I’ve traveled to 66 countries and stayed in some seriously jaw-dropping places, but these hotels? They’re next level. We’re talking treehouses in the jungle, underwater suites, and cliffside retreats with views so epic you’ll pinch yourself. These aren’t just hotels—they’re once-in-a-lifetime experiences that you’ll be talking about for years. In this list of the 15 most unique hotels for 2025, I’m sharing the absolute coolest stays that will blow your mind.
Don’t have time to read the full guide? Here are my favorite hotels in the world with availability right now!
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Top 15 Most Unique and Luxurious Hotels at a Glance
- Most Spectacular Underwater Suite: The Muraka at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island – Sleep beneath the waves in a private undersea bedroom surrounded by vibrant marine life, complete with a personal chef and infinity pool.
- Coolest (Literally) Hotel Experience: Icehotel, Sweden – A frozen masterpiece rebuilt every year, offering intricately sculpted ice rooms and a magical Arctic setting.
- Ultimate Desert Escape: Amangiri, Utah – A serene luxury resort in the canyons, featuring private plunge pools and a spa nestled in the desert.
- Best Overwater Villas in the World: Soneva Jani, Maldives – Iconic for its lagoon slides and stargazing roofs, this eco-luxury resort blends indulgence and sustainability.
- Most Magical Wildlife Encounter: Giraffe Manor, Kenya – Dine with giraffes as they pop their heads into the windows at this elegant boutique hotel.
- Best Place to See the Northern Lights: Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, Finland – Glass-domed igloos and cozy cabins make for the perfect aurora viewing spot.
- Most Exclusive Private Island Paradise: The Brando, French Polynesia – An untouched eco-retreat offering pristine beaches and world-class luxury in a former celebrity hideaway.
- Coziest Aurora Retreat: Golden Crown Levin Iglut, Finland – Luxurious glass igloos with heated floors and panoramic views of Lapland’s starry skies.
- Most Futuristic Forest Stay: Treehotel, Sweden – Sleep among treetops in uniquely designed rooms like the Mirrorcube and UFO, surrounded by serene nature.
- Most Extravagant Resort on Earth: Atlantis The Royal, Dubai – A marvel of modern luxury with sky pools, fire-and-water fountains, and celebrity chef dining.
- Best Rooftop Infinity Pool Views: Marina Bay Sands, Singapore – Home to the world’s largest rooftop infinity pool with jaw-dropping cityscape views.
- Most Remote Luxury Retreat: Fogo Island Inn, Canada – A striking architectural wonder offering unmatched views of rugged coastlines and wild nature.
- Most Iconic Urban Oasis: Hotel Unique, São Paulo – This ship-shaped boutique hotel features a rooftop pool with panoramic views of the city.
- Most Regal Stay: Ashford Castle, Ireland – A centuries-old castle-turned-resort with antique-filled rooms, falconry, and lavish gardens.
- Saltiest Hotel in the World: Palacio de Sal, Bolivia – Built entirely from salt, this lodge offers stunning stargazing near the Uyuni salt flats.
Now, here are some of these unique hotels in greater detail.
1. Icehotel – Jukkasjärvi, Sweden
- Location: Jukkasjärvi village, 200km north of Arctic Circle
- From: $830 per night (ice rooms)
- Best For: People who want bragging rights that money can’t buy elsewhere
I’ve stayed in some pretty unusual places, but nothing prepared me for the surreal experience of sleeping inside a work of art made entirely of ice. Founded in 1989, this is the original Icehotel, completely made out of natural ice from Torne River and rebuilt every winter. Walking through the corridors feels like entering an enchanted frozen palace where everything, including your bed, is carved from glistening ice.
During peak northern lights season, watching aurora dance over frozen sculptures while sipping cocktails from actual ice glasses beats any Instagram filter. The logistics are flawless: thermal sleeping bags, reindeer hide mattresses, morning sauna access, and lingonberry juice to start your day.
What sets this apart from knockoff ice hotels worldwide is the sheer scale and artistic ambition. We’re talking hand-cut crystal chandeliers and room themes that change annually. It’s 17km from Kiruna with direct charter flights from London in winter, or a quick 32-minute bus ride year-round.
2. Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel – Ottawa, Canada
- Location: Downtown Ottawa, Ontario (75 Nicholas Street, steps from Parliament Hill and ByWard Market)
- Prices From: $36 USD per night
- Perfect For: True crime enthusiasts on backpacker budgets
Most people try to avoid jail time, but here in Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel, you’ll actually pay for the privilege. This 1862 former prison genuinely gives me chills every time I walk through those heavy doors, knowing real convicts once called these stone-walled cells home. The original iron doors still clang shut with that unmistakable metallic echo that makes you grateful you can leave whenever you want.
The genius here isn’t just sleeping in authentic cells where notorious criminals served time, but the incredible stories you discover. Your “sentence” even includes continental breakfast, air conditioning that definitely wasn’t available to original prisoners, and a prime downtown location steps from Parliament Hill.
Perhaps the biggest surprise was how the communal kitchen and lounge areas buzz with travelers comparing their “cell block” experiences. The stone walls and iron bars create the most unique backdrop for hostel socializing you’ll find anywhere. Plus, you’re perfectly positioned to explore ByWard Market’s restaurants and bars.
- Read next: Cheapest Places to Fly to in Canada
3. The Jaffa – Tel Aviv, Israel
- Location: Jaffa’s Old City, overlooking Mediterranean Sea
- From: $410 per night
- Best For: People who think regular five-stars are for amateurs
The Jaffa occupies a 19th-century French hospital that British architect John Pawson spent over a decade transforming into something that makes other Tel Aviv hotels look amateur. The 120-room property splits between a meticulously restored historic wing with 4-meter ceilings and arched windows, and a stark modern addition that houses 32 residences.
What sets this place apart is its penthouse with a 720-square-meter rooftop terrace that costs more per night than most people’s cars. Meanwhile, the L.RAPHAEL spa delivers Swiss-level pampering with oxygen treatments and diamond technology facials. The Chapel bar, housed in the former prayer hall, serves cocktails under soaring vaulted ceilings with original stained glass casting colored light across your drink.
Located a 5-minute walk from Jaffa’s flea market and ancient port, with Ben Gurion Airport 25 minutes away by taxi. The hotel sits within the old Crusader citadel walls, so you’re literally staying inside 800 years of history.
The Jaffa’s many luxurious accommodations include a beautiful outdoor pool. | Credit: Booking.com
4. Giraffe Manor – Nairobi, Kenya
- Location: Langata suburb, Nairobi
- From: $875 per person per night
- Best For: People who hate kids but love endangered animals
Giraffe Manor turns breakfast into a wildlife documentary where endangered Rothschild’s giraffes stick their heads through your dining room windows looking for handouts. This 1932 Scottish hunting lodge operates more like an exclusive conservation club than a hotel, with just 12 rooms across the original Manor and Garden Manor, with every guest assigned a personal butler who doubles as giraffe-feeding coordinator.
Here’s the catch that separates casual rich from serious rich: only 6 rooms can be booked independently, the rest require combining with other Safari Collection properties first. Your $875 covers everything from gourmet meals to airport transfers, plus you’re funding actual conservation work rather than just another luxury experience.
Book 6-12 months ahead or forget it entirely as this place sells out faster than concert tickets. It’s located 20 minutes from Wilson Airport, but prepare for Nairobi traffic extending that to 90 minutes during rush hour. Closes in May for maintenance, so time accordingly.
5. Conrad Maldives – Rangali Island, Maldives
- Location: South Ari Atoll, Maldives
- From: $642 per night
- Best For: Overachievers who need to win at vacation
Most Maldives resorts give you one island and call it paradise. Conrad Maldives Rangali Island said “hold my champagne” and built across two islands connected by a 500-meter bridge where you can literally watch manta rays cruise underneath while walking to dinner.
Twice voted “Best Hotel in the World”, this place doesn’t just do underwater restaurants, it pioneered them 20 years ago. In fact, Ithaa Restaurant sits 5 meters below sea level, letting you eat lunch surrounded by reef sharks like some Bond villain fantasy.
But here’s where it gets properly insane: The Muraka villa costs $50,000 per night and puts your bedroom 16 feet underwater. It’s a 6,000-square-foot residence that makes other luxury seem quaint. Can’t swing fifty grand? The regular overwater villas start reasonably, and you still get access to 12 restaurants and the kind of service that anticipates your needs before you have them.
The resort splits cleverly: family island for chaos, adults-only island for peace. Plus, South Ari Atoll delivers year-round whale shark encounters.
- Read next: Unique Travel Experiences
6. Burj Al Arab Hotel – Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Location: Jumeirah Beach, Dubai
- From: $1,068 per night
- Best For: People who think regular 5-star hotels are for peasants
The Burj Al Arab doesn’t just claim to be the world’s only 7-star hotel, it invented the rating because normal scales couldn’t contain this level of ingenuity. Standing 321 meters tall on its own artificial island 280 meters offshore, this sail-shaped monument to excess operates entirely in duplex suites.
The real flex isn’t the fleet of Rolls Royces or the helipad where Federer and Agassi played tennis, it’s the Al Mahara restaurant, accessed via simulated submarine voyage with a massive aquarium. Afternoon tea costs $173 per person but gets you into this members-only fortress where mortals can’t just walk in. The Royal Suite allegedly runs $8,355 per night, making your mortgage payment look reasonable.
Connected to the mainland by private bridge, 15 minutes from Dubai International Airport. The customer base shifted from wealthy Americans to wealthy Russians and Chinese, so expect serious money conversations in multiple languages.
7. The Liberty – Boston, MA, USA
- Location: Beacon Hill, Boston
- From: $294 per night
- Best For: True crime podcast addicts with trust funds
Forget boutique hotels with manufactured character, The Liberty delivers the real deal because it actually housed Boston’s worst criminals for 139 years. Built in 1851 as the Charles Street Jail, this National Historic Landmark locked up everyone from Malcolm X to Whitey Bulger to the Boston Strangler. Babe Ruth once toured it and said “It isn’t like a jail, it’s like a hotel,” and turns out he was prophetic. When it reopened in 2007 after $150 million in renovations, they kept the original catwalks, cell doors, and rotunda intact.
The 298 rooms include 18 converted actual jail cells in the historic building, though most guests opt for the modern tower. CLINK restaurant literally sits behind preserved jail cell facades, and Thursday night “Fashionably LATE” events turn the lobby into a fashion runway. Ghost sightings are frequent as staff report phantom voices in the kitchen calling out orders and guests spot figures peering through upper-floor windows.
Walking distance to Charles Street shopping and the Freedom Trail. Steps from Mass General Hospital, making it popular with medical families who appreciate the irony of healing in a former house of punishment.
- You may also like: Hidden Vacation Spots in the US
- For more reading: Affordable Places to Fly From Boston
- Keep reading: Fun & Unique Restaurants in Boston
8. Amangiri, Utah
- Location: Canyon Point, Southern Utah
- From: $4,000 per night
- Best For: People who want to feel like they’re in a sci-fi movie and don’t mind paying Tesla money for a hotel room
Amangiri isn’t just built into the desert landscape, it’s carved out of it like some alien civilization decided Utah needed a luxury base camp. The massive Aman Spa feels like stepping into a movie set, complete with five separate pavilions and water elements that mirror the surrounding red rock formations.
The 34 suites come with concrete walls that somehow feel warm, blackened steel fixtures, and floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the kind of views that make you question reality. Staying in the Desert View Suite and watching the sunrise paint the sandstone cliffs just don’t exist anywhere else on earth. Even the outdoor fire pit becomes your evening entertainment. Who needs Netflix when you’ve got a front-row seat to the Milky Way?
The property covers miles of designated hiking trails, and the resort hooks you up with VIP access to Antelope Canyon tours that skip the Instagram crowds. You’re 25 minutes from Page Municipal Airport and 2.5 hours from major national parks including Zion, Bryce Canyon, and the Grand Canyon.
9. Soneva Jani, Maldives
- Location: Noonu Atoll, Maldives (5.6-kilometer private lagoon)
- From: $5,250 per night
- Best For: People who think regular overwater villas are for peasants
Imagine staying in a two-bedroom water villa with a slide that launches you straight into the crystal-clear lagoon. Soneva Jani turns the overwater villa concept into pure theater with water slides and retractable roofs to stargaze from the master bedroom. The resort has 51 overwater villas split between North and South jetties in a 5.6-kilometer lagoon, making this one of the lowest-density luxury properties on earth.
The smallest one-bedroom units still cover 4,477 square feet, while larger villas feature private pools and overwater catamaran nets. The overwater silent cinema, star-gazing observatory with resident astronomers, and complimentary ice cream, chocolate and cheese rooms make this feel like a luxury theme park.
Seaplane transfers from Malé cost $1,100 per adult and take 35-45 minutes, though you can now fly direct to Maafaru International Airport just 15 minutes away by speedboat. The resort sets clocks one hour ahead of Malé time so you get more daylight hours to justify the astronomical price tag.
10. Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, Finland
- Location: Saariselkä, Finnish Lapland
- From: $460 per night
- Best For: People who think camping is for poor people but still want to sleep under the stars
Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort invented the glass igloo concept in 1999 and remains the gold standard for Nordic bucket-list tourism. The thermal glass igloos feature bedrooms with glass roofs and luxury beds, while the property has the world’s largest smoke sauna for the full Finnish experience. The resort splits into East Village (original) and West Village with 20 glass igloos total.
The igloos are basically heated greenhouses with beds, offering zero privacy but maximum aurora visibility. Glass igloos operate from late August until the end of April during Northern Lights season, with Aurora alarm service available to wake you when the lights appear.
Ivalo Airport sits just 30 minutes away with direct flights from Helsinki, London, and Frankfurt. The resort straddles the main highway to Norway’s North Cape, making it accessible by car with studded tires mandatory in winter. Book activities like husky safaris and reindeer tours in advance as everything fills up faster than you’d expect in the middle of nowhere.
11. The Brando, French Polynesia
- Location: Tetiaroa Atoll, French Polynesia
- From: $3,000 per night
- Best For: People who want to save the planet while bankrupting themselves
Marlon Brando bought this 12-island atoll in 1967 and dreamed of creating an eco-paradise. The Brando finally realized that vision in 2014 as the world’s most sustainable ultra-luxury resort. The first property in French Polynesia to receive LEED Platinum certification, it proves you can have champagne and save coral reefs simultaneously.
Thirty-five private villas each come with their own private beach and plunge pool spread across white-sand beaches where sea turtles nest. The environmental tech is genuinely impressive, with over 4,000 solar panels supplying 60% of the resort’s energy while deep-sea water air conditioning keeps villas cool. I found the all-inclusive approach refreshing since most luxury resorts nickel-and-dime you for everything.
Getting here requires Air Tetiaroa’s private 20-minute flight from Tahiti using aircraft seating 6-14 passengers. The resort operates its own airline because commercial flights would compromise the atoll’s protected status. Flight transfers come included with villa bookings, making the jaw-dropping nightly rate slightly less painful to swallow.
12. Fogo Island Inn, Canada
- Location: Joe Batt’s Arm, Fogo Island, Newfoundland (off Canada’s northeast coast)
- From: $1,600 per night
- Best For: People who think regular remote locations aren’t remote enough
Architecture meets activism at this 29-suite inn perched on stilts above the North Atlantic, where Michelin Guide awarded Three Keys in September 2024, their highest hotel distinction. Fogo Island Inn emerged from local entrepreneur Zita Cobb’s mission to save her dying fishing community through luxury tourism, creating a social enterprise where all profits return to island residents.
The 29-room all-suites property stands on crooked pilotis providing panoramic views through wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows. Every piece of furniture, from quilts to lighting fixtures, was handcrafted by local artisans using traditional island techniques. I also appreciate how rates include everything: all meals, most excursions, and transfers from Gander Airport, eliminating the nickel-and-diming common at luxury properties.
Getting here requires three flights, one car rental, and one ferry if traveling from major North American cities. The journey to Gander Airport, then driving to Farewell for the 50-minute ferry crossing, becomes part of the experience.
13. Treehotel, Sweden
- Location: Harads, Swedish Lapland (60km south of Arctic Circle)
- From: $640 per night
- Best For: Adults who never outgrew their treehouse fantasies but developed champagne taste
What started as campfire conversation between a hotelier and Sweden’s top architects became the world’s most Instagram-famous treehouse hotel. Treehotel features seven individually designed rooms suspended above ground, each created by different architectural firms including the mirror-clad cube that went viral on CNN.
The Mirror Cube measures exactly 4x4x4 meters with walls that reflect and blend into the surroundings, while the UFO accommodates families with its flying saucer design accessed through the bottom. All treehouses use eco-friendly combustion toilets and water-efficient sinks, powered by hydroelectric energy. The Bird’s Nest requires climbing a retractable ladder into what looks like a giant tangled nest but opens to reveal sophisticated interiors.
Located one hour from Luleå Airport in a boreal forest near the Lule River, it’s perfectly positioned for Northern Lights viewing in winter or midnight sun in summer. Check-in happens at the traditional Britta’s Guesthouse before guided walks to your chosen treehouse.
14. Atlantis The Royal, Dubai
- Location: Palm Jumeirah, Dubai (adjacent to original Atlantis resort)
- From: $1,200 per night
- Best For: People who think regular five-star hotels lack sufficient Instagram opportunities
Dubai doesn’t do subtle, so naturally someone built a hotel with 90 swimming pools and launched it with Beyoncé’s first concert in five years. Atlantis The Royal opened in February 2023 as a 43-story vertical resort designed to make the original Atlantis look quaint by comparison.
The resort weighs in at 795 rooms and suites, beginning with merely vast 600-square-foot rooms and ascending to penthouses like the extravagant Royal Mansion featuring four bedrooms plus a private terrace with infinity pool. The infinity pool on the 22nd floor connects two architectural towers and costs up to $1,100 per day just to access as a non-guest. Seventeen restaurants include Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, recipient of a Michelin Star.
I found the sheer excess oddly refreshing. Where else can you swim in a sky pool while celebrity chefs cook dinner and fire-breathing fountains perform below? The resort provides complimentary shuttle service to the original Atlantis for waterpark access, plus 2 kilometers of private beach.
15. Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
- Location: Marina Bay, Singapore (central business district waterfront)
- From: $600 per night
- Best For: People who need their pool photos to break the internet
Moshe Safdie designed Marina Bay Sands to look like three towers supporting a massive ship, creating Singapore’s most recognizable skyline feature and the world’s most Instagrammed infinity pool. At its 2010 opening, it was deemed the world’s most expensive standalone casino property at $6.88 billion, establishing Singapore as a luxury destination overnight.
The infinity pool sits 191 meters above ground on the SkyPark, accessible exclusively to hotel guests with keycards. No amount of money gets non-guests into the pool itself. Three sections include adults-only, family-friendly, and dedicated children’s areas, though finding a quiet spot requires early morning visits before Instagram crowds arrive.
Located in Marina Bay’s heart, you’re walking distance to Gardens by the Bay, the Singapore Flyer, and Merlion Park. Changi Airport sits 30 minutes away by taxi, while the MRT connects directly to the Bayfront station underneath the resort for easy city exploration.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the most unique hotels in the world.
Do you have lingering questions about the most unique hotels in the world? Well, I’ve got answers! Before embarking on your next unique trip, here are some of the most common questions I get about the world’s most interesting accommodations.
Are unique hotels expensive?
Unique hotels can vary in price, with some being more affordable and others catering to a luxury clientele. The rates often depend on factors such as location, exclusivity, amenities, and the overall experience offered. However, it’s possible to find unique accommodations that suit a range of budgets, allowing travelers to experience something extraordinary without breaking the bank.
Booking.com, one of the popular online booking platforms, provides a wide range of accommodations, including unique hotels, at different price points. They offer options catering to various budgets, allowing you to find a unique hotel that fits your financial needs. By utilizing search filters on Booking.com, you can specify your price range and explore unique hotels within your desired budget.
What can I expect from a stay in a unique hotel?
Staying in a unique hotel promises an unforgettable experience. From sleeping in a converted castle to living in a treehouse or even underwater, guests can expect to be immersed in extraordinary surroundings. These hotels often offer personalized services, exceptional amenities, and opportunities for adventure, creating lasting memories and stories to share.
How do I save extra money on my flight to some of the world’s most unique hotels?
Traveling to any of these destinations to stay in some of the most interesting hotels in the world can put you out a decent amount of money, but luckily, there are many ways to save money on flights and other parts of the travel experience. When it comes to scoring low-cost flights, I recommend Scott’s Cheap Flights (now called Going). This website offers fares to just about anywhere for 40-90% off the regular rates.
By signing up for their completely free email alerts, you’ll receive access to low-cost fares. Thanks to mistake fares or airlines needing to fill seats at the last minute, you can scoop up some pretty sweet deals through Scott’s, and even more with their premium subscription. This service costs just $49 a year, but for a limited time, you can use coupon code JON20 to save 20%!
What country has the most beautiful hotels?
This is a hard question to answer, but one I get frequently. Ultimately, I think it comes down to your own taste. If you’re looking for extreme luxury, I recommend the United Arab Emirates or Saudi Arabia. They have some of the most luxurious hotels in the world. However, if you’re more interested in sightseeing and unique experiences, the small hotel rooms in Japan may suit your fancy. If beachy vacations are more your speed, Mexico or Hawaii may have what you’re looking for. Looking for something historic? Many countries in Europe, as well as the UK, will likely have something that piques your interest. No matter your taste, there’s a great place for you to explore and a new adventure waiting for you.
What is the most famous hotel in the world?
The Burj Al Arab, which you’ll find on this list, is considered one of the most famous hotels in the world. There are also plenty of other hotels that may not be the most unique or extravagant but are, for one reason or another, incredibly famous.
One of those hotels is The Plaza in New York. This has been the filming location for so many famous films, such as North by Northwest and Home Alone 2. It is also the setting for the children’s book Eloise at the Plaza. At the real Plaza hotel, you can stay in the Eloise Suite, decked out in all pink to honor the popular character.
Another famous hotel is Brown’s Hotel in London. This five-star hotel was made famous thanks to Queen Victoria, who loved to enjoy her tea here. Just a short ways away from Buckingham Palace, visitors can come here and enjoy a cup of tea just like the Queen.
The Atlantis resort in the Bahamas is also one of the most famous hotels in the world, likely because of its popular marine animal habitat that’s a favorite with visitors. The resort itself looks like a castle straight out of a Disney story, and features a water park that spans over 140 acres. This is an awesome destination for families of all sizes looking to get in touch with marine life.
While they may not necessarily be as famous worldwide, some of the most famous American hotels reside in Las Vegas, thanks in part to their unique themes. The Luxor, the Venetian, Caesar’s Palace, the Bellagio, Hotel Flamingo—each one of these holds a unique spot in the American zeitgeist.
What is the biggest hotel in the world?
The biggest hotel in the world is the First World hotel in Malaysia, featuring over 7,000 rooms. Coming up next are the Venetian and the MGM Grand, both in Las Vegas, with 7,000 and 6,800 rooms, respectively. Other large hotels across the world are Abraj Al Bait in Saudi Arabia, The Londoner Macao in Macau, and the Izmailovo Hotel in Russia.
In case you were wondering, the smallest hotel in the world is the The Eh’häusl Hotel in Amberg, Germany. This quaint, romantic spot—called “The Little Wedding House”—was built in 1728 and sits at just over six feet wide. This is a unique hotel to check out with your partner on a romantic vacation, but don’t bring along anyone else—there’s only room for two!
