You Won’t Believe the Rooms at These 9 Hotels

While comfort, a good price and a bit of luxury are usually what we look for in a hotel room, sometimes we also want an exciting place to stay that’s unlike any other. Thankfully there are plenty of creative hotels around the globe that make going to bed as much a part of the adventure as the rest of your travel plans. From underwater rooms in the tropics to elaborate treehouses with stunning views, here are the most unique hotels in the world.

1. Glass igloos beneath the northern lights

Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, Saariselkä, Finland

Nestled deep within the snowy wilderness of Lapland, Finland’s northernmost region, this magical retreat offers you the chance to witness the incredible spectacle of the northern lights from the comfort of a cozy glass igloo. You could also opt for traditional log chalets or even snow igloos for a slightly more rugged experience, while also taking part in snowy excursions like reindeer safaris and ice fishing. Even if you opt to go during the warmer summer months, the beautiful landscape and outdoor activities are worth the visit.

2. A deluxe airplane high above the jungle

Costa Verde, Puntarenas Province, Quepos, Costa Rica

Easily one of the most unique accommodations in the world, this Costa Rican resort offers you the chance to stay inside a refurbished vintage 1965 Boeing 727 fuselage. Perched (securely!) on a fifty-foot pedestal, the well-appointed airplane features an interior of teak paneling, hand-carved furniture from Indonesia and incredible views of the ocean and surrounding jungle from the cockpit or decks built where the wings once were. Plus the property is contiguous to the Manuel Antonio National Park, so once you climb down from the plane you can explore the amazing ecological diversity, which features monkeys, sloths, iguanas, numerous species of birds and more.

3. Sleep with the fishes (safely) in an underwater hotel room

The Manta Resort, Pemba Island, Tanzania

For those that want to get an up-close look at sea life, this island resort offers a truly one-of-a-kind underwater room with 360-degree views from just above the reef floor. The three-level wooden structure offers a landing deck with lounge and bathroom as well as an upper deck for soaking up rays or stargazing. Down below, your underwater bedroom made of thick, reinforced glass gives you a remarkable view of trumpet fish, octopuses and other reef inhabitants. Your meals will be delivered by boat, and you can snorkel and kayak around the floating structure.

4. See the stars from your own private bubble

Attrap’Rêves, Allauch, France

If you love the idea of sleeping under the stars in the woods but aren’t crazy about buzzing insects or chilly weather, this romantic French bubble hotel is the place for you. These sturdy plastic, climate-controlled pods are kept inflated by a silent wind-blower and provide unobstructed views of the surrounding forest, fields and starry nights of the French countryside. The bubble rooms feature luxe furnishings and are located in five different areas throughout southeastern France. Each one offers its own unique design, as well as additional features like Jacuzzis, massage services, dinner delivery and private bathroom facilities.

5. Spherical treehouses in the forest

Free Spirit Spheres, Vancouver Island, Canada

Experience your childhood fantasy of living in a treehouse with these incredible spheres suspended in the forest of Vancouver Island near Qualicum Beach. Intricately designed and built by owner Tom Chudleigh, these cozy orbs are intended to instill a sense of tranquility and relaxation that you won’t find in the confines and divisions of a typical walled room. Plus they look really cool. Each uniquely designed sphere is equipped with a nearby composting toilet, and there’s a bathhouse with a sauna close by. And there are plenty of beautiful sights and outdoor activities in the area.

6. A room for every personality

Madonna Inn, San Luis Obispo, California

This quirky and legendary hotel features 110 uniquely themed rooms with colorful and creative interiors that you have to see to believe. From the stone walls and animal prints of the Caveman Room to the celestial designs and private tower of Just Heaven, you’re sure to find a room for each personality with plenty of charm and kitsch to spare. You’ll also definitely want to unwind at the spa, enjoy dinner and live music at the classic Gold Rush Steak House on site and explore the natural beauty and sights of San Luis Obispo.

7. Sleep inside a magical mountain with a waterfall

Montaña Mágica Lodge, Huilo Huilo Biological Reserve, Chile

Located in the middle of the Chilean Patagonian rain forest on a 300,000-acre biological preserve, this luxury hotel is inside of a man-made volcano with its very own waterfall. Looking like something straight out of a fairy tale, this five-floor structure features 13 intimate rooms with amazing views of the surrounding forest and wildlife, as well as hot tubs carved out of tree trunks, a hand-carved bar and a restaurant. The sustainable accommodations are also connected to another hotel by a rope bridge, and offer plenty of opportunities to explore the surrounding forest with hikes, zip lines, rafting excursions and more.

8. Hang out in a crane high in the sky

Harlingen Harbour Crane, Harlingen, Netherlands

For those who appreciate maritime history or simply want bragging rights and a great view, the Harlingen Harbour Crane should definitely be on your bucket list. This one-room hotel exists inside a refurbished industrial crane in the Dutch fishing town of Harlingen. It is perched more than 55 feet in the air and is bedecked with Charles Eames-designed furniture. Not only will you enjoy incredible views of the harbor, but you actually get to operate the crane, too. If the crane is booked, you can also stay in a refurbished lighthouse or lifeboat nearby.

9. Climb to glass pods above the Sacred Valley

Skylodge Adventure Suites, Cusco, Peru

If the heights of Machu Picchu entice you, consider staying at this adventurous, nearby hotel. Suspended over 1,200 feet above the Sacred Valley, these glass and steel pods offer unbelievable views, a dinner prepared at great heights by your guides and a peaceful sleep under the stars. While the stay requires a fairly challenging hike and harnessed climb up the mountain, you’re rewarded with a remarkable experience and a lengthy zipline back down the next morning.

Danny Jensen is a LA-based freelance writer and photographer covering food, lifestyle and travel.