Unique Hotels: From Treehouses to Overwater Bungalows

Why Ordinary Hotels Are Out and Unique Hotels Are In

Let’s face it. Standard hotel rooms can get boring. White walls, generic décor, and the same breakfast buffet you’ve seen a hundred times. More travelers today are swapping predictable stays for something special.

That’s where unique hotels come in. Whether you’re sleeping in a treetop hideaway or floating above turquoise waters, these unusual places to stay offer more than a place to crash. They give you a story to tell.

Experience-based travel is on the rise. People want to feel something new when they travel. Staying somewhere truly one-of-a-kind adds a spark of magic to your adventure. This guide will take you through some of the most unusual hotels around the world – from treehouse hotels to eco-lodges that blend luxury with nature.

Unique Hotels Around the World That Will Blow Your Mind

Ready to stay somewhere you’ll never forget? Around the world, more and more hotels are pushing the boundaries of what lodging can be. These aren’t just places to sleep – they’re part of the experience.

Think of it this way: when you book a hotel that’s a destination in itself, your trip begins the moment you check in. Below are some of the world’s most unusual hotels, each with its own personality, style, and backstory.

Treehouse Hotels That Let You Sleep Among the Trees

There’s something dreamy about staying in a treehouse. It taps into childhood memories and brings you closer to nature. But forget the basic backyard kind. Today’s treehouse hotels are luxurious, peaceful, and surprisingly comfortable.

Take Treehotel in Sweden, for example. Nestled in a quiet forest, each treehouse has its own design, like for instance a mirrored cube that reflects the trees or a UFO-shaped pod hanging between branches. It’s cozy, modern, and totally surreal.

In South Africa, Tsala Treetop Lodge offers stunning treetop suites with private decks and infinity pools. You’re literally floating above a forest canopy, and the views go on for miles.

Over in Oregon, the Out’n’About Treehouse Treesort is a fun and quirky option for families. These hand-built treehouses come with ladders, bridges, and a serious sense of adventure.

These unusual places to stay are ideal for anyone who loves nature or simply wants a break from city life. They’re also popular with eco-conscious travelers looking for a smaller footprint.

Overwater Bungalows That Redefine Romance and Relaxation

Imagine waking up to the sound of waves beneath your bed. You slide open the door and step onto your private deck, surrounded by clear blue water. That’s the magic of overwater bungalows, one of the most popular types of unique hotels for couples and honeymooners.

In the Maldives, Soneva Jani stands out. Many overwater villas come with retractable roofs for stargazing, and select bungalows even include a private water slide that splashes right into the ocean. It’s luxury with a playful twist.

Four Seasons Bora Bora is another classic. It’s everything you imagine when you think of tropical paradise. Thatched roofs, glass floors, and views that make you want to pinch yourself.

If you’re looking for a more affordable but still luxurious option, check out El Dorado Maroma Palafitos in Mexico. It offers overwater bungalows with all the perks – spa tubs, gourmet dining, and ocean views – at a slightly more manageable price.

Want more ideas? Dream Overwater Bungalows is a great resource.

Ice and Igloo Hotels That Are Truly One of a Kind

Not all travelers want sun and sand. For cold-weather lovers, ice hotels and igloo resorts offer a bucket-list experience like no other. Imagine snuggling up in a room made entirely of snow and ice, or watching the northern lights from a glass igloo.

The most famous is the Icehotel in Sweden, rebuilt every winter with fresh blocks of ice from the nearby river. Each room is a work of art, sculpted by artists around the world. It’s chilly, yes but they give you thermal sleeping bags and plenty of warm drinks.

Over in Finland, Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort offers glass igloos that let you watch the aurora borealis from the comfort of your bed. It’s peaceful, surreal, and incredibly romantic.

These stays are unusual hotels around the world that offer more than novelty. They offer wonder.

Unusual Places to Stay You’ve Never Heard Of

Sometimes the best places to stay are the ones that break all the rules. Around the globe, there are quirky accommodations that defy expectations and offer something totally fresh.

In Kenya, Giraffe Manor lets you share breakfast with a giraffe – literally. These gentle animals poke their heads through the windows to say good morning.

Hotel Costa Verde in Costa Rica is set inside a refurbished Boeing 727 airplane. It’s perched in the jungle and turned into a suite with a view.

V8 Hotel in Germany is heaven for car lovers. Each room is themed after classic cars. Some even have beds made from old vehicles.

For something more industrial-chic, try the Crane Hotel Faralda in the Netherlands. You sleep inside a real crane overlooking the harbor. It’s bold, bizarre, and unforgettable.

These are truly some of the world’s most unusual places to stay, perfect for those who want something different from the norm.

Floating Hotels for an Off-the-Grid Escape

Want to stay on the water without leaving shore? Floating hotels are a dreamy blend of comfort and adventure. They’re perfect for travelers looking to disconnect and enjoy life at a slower pace.

At The Manta Resort in Tanzania, you’ll find a floating room with an underwater bedroom. You sleep surrounded by tropical fish like being inside your own private aquarium.

In France, Off Paris Seine offers a modern, stylish hotel that floats on the river. It’s close to everything but feels like a peaceful escape.

Salt & Sill in Sweden is the country’s first floating hotel. It’s minimal, calm, and perfect for people who love water views and local seafood.

These stays sometimes called houseboat hotels or floating bungalows, are ideal for off-the-grid explorers and design lovers alike.

Eco-Lodges and Glamping Resorts That Blend Luxury and Nature

If you want to travel in a way that’s kind to the planet, eco-lodges and glamping resorts are the way to go. These unique hotels offer comfort and sustainability without sacrificing either.

In Switzerland, Whitepod Eco-Luxury Hotel features dome-shaped pods that overlook the Alps. Each one is designed to use minimal energy, and you’re surrounded by nature in every direction.

Longitude 131° in Australia takes glamping to the next level. These luxury tents sit near Uluru and offer unbeatable views of the desert. You still get plush beds, gourmet meals, and expert guides.

For a rainforest escape, Finca Bellavista in Costa Rica is a treetop village that focuses on community and conservation. You can zipline between cabins, hike through lush greenery, and meet like-minded travelers.

These unusual places to stay make it easy to feel good about where you sleep.

Tips for Booking Unique Accommodations Without Breaking the Bank

You don’t have to be rich to enjoy an amazing stay. With a few smart tips, you can book affordable unique hotels that give you something unforgettable without blowing your budget.

Start by using sites like Airbnb, Booking.com, Mr & Mrs Smith, and Glamping Hub. These platforms often list unusual hotels around the world, and many have filters for treehouses, bungalows, or floating homes.

Booking during shoulder seasons (like spring or fall) can save you money and avoid crowds. Try mid-week stays too as rates are usually cheaper than weekends.

Apps like Hopper or Google Flights alerts can also help you find deals on flights and stays.

Lastly, always read reviews and check the cancellation policy. That’s how you make sure the “unique” part is a good thing and not a bad surprise.

Why Unique Hotels Make Travel More Memorable

Think about your last trip. Do you remember the hotel, or do you remember what made it special? With unique hotels, the stay is the story.

These spots add personality to your journey. They create photo-worthy moments, deep connections with the place, and memories you’ll share for years.

They’re also great for families, couples, or solo travelers looking for a meaningful escape. Whether it’s romance, fun, or peace you’re after, there’s a perfect unusual place to stay waiting for you.

And in a world full of fast-paced travel and cookie-cutter hotels, standing still in a floating room or a treehouse might just be the most powerful part of the journey.

Ready to Try a Unique Hotel Stay?

From treehouses in Sweden to underwater rooms in Tanzania, we’ve explored some of the most unusual hotels around the world. These stays aren’t just accommodations. They’re experiences.

They let you feel like a kid again, connect with nature, or just try something wild and different. And let’s be honest, they do make your Instagram look amazing too.

Next time you travel, skip the standard room. Choose a stay that’s as unforgettable as the destination itself.