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Traveling is as much about where you stay as it is about where you go. For those looking to make their accommodations as memorable as their destinations, there are hotels around the world that offer truly unique experiences. From underwater rooms to treehouses, here are some of the most unique hotels in the world that should be on every travel enthusiast’s bucket list.

1. Giraffe Manor, Kenya

Giraffe Manor was founded by Jock Leslie-Melville and his wife Betty in 1983. 

The couple was inspired by their passion for wildlife conservation and their desire to protect the endangered Rothschild giraffes. They turned their manor into a sanctuary for these majestic animals.

Giraffe Manor is part of The Safari Collection, which includes several other luxurious properties in Kenya.

Located just outside Nairobi, Giraffe Manor offers a surreal experience where the hotel’s most frequent visitors are its namesake residents—giraffes. The elegant 1930s manor house is part of a sanctuary for the endangered Rothschild giraffes, which roam the grounds freely and often poke their heads through the windows in search of treats. Guests can have breakfast with the giraffes and enjoy the unique hotel’s blend of luxury and wildlife.

The personal interaction with the giraffes, combined with the manor’s elegant decor and lush surroundings, makes for a magical and unforgettable stay.

Giraffe Manor is highly exclusive, typically hosting around 20 guests per night. Exact annual revenue figures are not publicly disclosed, but given its exclusivity and high demand, it is estimated to be in the millions of dollars annually.

2. The Manta Resort, Tanzania

The Manta Resort was co-founded by Swedish entrepreneurs Göran Ingmansson and Mikael Genberg.

Their inspiration stemmed from the natural beauty of Pemba Island and the desire to create an immersive marine experience. It is renowned for its underwater room.

The Manta Resort, located on Pemba Island off the coast of Tanzania, features an underwater room that is truly one of a kind. This floating structure has a bedroom submerged beneath the Indian Ocean, offering 360-degree views of the marine life. Guests can watch fish swim by their windows during the day and stargaze from the rooftop deck at night.

Staying in the underwater room offers a surreal experience, where guests are surrounded by marine life. The tranquility and beauty of the ocean, combined with luxurious amenities and personalized service, provide a serene and unique retreat.

The resort accommodates about 40 guests at full capacity. With its unique offerings and high-end pricing, the resort’s annual revenue is estimated to be substantial, though specific figures are not publicly available.

3. Treehotel, Sweden

Treehotel was founded by Kent Lindvall and his wife Britta in 2010.

The couple was inspired by the Swedish film “The Tree Lover,” which depicted the connection between humans and nature, leading them to create treehouses that offer unique perspectives of the forest. Each treehouse has a unique design created by different architects.

In the forests of northern Sweden, the Treehotel offers a collection of architecturally stunning treehouses that blend seamlessly with their natural surroundings. 

Guests enjoy the unique architectural designs, the serenity of the forest and the unique perspective of staying among the treetops and the feeling of being immersed in nature. Each treehouse offers a different experience, from the reflective Mirrorcube to the UFO-like cabin, providing a blend of modern design and natural beauty.

Treehotel can host about 24 guests at full capacity. Its popularity and distinctive offerings contribute to a strong annual revenue, though exact numbers are not disclosed.

4. Icehotel, Sweden

Icehotel was founded by Yngve Bergqvist in 1989.

Inspired by Japanese ice sculptures and the natural beauty of the Torne River, Bergqvist created the Icehotel as unique hotels art project that evolved into a full-fledged hotel. It is rebuilt every winter with a new design.

Also in Sweden, the Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi is rebuilt every winter from ice and snow harvested from the nearby Torne River. Artists from around the world come to create the rooms, which feature intricate ice sculptures and stunning designs. While the hotel melts away each spring, it offers a magical experience for those willing to brave the cold.

Guests sleep in thermal sleeping bags on ice beds, surrounded by stunning ice sculptures. The experience is both magical and adventurous, offering a unique opportunity to experience art and nature in a completely different way.

The hotel can accommodate around 100 guests nightly during the season. Annual revenue is significant, given the hotel’s global renown, likely in the multi-million dollar range.

5. Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, Maldives

The Conrad Maldives is part of the Hilton Worldwide chain, founded by Conrad Hilton.

The inspiration behind The Muraka and the underwater restaurant Ithaa was to provide unparalleled luxury experiences and underwater views in one of the world’s most beautiful locations.

The Conrad Maldives offers another underwater experience, but this time with a twist. The Muraka is a two-level residence with a master bedroom submerged 16 feet below sea level. Guests can enjoy panoramic views of the ocean floor from the comfort of their beds. The resort also features an underwater restaurant, Ithaa, where diners can enjoy gourmet meals surrounded by marine life.

Staying in The Muraka offers guests an extraordinary experience of underwater living of the ocean floor. Dining at Ithaa provides an equally impressive experience, surrounded by vibrant marine life while enjoying gourmet cuisine.

The resort can host several hundred guests across its villas and suites. It is a high-revenue property, contributing significantly to Hilton’s luxury segment earnings.

6. Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, Finland

Kakslauttanen was founded by Jussi Eiramo in the 1980s.

Eiramo’s inspiration came from his love of the Arctic wilderness and the Northern Lights, leading him to create glass igloos for an immersive aurora borealis viewing experience.

The resort is independently owned. It features glass igloos, log cabins, and other Arctic-themed accommodations.

For those dreaming of a winter wonderland, the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort in Finland offers glass igloos that provide stunning views of the Northern Lights. These igloos are equipped with thermal glass and luxurious interiors, allowing guests to stay warm and comfortable while watching the aurora borealis dance across the sky.

Guests can enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the Arctic from the warmth and comfort of their glass igloo. The resort offers a unique blend of adventure and comfort, making it a perfect winter wonderland escape.

The resort can host several hundred guests at full capacity. Its unique hotels appeal draws a large number of visitors, contributing to a robust annual revenue.

7. Hôtel de Glace, Canada

Hôtel de Glace was founded by Jacques Desbois in 2001.

Desbois was inspired by ice hotels in Scandinavia and wanted to bring a similar experience to North America, leveraging Quebec’s cold winters. It is rebuilt every winter with a new design theme.

North America’s only ice hotel, the Hôtel de Glace in Quebec, Canada, is a marvel of ice and snow. Reconstructed annually, the hotel features themed suites, an ice bar, and even an ice chapel. Guests can sleep in thermal sleeping bags on ice beds, surrounded by stunning ice carvings and artwork. The combination of art, architecture, and the wintery atmosphere creates unique hotels and enchanting experiences.

The hotel can accommodate about 80 guests per night during its winter season. Its unique offering attracts significant attention, resulting in a strong annual revenue.

8. Santos Express Train Lodge, South Africa

The Santos Express was founded by Derek de Beer in the early 1990s.

De Beer was inspired by the romance of train travel and the picturesque setting of Mossel Bay, deciding to convert a train into a stationary hotel.

For a quirky and fun stay, the Santos Express Train Lodge in Mossel Bay, South Africa, offers accommodations in a stationary train parked right on the beach. The converted train cars provide cozy cabins with ocean views, giving guests a unique lodging experience that harkens back to the golden age of rail travel. The experience is charming and nostalgic, providing a unique hotels twist on traditional lodging.

The train lodge can host up to 100 guests. Its quirky nature makes it a popular choice, though it operates on a smaller scale compared to luxury unique hotels.

9. Free Spirit Spheres, Canada

Free Spirit Spheres was founded by Tom Chudleigh.

Chudleigh’s inspiration came from his love of nature and innovative design, leading him to create spherical treehouses suspended in the forest.

Located in the forests of Vancouver Island, Canada, Free Spirit Spheres offers unique hotels that take on treehouse living. These spherical treehouses are suspended in the forest canopy, providing a tranquil and whimsical retreat. The interiors are cozy and well-designed, making it a perfect escape for nature lovers and adventure seekers. The design offers a unique, cozy, and meditative experience, perfect for reconnecting with nature.

The spheres accommodate a limited number of guests, focusing on a niche market. Despite its small scale, it attracts a loyal clientele and generates steady revenue for unique hotels.

10. Palacio de Sal, Bolivia

Palacio de Sal was founded by Juan Quesada Valda in the late 1990s.

Valda was inspired by the vast Uyuni Salt Flats and wanted to create a hotel that showcased this unique hotels landscape, using salt as the primary building material.

Located on the edge of the Uyuni Salt Flats, the Palacio de Sal is a hotel made entirely of salt. From the walls to the furniture, everything is crafted from the abundant local resource. The hotel offers stunning views of the salt flats and unique hotels, rustic charm that makes for an unforgettable stay. The experience is both surreal and captivating, providing a connection to the local environment.

The hotel can host around 50 guests. Its unique hotels construction and location draw many visitors, contributing to solid annual revenue figures.

More Unique Hotels Around the World

The Liberty Hotel, USA

Located in Boston, this luxury hotel was once the Charles Street Jail. The founders transformed the jail into a chic hotel while preserving many original architectural elements and unique hotels.

Guests experience a blend of history and luxury, with the unique hotels past evident in its architecture and design. The juxtaposition of modern amenities with historic elements creates a fascinating stay.

Jules’ Undersea Lodge, USA

In Key Largo, Florida, this hotel allows guests to sleep underwater, entering through a lagoon. It was founded by Dr. Ian Koblick and Dr. Neil Monney, who were inspired by their marine research.

Guests dive to their rooms and experience the thrill of underwater living. The novelty and adventure of the stay are complemented by the serene underwater environment making you unique hotels.

V8 Hotel, Germany

Located in Stuttgart, the V8 Hotel is themed around cars, a unique hotels featuring rooms decorated with car parts and automotive history. The founders were inspired by the region’s rich automotive heritage.

Car enthusiasts delight in the themed rooms and automotive decor. The hotel offers a fun and immersive experience, perfect for those passionate about cars and unique hotels.

Propeller Island City Lodge, Germany

This Berlin hotel was founded by artist Lars Stroschen. Each room is a work of art, designed to challenge and inspire guests, reflecting Stroschen’s avant-garde vision.

Guests stay in uniquely artistic rooms that challenge traditional notions of hotel design. The stay is an exploration of creativity and imagination, offering a one-of-a-kind experience of unique hotels.

Conclusion

From luxurious underwater suites to enchanting treehouses and icy retreats, these unique hotels offer more than just a place to sleep—they provide an experience. Staying at any of these hotels allows travelers to immerse themselves in their destination in an extraordinary way, creating memories that last a lifetime. So, the next time you plan a trip, consider one of these unique hotels for an adventure that goes beyond the ordinary.

Read Also: Budget-Friendly Travel: Exploring Amazing Destinations Without Breaking The Bank

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