zanzibar

Fancy feeling like a mermaid for a night? The Manta Resort on Pemba Island has an underwater room floating in the Indian Ocean. By day, you can sunbathe on the rooftop deck. By night, you descend into your underwater bedroom—complete with windows facing the colorful marine life.

Why it’s unique: It’s basically a private floating island with a submerged bedroom. Talk about next-level privacy!
What to expect: Crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and an otherworldly experience under the sea.

4. Treehotel – Harads, Sweden

Remember those childhood dreams of living in a treehouse? Well, Treehotel in Sweden turns that dream into a quirky reality. Each treehouse is uniquely designed—some look like a UFO, others like a giant mirror cube reflecting the surrounding forest.

Why it’s unique: Every treehouse has its own ultra-creative design, giving you a new perspective on “sleeping outdoors.”
What to expect: Stunning pine forest views, cozy Scandinavian interiors, and a chance to reconnect with nature, minus the whole “roughing it” part.

5. Icehotel – Jukkasjärvi, Sweden

Yes, another Swedish gem. The Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi is literally made of ice and snow. And it’s not just a one-time thing—they rebuild it every winter using ice from the nearby Torne River. Each suite is designed by different artists, so no two rooms look the same.

Why it’s unique: You’re sleeping in a sub-zero masterpiece of ice sculptures and frozen decor. Plus, the entire hotel melts back into the river when spring comes around.
What to expect: Thermal sleeping bags, reindeer skins to keep you toasty, and an ice bar serving up cocktails in—what else?—glasses made of ice.

6. Palacio de Sal – Uyuni, Bolivia

If you ever wanted to taste the walls of your hotel (no judgment here), Palacio de Sal might be for you. Constructed almost entirely out of salt blocks, this hotel is located near the famous Uyuni Salt Flats, the largest salt flats in the world.

Why it’s unique: Literally everything is made of salt, from the furniture to the walls. Just don’t lick them too aggressively, okay?
What to expect: Surreal landscapes, a minimalistic design, and a salt spa. After all, who wouldn’t want a little pampering in the world’s biggest salt desert?

7. Skylodge Adventure Suites – Sacred Valley, Peru

If you’ve got a fear of heights, you might want to skip this one. But if you’re an adrenaline junkie, sleeping in a transparent capsule hanging off a cliff in Peru could be your idea of a perfect night.

Why it’s unique: Each suite is perched on the side of a mountain, giving you panoramic views of the Sacred Valley. You’ll need to climb a 400-foot steel ladder or zip-line in to get there!
What to expect: Heart-stopping adventure, spectacular sunrises, and the ultimate bragging rights. “I slept on a cliff” is definitely a conversation starter.

8. Jules’ Undersea Lodge – Key Largo, Florida, USA

Want to channel your inner marine biologist without leaving the States? Jules’ Undersea Lodge in Key Largo is an underwater hotel that used to be a research laboratory. To get there, you have to scuba dive down 21 feet!

Why it’s unique: It’s like staying in a cozy underwater cabin with windows looking out at fish and coral. You even get a pizza delivery… underwater style.
What to expect: A short scuba dive to reach your room, plenty of aquatic life sightings, and a truly one-of-a-kind overnight experience.

Tips for Booking These Unusual Hotels

Plan Way in Advance: Popular spots like Giraffe Manor or the Icehotel can get booked out fast, especially during peak seasons.
Check the Weather: A glass igloo in Finland is way cooler (literally) during the winter months, whereas an ice hotel in the middle of summer is… well, nonexistent.
Read Reviews: Unique often means there are special rules or quirks. Make sure you know what you’re getting into (like limited Wi-Fi, or the need to scuba dive).
Pack Properly: Whether it’s thermal clothing for the Icehotel or bug spray for a jungle treehouse, a little preparedness goes a long way.

Hotels aren’t just places to rest your head anymore; they can be epic adventures in themselves! Whether you’re feeding giraffes in Kenya or snuggled up in a glass igloo under the Aurora Borealis, these unique stays will leave you with unforgettable memories—and some seriously cool Instagram photos. So if you’re craving more than the usual “king bed and room service” vibe, go ahead and add these out-of-this-world hotels to your bucket list. Because why settle for ordinary when you can experience something truly extraordinary?