20 Bizarre Hotels

Written and compiled by Brooke Dowd

Tired of staying at the Main Street Hilton everywhere you go? Maybe just one time you'll forget about racking up your Marriott points and entertain the idea that the hotel you choose can be just as much an experience as your trip itself. Rainy day? No problem - Some of these hotels are so far out there ; guests may be compelled to complain about their room just so they can take a look at another. These unusual hotels are certainly not listed on the common hotel guide. The hotels listed fall in the realm of adventure, geared to the global traveler looking for that memorable and fascinating holiday.





Ice Hotel SWEDEN

If cold weather is your thing, then bundle up and enjoy a stay at the Ice Hotel in Sweden. Made up of over 6,000 square feet of ice and snow, it's the largest - and the original - ice hotel in the world. Guests sleep in a thermal sleeping bag on a special bed built of snow and ice, on reindeer skins. In the morning, a cup of hot lingonberry juice is brought to their bedside. After enjoying a good (?) night's sleep on a bed of snow, that morning delivery should be quite a delight. With an average temperature of 17 degrees Fahrenheit, bring lots of layers, or just visit the Absolut ICE bar and drink some vodka to stay toasty - in more ways than one.

http://www.icehotel.com/

Green Magic Treehouses KERELA, INDIA



If you longed for a tree house getaway as a child, the Green Magic Treehouses in Kerela, India may be a long awaited dream come true. The houses are built in trees 90 feet high, and nestled in a tropical rainforest. They come complete with running water in private baths, telephones, and if you're feeling extra adventurous - access to a hanging bridge. All of the houses are made of Eco- friendly materials, and run by alternate energy sources, avoiding conventional electricity power. This, coupled with the beautiful abundance of flora and fauna, make for a beautiful and unique place to stay.

http://travel.vsnl.com/palmland/treehouse







Propeller Island City Lodge

BERLIN, GERMANY



The Propeller Island City Lodge in Berlin, Germany, much like the Kunsthotel in the same city, is a gallery-like hotel. Its 31 rooms are named, not numbered, according to their design theme. At the lodge, you can choose to sleep in a coffin, a castle bed, or perhaps a strikingly orange room. Equally unique are rooms with slanted floors, wave-like walls, and caged beds. More like a mind trip than a vacation stay, the City Lodge is best suited for travelers who prefer a bit of adventure.

http://www.propeller-island.com/

The Old Jail Mount MOUNT GAMBIER, AUSTRALIA



If you've ever spent a night in jail you probably don't want to go back. However, for the do-gooders that may never get there - The Jail in Australia is just the place to get locked up for the night, sans the legal fees and court appearance. This old prison in Mount Gambier has been transformed into a lodging aimed at budget travelers. Considering guests will have to eat in the mess hall and sleep next to a toilet, it's pretty safe to say that anyone with more than budget needs should steer clear of The Jail.



http://www.jailbackpackers.com

Daspark Hotel LINTZ, AUSTRIA



I n the middle of a public park in Lintz, Austria lie 3 drainpipes. So, what does this have to do with bizarre hotels? You mean you don't want to stay in a drainpipe? Perhaps if you named your own price, would it sweeten the deal? The team at Dasparkhotel seems to think so. The drainpipes have been converted into mini guest rooms that consist of a double bed, a bedside table and a lamp. While your stay in the drainpipe will be far from lavish, it will surely make for a ridiculous travel story.



http://www.dasparkhotel.net

Imperial Boat House HOTEL CHEONG MON BEACH, CHINA



The Imperial Boat House Hotel, located on a Cheong Mon Beach in Thailand, is comprised of 34 authentic teakwood rice barges that have been converted into luxury beachfront suites. The transformed barges are hoisted up onto the shore to give travelers the feeling that they've just docked their own private yacht onto their very own island. Each two-story suite features a sunbathing deck, living room, dining area, sky-lit bathroom and luxurious bedroom. In keeping with the vessel theme, the hotel's pool is shaped like a boat.



http://www.imperialhotels.com/boathouse





Poseidon Undersea Resort FIJI



By early 2009, travelers will have the opportunity to stay at the grandiose Poseidon Undersea Resort. Nestled forty feet below the surface of the clear blue Fijian Lagoon, the underwater suites will be accessible by elevator. 70 percent of each suite is enveloped in Acrylic walls that allow for spectacular views of the ocean. Guests are invited to interact with the surroundings. At the push of a button the fish are fed, and a flip of a switch turns on the sparkling underwater lights.

http://www.poseidonresorts.com/

The Capsule Inn TOKYO, JAPAN

Think you've stayed in an efficiency room? Well, the Japanese are a bit more efficient than that. The Capsule Inn provides more of well - a capsule, than a room. While the Inn provides a public lounge space, including bathrooms, guests stay in a capsule unit. These capsules, which are made of reinforced plastic, have all the required amenities, like TV, radio, lighting, and alarm clock access. While you may be asking, required amenities for who? a quick stay in the Capsule Inn just might make you long for an all access capsule of your own.



http://www.capsuleinn.com/

Utter Inn SWEDEN



At the Utter Inn, guests literally sleep with the fishes. Swedish Sculptor and Artist, Mikal Genberg designed the Utter Inn that floats atop Lake Malaran. Guests are taken out in an inflatable boat to a small red house and then left alone to delve deep into the water to where they will spend the night. Far from ordinary, the Utter Inn is sure to be more of an aquatic adventure than a hotel stay.

http://www.privateislandsonline.com/utter-inn.htm

Winvian Cottages LITCHFIELD HILLS, CONNECTICUT



The cottages at the Winvian in Litchfield Hills, CT are an unusual, yet quiet resort-style getaway. Designed by fifteen different architects, each cottage has a unique theme and comes outfitted with luxurious amenities, such as spa inspired bathrooms. The Helicopter cottage is a 17,000 pound restored 1968 Sikorsky Sea King helicopter with operating lights and controls that simulates flying over the New England countryside. Among the other cottage themes are a tree house and a greenhouse, a Beaver Lodge that has an actual dam above the bed, and the Davinci Code-like Secret Society cabin. Despite the upscale services and the posh rates (between $1,500- $2,000 including all meals and drinks), the Winvian is just one big countryside playhouse.

http://www.winvian.com/







McMenemins Kennedy School Hotel PORTLAND, OREGON



Have you ever experienced the went to school in your underwear nightmare? At McMenemins Kennedy School hotel, that nightmare becomes a reality. The Kennedy School, a historic elementary school, has been converted into a delightful little place to stay while visiting the Portland area. Each room, fashioned from original schoolrooms, contains a chalkboard and comes fitted with a phone, Internet connection, and even a private bath. Couple those amenities with an in-house restaurant, movie theatre, and brewery, and you've got a truly unique hotel without sacrificing any conveniences during your stay.

http://www.mcmenamins.com

Burj Al- Arab DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES



Looking for another sea themed hotel? Just hop aboard a flight to Dubai and visit the Burj Al- Arab (Arabic for the Tower of the Arabs). The luxury hotel resembles a billowing white sail that stands over 1,000 feet tall on a man made island. Designed to be to Dubai what the Eiffel Tower is to Paris, it was once marketed as the world's only 7 star hotel. So it is not surprising that Burj-Al-Arab is also among the world's most expensive hotels.

http://www.burj-al-arab.com/









Hotel Fox COPENHAGEN, DENMARK



Created by Volkswagen in an effort to promote a car, Hotel Fox, is a creative and cool hotel located in the center of Copenhagen, Denmark. Twenty-one artists were commissioned to design sixty-one rooms, which are not so much theme oriented, but rather they share an over the top, kitsch appeal. The service provided by the hotel is equally special. Guests can enjoy a flat screen TV panel in their room, and a twist on the standard mini-bar. Minibar-bags or more specifically - the Hangoverbag, Moviebag, Loversbag are provided to suit different occasions, as well as your very own customized bag. Trendy and plush, the Fox Hotel is certainly a journey to be taken when staying in Denmark.

http://www.hotelfox.dk/

Kate's Lazy Meadow Motel MT. TREMPER, NEW YORK



Kate Pierson, member of the quirky rock band the B-52's, created an equally quirky cabin getaway in the Catskill Mountains of New York. Kate's Lazy Meadow features mind-blowing mid-century modern/space age/rocket-your-socks-off decor The grooviest of suites contains two bedrooms and a full service 50's style kitchen - turquoise refrigerator and all. The motel is located on nine beautiful acres and one lazy meadow, so that guests here are surrounded by more than just fun knick-knacks.



http://www.lazymeadow.com/

Woodlyn Park Motels

WAITOMO, NEW ZEALAND



Planes, Trains, and Hobbit Motels? Woodlyn Park in Waitomo, NZ offers three unique lodging options. A 1950's railcar and a Bristol Fighter plane have been refurbished and transformed into small self-contained motel units. The Hobbit Motel resembles an authentic hobbit hole built into the side of the mountain. The entertainment provided at any of the 3 Woodlyn Park motels is equally bizarre. Guests are invited to enjoy a sheep shearing and fun with bush animals, such as the kiwi bear or the dancing pig.



http://www.woodlynpark.co.nz/

Alton Towers ENGLAND



Alton Towers, England's most famous theme park, features 8 roller coasters, 3 water rides, and several themed hotel suites. Among the available themes are Peter Rabbits burrow, Arabian nights, Two Chocolate suites, and one totally cool - perfectly pink - Sleepover Suite. For the ultimate girls night in' (at around 550 US dollars a night) the Sleepover Suite comes equipped with a theatrical dressing area packed with makeup, state of the art entertainment system, and soundproof walls - for the karaoke of course. Whimsical and fun, Alton Towers is the ultimate destination for families traveling to the U.K.



http://www.altontowers.com/hotels/choose_alton_suites.asp

Helga's Folly SRI LANKA



Touted as a way of life rather than a hotel, Helga's Folly, (formerly Hotel Chalet) is a 40-room boutique hotel in Kandy, Sri Lanka. Run by Helga herself, the hotel was designed by her family in the 1930's. Buddhist relics, Ancient statues, murals, and elaborate shrines, coupled with modern kitsch make up the overall grandiose decor of Helga's Folly. Guests are invited to explore, enjoy the 1930's jazz tunes that are played throughout, and soak up the way of life.



http://www.helgasfolly.com/

Fur n' Feathers Rainforest Tree Houses AUSTRALIA



Luxury and tree hugging usually don't go hand in hand. The Fur n' Feathers Rainforest Tree Houses in Australia manage to combine the two. This beautiful accommodation is a wildlife sanctuary, located on more than 100 acres of endangered rainforest. Guests lodge in the luxury pole houses that overlook the Ithaca River, which offer privacy and seclusion. A stay at Fur n' Feathers provides a retreat from the stress of daily life with a unique, eco-friendly twist.



http://www.rainforesttreehouses.com.au/









Kunst Hotel BERLIN, GERMANY



If the term theme hotel evokes images of champagne hot tubs and vibrating

beds, one visit to the Kunsthotel in Berlin will change that. Each room in this gallery-like hotel is whimsically designed by a renowned artist to fit a different theme, era, or location. Rooms dedicated to Edward Hopper, Audrey Hepburn and Vincent Van Gogh are among the choices. Others have broader themes, like specific literary works, the color yellow, or shoe fetishes. With more than fifty rooms and an art gallery, the Kunsthotel, is a feast for the eyes and a treat to all travelers interested in the arts.



http://www.luise-berlin.com/en/hotel/bel-etage.htm

Hotel de Nesle PARIS, FRANCE



The city of Paris still holds some of its Bohemian charm. This charm, along with the works of the writers and painters of old world Paris, are preserved in the Hotel de Nesle. This quaint budget hotel's rooms are adorned with painted frescoes based on historical events and literary themes. Guests can choose to sleep in rooms designed in homage to the writer Moliere, the Notre Dame de Paris, or in the romantic Heloise room. Luxury lovers beware, the Hotel de Nesle is void of elevators and phones so you can forget about room service. Travelers who have few needs and a love for the arts would better appreciate this hotel and all of its delights.

http://www.hoteldenesleparis.com/