7 of the Most Unique Hotels and Resorts to Visit Around the World
Europe is home to an endless selection of incredible hotels, resorts, and other accommodations like AirBnbs’ so if you are traveling around the region you’ll have many options for places to stay no matter your personal tastes. From historic structures to hotels made of unique materials, these seven incredible hotels are some of the most unusual hotels throughout Europe.
ICEHOTEL
Jukkasjärvi, Sweden
As the name implies, the ICEHOTEL in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden is a hotel that is constructed entirely of ice. This uniquely cool place to stay has been built annually every winter since 1989 - this makes it the first of its kind. The hotel is rebuilt every winter and every year the artists who design it incorporate a unique theme and a series of ice sculptures throughout the hotel. Although it’s naturally quite cold in the winter when the ICEHOTEL is standing, guests who stay overnight are provided with heavy-duty sleeping bags to keep warm. Guests can book excursions such as dog sledding to complete their winter wonderland experience or a relaxing trip to the sauna for rest and rejuvenation.
The Old Railway Station
Petworth, United Kingdom
The Old Railway Station is a historic hotel housed in the former Petworth Railway Station. Originally built in 1892, this award-winning Bed and Breakfast carefully blends modern comfort with historic charm. Guests stay in either the station house or one of the four historic Pullman railway cars and indulge in a full English breakfast that is served daily in the waiting room. There are many fantastic places to visit that surround the hotel such as the historic Goodwood Racecourse which is a prominent horse-racing course where many important events are held. In fact, one of the most famous guests to the area passed through the hotel when it was still a railway station on his way to the racecourse: the future King Edward VII.
Inntel Zaandam
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
The eccentric Inntel Zaandam hotel was built to look like a series of the green cottages typical of Zaan culture that are often found throughout the region. The interior is designed in a sleek and modern style with accents that pay tribute to the city’s history and culture such as posters, artifacts, and large murals designed in the style of vintage advertisements from the city’s past. Together these elements create a respite near Amsterdam’s city center that is a perfect base for travelers who want to explore everything the city has to offer.
V8 Hotel Motorworld Region Stuttgart
Stuttgart, Germany
If you’re looking for a hotel with a unique design, the V8 Hotel Motorworld Region Stuttgart offers fine accommodations with an auto-themed flair. Your childhood dreams of a race car bed have grown up in the room’s automotive accommodations. The hotel offers packages including a high-performance car rental and a book of local roads to explore Germany’s legendary Autobahn, a federal controlled-access highway that is widely known for having no speed limit (although there are certain stretches of road where a speed limit is strongly recommended). Each room is uniquely themed to different aspects of machines in motion. For guests in need of a pit stop the hotel has an onsite bar and restaurant where you can fuel up before, or after getting on the road.
Cabanes Als Arbres
Sant Hilari Sacalm, Girona, Spain
Take a trip high up in the treetops when you stay at this hotel in Girona, Spain called Cabanes Als Arbres. This treehouse cabin complex provides a great way for guests to unplug from day to day life and reconnect with nature and travel companions. Each unique cabin is built around a tree off the forest floor and comes complete with eco-friendly fixtures. Showers and electronic charging stations are located in the shared manor house leaving each cabin a quiet oasis. The entire property is focused on preserving and connecting with nature which extends to the ten or so minute hike you will have to make to your cabin through the woods. Dinner and breakfast can be provided by the hotel and will be delivered via basket to your room. For a more special stay, make reservations for the massage parlor, spa, or private sauna.
The Lighthouse
Tranoy, Norway
This very appropriately named Airbnb is in fact a lighthouse you are able to stay in. This two-story structure hosts 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape of fjords and coastal waters, meaning there is not a bad view to be had. At such a northern latitude The Lighthouse gives the option for near 24 hour sunshine in summer where you can trek to the nearby Ånderdalen National Park to take in the scenery even more, don’t worry there are shades in the bedroom for when you sleep. If you want to visit in winter the long periods of darkness provide plenty of opportunity for snow and viewing the northern lights right from your bed. Take a look at the night sky through the telescope or cozy up to a cup of coffee or tea while wearing a warm robe, which is all included in your stay.
Sextantio Le Grotte Della Civita
Matera, Italy
For a stay unlike any other, consider a stay at the mystical Sextantio Le Grotte Della Civita which allows its guests to step back into history. The stassi style cave dwellings have housed people in this region of Italy for thousands of years and offer a serene setting lit mostly by candlelight. Each room, or cave, is luxuriously appointed with modern amenities such as soaking tubs, showers, king-sized beds, and a floor heating and cooling system. Onsite dining is available in the hotel’s restaurant, a deconsecrated church which sets the mood at night with only candlelight to illuminate the space. Breakfast and aperitifs are available from the hotel as well, and for those looking for a one-of-a-kind culinary experience cooking classes are available with a reservation. In-room massage and private yoga lessons allow guests to unwind even more
