For many, a perfect hotel stay equals a cozy bed, infinity pool, world-class amenities, and, of course, a scrumptious breakfast spread worthy of royalty. Agreed; nothing beats the luxurious charm of a fancy five-star or seven-star hotel. But there is also a realm of the hospitality industry waiting to blow your mind with whimsical, wild, weird, and wonderfully innovative hotel experiences. Somewhere between bizarre and brilliant, these hotels are designed specifically for bold and curious travelers with an adventurous spirit. And each offers an immersive experience that you will never stop talking about. So, are you ready to be amazed? Here are some of the strangest hotels around the world that you won’t believe exist.
Tundra Buggy Lodge, Canada
Located in the Churchill Wildlife Management Area (CWMA), one of the best places for polar bear sightings, Tundra Buggy Lodge offers a one-of-a-kind immersive experience. This mobile, centipede-style hotel is not only ideal for enjoying polar bear sightings but also for witnessing the magical dance of the aurora borealis on a clear night. This moving hotel consists of several interconnected buggies, serving as a lounge area, dining room, and sleeping berths. The bunk-style accommodations feature upper and lower berths, each equipped with its window, reading light, power outlets, privacy curtains, and thermostat-controlled heating for personalized comfort. A rooftop deck offers mesmerizing 360-degree views and allows guests to capture Instagram-worthy photos of polar bears by day and of Northern Lights by night without having to leave the lodge.
Free Spirit Spheres, Vancouver Island, Canada
Tucked away in the heart of the coastal rainforest of Vancouver Island, the Free Spirit Spheres, with its unique suspended spherical treehouses, offer an interesting stay option amid nature. Raised above the ground, but not too high either, these orbs are works of art, gently swaying to the rhythm of nature. Built by Tom Chudleigh, these spherical treehouses are inspired by biomimicry, which learns from and mimics the strategies found in nature. Each sphere is held in the air using a series of suspension ropes and gives guests a serene sense of floating mid-air. Peace and relaxation in these tastefully designed, simple, and elegant spheres is guaranteed.
Null Stern Hotel, Switzerland
How about a stay in a hotel room that gives you a 360-degree unobstructed view of the magnificent Swiss Alps? Sounds incredible, right? But here’s the catch: this hotel room has no walls, no ceiling, no doors, and allows guests to sleep directly under the stars. Welcome to Null Stern Hotel—a truly unique hotel room concept by artists Frank and Patrik Riklin in collaboration with hotelier Daniel Charbonnier. Expect nothing fancy here, except the most hypnotic views of the Alps, as this hotel’s minimalist room is only adorned with a cozy bed, a pair of nightstands, and a pair of lamps. The nearest bathroom is about a 10-minute walk away, and a personal butler serves breakfast and dinner in bed. Though bookings have been offered in the past, especially for their Zero Real Estate suites, Null Stern Hotel’s unique concept means availability is limited and must be secured months in advance. For the current year, the hotel is still in discussions with potential partners for locations and availability. To put your name on their reservation list, you need to write to them at their official email address.
Das Park Hotel, Austria
Talk about the weirdest hotels in the world, and Das Park Hotel tops the list. Nestled in a public park in Ottensheim, along the scenic Danube River in Austria, this unconventional stay has gained popularity among budget travelers for repurposing old concrete sewer pipes into surprisingly comfy rooms. Even better, it operates on a ‘pay what you want’ policy. Designed by Austrian artist Andreas Strauss, this affordable hotel provides maximum comfort in a compact space. Each room consists of a double bed, a lamp, storage space, bedding, and a power outlet to charge your gadgets. While the restroom and showers are located a 5-minute walk away in the park, a nearby restaurant is ideal for breakfast and other meals. Das Park Hotel is open from May through October. Bookings for its five cylindrical repurposed drainage pipe rooms can be made online. Following its success, the Das Park Hotel has now also opened a second location at Berne Park in Bottrop, Germany.
SiloStay, New Zealand
SiloStay is another experimental hotel that has cleverly converted humble grain silos into bespoke hotel units, offering a luxurious stay at affordable prices. Located in the heart of the picturesque township of Little River, in Christchurch, New Zealand, the SiloStay complex includes nine 8.7-metre-high silo units that come equipped with a fitted kitchenette, a relaxed seating area, toilet and external balcony on the ground floor. Upstairs, one can find a luxurious bedroom, bathroom, and balcony. Adding to the charm of this quirky stay, is the glazed silo lid, which offers an uninterrupted view of the sky, perfect for stargazing while lying in bed. Designed using a completely eco-friendly system with wool insulation, LED lighting, and a bio pod waste management system, each unit at SiloStay sleeps two people. SiloStay is perfect for travelers who value sustainability and care deeply about the environment.
