Traveling means discovering a new country, a new culture but also a new place to live. While hotels are often just a place to rest before a new day of sightseeing, some establishments are real curiosities that could almost be worth a visit themselves. Far from the usual city center hotels or inns, the Little Wise Guy has found the best addresses to spend a night or several atypical nights. Whether they are located 25 meters above sea level, in the middle of the sea, or even in a church, all these atypical accommodations promise an unusual night! From Brittany to Tanzania through Bolivia, we almost forget to close our eyes as the scenery is so different from the ordinary: isn't this the main virtue of travel?
The Kerbel lighthouse, in the seventh sky
In Riantec, in the Morbihan, the Kerbel lighthouse opens its doors for a unique night, more than 25 m high. The panoramic view on the Breton coast and the island of Groix is exceptional from this independent room composed of a sofa bed, a kitchenette and a bathroom. If you are several, the janitor's house can also accommodate up to six people, but on the first floor this time. With a swimming pool, sauna and beach at your feet, the Kerbel lighthouse is the assurance of an unusual weekend during your next getaway in Brittany.
Learn more about Morbihan in our article: The Gulf of Morbihan, a Breton paradise between land and sea!
Aurora Express Bed & Breakfast, a travelers' hotel
A trip to Alaska is the assurance of a change of scenery without equal. However, the experience can become exceptional by staying in an unusual accommodation such as the Aurora Express Bed & Breakfast in Fairbanks. Here, travelers will be delighted to sleep not in a hotel room but in converted old train cars. Breakfast is also served in this unusual setting. Each room is uniquely decorated and the caring owners will take the time to explain the family history of their B&B.
For more unforgettable experiences in Alaska, check out our Alaska must-sees!
Martin's Patershof, a divine sleep
In the heart of Mechelen, Belgium, less than 20 minutes from Brussels, the church of the Friars Minor is now home to a beautiful 4-star hotel, Martin's Patershof. Its 79 rooms cleverly blend contemporary decoration and sacred heritage for a unique experience. Although the 19th century building has been desecrated since 1999, its architecture has been preserved and promises a divine night in a cosy room right in the cloister or in an exceptional suite above the altar. Click here for to see the rates and availability of this extraordinary hotel.
Discover also our selection ofmust-see places in Brussels!
The IceHotel, an ephemeral decor
If you are afraid of cold, don't bother: the IceHotel in Jukkasjärvi, near Kiruna in Lapland, is sculpted every year in the ice of the Torne river, one of the purest in Europe. This impressive work gives way to an ephemeral building, a cosy nest installed in a frozen setting. Of course, it is - 5°, but the sleeping bags provided are sufficiently insulating for a very comfortable night. You can only enjoy this unusual stay between December and April, before the ice melts. Are you interested in this unusual experience? Find out here the rates and availability of the hotel!
For even more unique experiences in Lapland, we recommend the Lapland must-sees!
The Underwater Room at Manta Resort, an underwater paradise
On the fabulous island of Zanzibar, the Manta Resort offers top of the line services in a natural and preserved setting offering great diving possibilities. However, this activity is not the only possibility to discover the seabed of the island of Zanzibar: you can also rent the sublime "Underwater Room". Encapsulated in the ocean, this suite offers an underwater view from the bed and a beautiful lounge on a floating platform. Would you like to live this unique experience? Be aware that the rates are rather high.
Not sure what to do in Zanzibar? Discover our article: What to see, what to do in Zanzibar?
Nine Hours, a capsule hotel
The Nine Hours in Kyoto is one of the very original capsule hotels in Japan. In order to optimize space, these hotels do not offer rooms but capsule beds containing the necessary: bed linen and alarm clock. However, don't expect to spend a romantic night with your other half: if you book for two people, you will be offered two bed-cabins side by side. A unique experience, ideal for a restful night's sleep away from the bustle of Kyoto. Tempted by a night out of the ordinary? Find out here the rates and availability of the establishment.
Havenkraan, a night in a crane
Whether you are a construction enthusiast or not, spending a night in a crane is a child's dream! Just a stone's throw from the center of Harlingen, in the Netherlands, the Havenkraan establishment offers an unusual rental, 17 m high, in a crane that was active until 1996. This suite is located in the operator's cabin and the engine room, and offers a beautiful view of the Wadden Sea, especially from its highest point, which is a small dining room. Click here to to book your night in one of the most original hotels in the world!
The Library Hotel, sleeping in a library
The Library Hotel is located in the heart of Manhattan, New York. In this unusual establishment, avid readers will be in their own universe: the ten floors of the hotel are organized according to the Dewey Decimal Classification, which classifies the documentary holdings of libraries. In practice, each floor has its own universe and its own books: science on the5th floor, erotic literature in room 800.001, etc. In total, more than 6,000 books are listed in this temple of knowledge, where you can be sure to read a good story before going to bed! The Library Hotel collection also has an establishment in Budapest called Aria Hotel Budapest. This one is not dedicated to reading, but to music this time, each room referring to a particular style. Want to book a night there? Take advantage of our partner's rates by clicking right here.
Learn more in our selection of New York must-sees!
El Palacio de Sal, in the heart of the Salar of Uyuni
The Salar of Uyuni is one of the most visited sites in Bolivia, it is the largest salt desert in the world. To live a night out of the ordinary on the banks of this salar, it is in the Palacio de Sal that it is necessary to lodge during its excursion. This hotel of dream merges marvelously with the natural landscape which surrounds it since it counts 43 rooms, entirely realized in salt. The two upper rooms offer a splendid view of the surrounding salt desert. Discover the rates and availability of this unusual hotel right here !
Daspark hotel, a night in a pipe
If you are looking for a place to sleep in Ottensheim in Austria or Bottrop in Germany, without squandering your travel budget, the Daspark hotel is the ideal solution. The idea is simple: gigantic concrete tubes, usually used for pipes, have been fitted out in a basic but comfortable way in order to spend a good night at a lower cost since the guests pay to the establishment the amount they want. A great idea!
Don't miss anything in Austria with our Austria must-sees!
Would you like to discover other places to spend an unusual night? Discover our Top 10 of the most unusual accommodations in France!
