The Most Unusual Places to Stay From Around the World

| © Scott Wilson / Alamy Stock Photo
Lucy Dayman

Travelling is all about collecting new experiences. Whether you’re roughing it and living out of a backpack for months on end, or treating yourself to a little getaway, one of the best ways to explore a country is through its accommodation. Here are some of the more unusual places visitors can stay and rest their heads for the night.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

The Wadi Rum Night Luxury Camp, Jordan

Located in the heart of the Wadi Rum Desert in Southern Jordan sits the most luxurious and stunning camping experience you’ll ever have. The Wadi Rum Night Luxury Camp site is dotted with bubble shaped tents, complete with all the amenities you’ll ever need. Here, nestled between jagged cliffs and sand dunes you can witness the milky way flow across the perfectly clear glowing night sky.

If heights don’t freak you out then maybe it’s worth considering a stay in the incredible Crane Hotel Faralda Amsterdam. Situated on the banks of the river IJ, the converted crane towers over the centre of Amsterdam. Used as an event space and accommodation option, the hotel features three five-star suites and a complete panoramic view of the city. This is living the high life, literally.

Hideout, Bali

Hidehout Bali is the perfect getaway for the eco-conscious traveller. Hidden in mountains of Gunung Agung volcano in Bali this little bamboo house is your off the grid home away from home. Built in 2015, the Hideout was handcrafted with locally sourced bamboo and created with the support of local workers. For a taste of uniquely authentic Balinese life, the Hideout is awaiting your arrival.

Arctic Treehouse Hotel, Finland

Positioned in the Arctic Circle, the Arctic Treehouse Hotel is an unforgettable way to really immerse yourself in the true beauty of Finland’s stunning natural surroundings. Boasting spectacular views over the treetops, the box-shaped suites have a fully glass wall offering a panoramic view of the astounding Northern Lights.

St Pancras Clocktower, United Kingdom

The iconic London landmark St Pancras Clocktower in St Pancras Station is actually home to a tidy little apartment, and guess what? You can stay there! The two-bedroom apartment features a 10-metre high ceiling and still boasts many of its original 19th-century features. Looking down over Kings Cross Station, the view of London from the apartment is arguably one of the best in the world.

Tokyo Caravan, Japan

Size-wise accommodation options are always pretty tight when it comes to Tokyo, but Caravan Tokyo located in Aoyama, in the heart of Shibuya feels a lot more spacious than its humble exterior lets on. Custom built by local craftspeople, Caravan Tokyo sits inside the happening arts and food center Commune 246. Being both central but spacious it’s definitely not your typical Tokyo apartment.

Kakslauttanen Igloo Village, Finland

The team behind Kakslauttanen Igloo Village have crafted the perfect way to experience Finland’s most stunning natural attraction, the Northern Lights. Located in the Finnish Laplands, these snow sprinkled in-ground glass igloos let you sleep directly underneath the country’s famous lights, but you probably wont want to sleep, because this is guaranteed to be better than your dreams.

Cabana Floripa, Brazil

If you’ve ever wanted to live inside a multi-dimensional work of art then Cabana Floripa in Florianópolis, Brazil is where you have got to head. This two-bedroom cabin sits on the mountainside while its 360 degree glass gives visitors the illusion that they’re levitating above the mountaintop. Full of colour, it was designed with the eco-friendly idea of reusing demolition material and glass bottles to craft its own individual style.

Divan Cave House, Turkey

Nestled in a quiet corner of the village of Goreme in Turkey is the family-run Divan Cave House. The rooms here are in fact crafted from the local caves, making it a fully immersive experience. Beyond the cave rooms, the hotel is also home to an incredible lookout where visitors can witness the city’s skyline as it’s littered with hot air balloons. Get that camera ready.

The Safari Rooftop Trailer, South Africa

In South Africa there’s a new take on the safari holiday. The Safari Rooftop trailer atop the iconic Cape Town Grandaddy Hotel is just one of the seven different airstream trailers that boast their own individual theme. Inside this two-person trailer the interior has captured the authentic beauty of Africa with animal-style designs and rich wooden paneling. You’ve never experienced a safari like this before.

Playa Viva, Mexico

When you’re after a place to fully relax and rejuvenate body and mind, look no further than a stay at Playa Viva Mexico. This yoga retreat, resort, eco-luxury boutique hotel, and treehouse hideout is many things, but what’s arguably most exciting is that it’s home to its own little burrito-style hut. With an ocean view and secluded location it’s the perfect place to enjoy Mexico’s beauty.

Das Park Hotel, Austria and Germany

Who knew concrete sewerage pipes could be so cute? Located in Ottensheim, Austria, and Essen in Germany, Das Park Hotel is minimalist ingenuity at its best. Given their robust nature, these pipes are difficult to dispose of, so Das Park came up with this eco-friendly solution. Each cozy room comes with a two-person bed, shelving, and a skylight.

Bubble Iceland

Ever wanted to live in an Icelandic bubble? Probably not, but when you see these cute little campsite hotel hybrids you’ll want to. Located around 70 minutes from Reykjavik in Iceland, the exact Bubble Iceland site is secret to maintain privacy for visitors. Here you can enjoy the illusion of sleeping in nature, while watching the stars shoot past and witnessing the midnight sun during the warmer summer seasons, all from the comfort of your own bed.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

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