Forget four walls and a bed. The world’s coolest hotels come in all shapes, sizes and strange locations, from guitar-shaped buildings and suites clinging to cliffs, to underwater rooms and floating resorts. Here are some of the hotels around the world that offer unique experiences way beyond just somewhere to sleep. Due to COVID-19, check individual hotel websites, plus country and region-specific travel restrictions before visiting.
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Hotel Emma, San Antonio, Texas, USA
Hotel Emma is at the heart of one of San Antonio’s newest and hippest neighborhoods, Pearl – named for the brewery that once stood on this site. The hotel occupies the old brew house and, while there isn’t a hint of stale beer or hops, it’s filled with details that pay homage to its history. The cocktail lounge, Sternewirth, has booths carved into old brew tanks while vintage machinery looms in the lobby and outdoor terraces. Rooms are filled with lovely details, from beautifully tiled bathrooms to mini bars with local snacks and drinks.
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qualia, Whitsundays, Queensland, Australia
Clinging to a cliff at the northern tip of the tropical Hamilton Island in the middle of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, qualia is one of the most serene and beautiful escapes. The resort has two infinity pools that both face out to the ocean, two restaurants and a bar. The closest thing to civilization is Whitehaven, the most photographed beach in Australia and often voted one of the world’s most beautiful thanks to its broad sweep of bright-white sand.
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Fogo Island Inn, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
Fogo Island Inn is about as remote as hotels can be. The minimalist masterpiece, all sleek edges and stilts, is tucked away from the world in a traditional fishing village on the northern coast of Newfoundland’s Fogo Island. The 29 suites all come with access to a wood-fired sauna, rooftop hot tubs, cinema, contemporary art gallery and a library specializing in Newfoundland’s history.
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Faena Hotel Miami Beach, Florida, USA
The opulent Faena Hotel Miami Beach rivals a world-class art gallery. Its lobby, nicknamed The Cathedral, has palatial gold and velvet furniture, impressive murals and gold-leaf-covered columns, while even the pool area gets in on the action. Leading to the beach, this is the location of Damien Hirst’s striking sculpture ‘Gone But Not Forgotten’ – a 3,000-year-old gilded woolly mammoth skeleton housed in a glass case surrounded by palm trees. The vision of director Baz Luhrmann and his wife, costume designer Catherine Martin, this hotel is truly one-of-a-kind.
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Mashpi Lodge, Ecuador
Mashpi Lodge is tucked within the Mashpi Nature Reserve in the Ecuadorian Andes and it’s hard to imagine a more remote – or much more beautiful – location. Floor-to-ceiling windows bring the rainforest views into the rooms and lounge areas, with lush, tendril-wrapped trees right outside the glass. Nearby hiking trails wind past gushing waterfalls while the hotel, dropped in the middle of the jungle, has spacious rooms and a stunning restaurant serving Ecuadorian dishes. The lodge usually runs guided nature tours and hikes – check the website for updates.
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Romantik Hotel auf der Wartburg, Eisenach, Germany
Nestled in medieval Eisenach, a city at the edge of the Thuringia Forest, The Wartburg has been extremely important throughout history as the seat of the Landgraves of Thuringia and as the place where Martin Luther translated the New Testament. Part of the castle is The Romantik Hotel at Wartburg with 37 guest rooms and plenty of historical charm. The hotel’s faultless restaurant Landgrafenstube is another highlight, with breathtaking views stretching far across the forest to the Rhön Mountains. The hotel plans to open in May 2021 – check the website for updates.
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The View Hotel, Arizona, USA
As the name suggests, this place is all about the view. The first-ever hotel to be built on Navajo Tribal Park land, The View Hotel is owned by Navajo people and was designed to blend in with its sacred setting. The sunrise over Monument Valley’s sandstone rock formations, known as the Mittens, is extraordinary. Every room has a private balcony gazing at the rust-red and apricot rock, while StarView rooms, on the top floor, also have clear views of the night skies. The hotel has reopened.
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The Torridon, Highlands, Scotland, UK
The grandeur of the Scottish Highlands is on full display at this elegant resort on the shores of Loch Torridon. The boutique rooms all look out to the lake or to the 3,461-foot (1,054m) tall mountain Liathach. It’s more of a complete experience than a base for further exploration, with itineraries on site ranging from spa treatments to outdoor activities like mountain biking and gorge scrambling. The hotel plans to reopen on 26 April 2021 (subject to local ongoing restrictions).
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Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge, British Columbia, Canada
This impressive lodge is surrounded by one of the last untouched rainforests on Earth and can only be accessed by seaplane or a 30-minute boat ride from the closest town, Tofino. Luxury safari-like tent accommodation and lake activities such as boating, kayaking, paddleboarding and swimming mean that guests can truly immerse themselves in the natural surroundings. The hotel can also organize a bespoke helicopter adventure with a private guide to kayak, hike or explore untouched beaches. The lodge plans to reopen for the season in June 2021.
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The Manta Resort, Pemba Island, Tanzania
This isn’t a hotel as such but a single suite that takes being different to new depths. In fact it’s like nowhere on Earth – perhaps because it isn’t on solid ground at all. The Underwater Room at The Manta Resort is the perfect way for guests to disappear for a while. The upper deck is an open-air lounge area while the lower deck’s bedroom is submerged and surrounded by glass so its occupants can look out into the ocean and observe the marine life around you. Apart from meals delivered at predetermined times, there’s no other contact with the outside world. The hotel plans to reopen in June 2021.
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Le Sirenuse, Positano, Italy
This boutique hotel has been owned and operated by the Sersale family since 1951 and has kept its warm, intimate feel – while also being decadently chic. Interiors are both cozy and quirky with bright-white walls, lush indoor foliage and mermaid motifs. It’s one of those places that draws guests back year after year, largely due to the hotel’s second-to-none views over the Amalfi Coast and amenities including the Michelin-starred La Sponda restaurant, and on-site pool and spa. The hotel opens from April to October.
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Schlosshotel Kronberg, Kronberg, Germany
Guests are pretty much guaranteed to feel like royalty when staying at this grand hotel just outside Frankfurt. Built in the late 19th century for German Empress Victoria, the castle became an officers’ club during the American occupation after the Second World War. Now the castle, which still belongs to the House of Hesse (a European dynasty), is a 5-star hotel that’s been given a 21st-century update but has still retained many of the original furnishings as well as artworks and the empress’ extensive library. There’s also a spa, a golf course, a park and a top-notch restaurant.
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Giraffe Manor, Nairobi, Kenya
Breakfast is pretty special at Giraffe Manor, located just outside of Nairobi in Kenya. The charming animals it’s named for tend to crane their long necks through the windows looking for treats. The herd of Rothschild’s giraffes – one of the most endangered species of these animals – live in the forest sanctuary and freely roam the grounds of the luxury stately home. The hotel also does a lot to educate its visitors about animal conservation and offers guided sanctuary walks.
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Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, Lapland, Finland
Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort in Lapland, Finland must be one of the ultimate places to view the Northern Lights, with the viewing season between August and April. Tucked deep in a forest, the glass igloos and traditional wooden chalets are perfectly positioned for guests to observe the swirling pink, green and purple light show without needing to step outside. Some igloos even have a bathroom with private sauna for warming up after Arctic adventures.
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Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, Maldives
Guests arrive at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island via seaplane, with views over the scattered emeralds of the archipelago and finally the resort’s water bungalows , jutting into the ocean on stilts. Each has its own private pool and uninterrupted views of the surrounding paradise. The Muraka suite somehow manages to be even more exclusive and luxurious. Arranged over two levels and with three bedrooms, the residence has an underwater abode and lounge. Even the en suite bathroom has a panoramic glass wall with colorful fish and rays sweeping past.
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Alila Jabal Akhdar, Al Khuţaym, Oman
Situated right on the edge of a canyon, Alila Jabal Akhdar is surrounded by breathtaking mountains as far as the eye can see. The outdoor infinity pool has some of the most incredible views, perfectly perched for views of peaks and valleys. Each of the subtly stylish rooms has a balcony or terrace gazing at the mountains too, while dreamy villas have private pools and steam rooms. The hotel usually offers activities such as guided hiking and cave exploration, though the schedule has been adjusted due to COVID-19 – check the website for the latest.
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Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur, India
Once the residence of prince Maharana Jagat Singh II, who had it built on an island in the 18th century, this elegant white marble palace-hotel appears to float in the middle of Lake Pichola. The lavish suites are filled with luxe touches like Indian silk, teak furniture, intricate lattice work and gilded décor. At the spa, treatments are inspired by ancient wellness traditions and rituals favored by Indian royalty.
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Belmond Hotel Caruso, Ravello, Italy
Standing on the highest point of the Italian resort town of Ravello – 1,000 feet (305m) above sea level – this restored 11th-century palace gazes over a colorful, fragrant tumble of lemon and olive groves to the Amalfi Coast. Frescoes, antiques and paintings by Old Masters offer a window into the property’s centuries-old history, while the grounds – from maze-like gardens with hidden corners to terraces jutting over the mountain – fully capitalize on the location and unrivaled views.
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Hanging Gardens of Bali, Bali, Indonesia
The name of this hotel is a nod to one of the original Seven Wonders of the World and the Hanging Gardens of Bali must be about as close as it gets. The resort, near Tegalalang, is like no other. Hidden away in a lush jungle forest are gorgeous villa suites with private terraces. The main draw of this unique place, though, must be the mesmerizing infinity pool. Seemingly suspended in midair and set over two levels, it’s absolutely incredible, making this hotel a destination in its own right.
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Hotel Everest View, Khumjung, Nepal
One of the highest hotels in the world, Hotel Everest View doesn’t disappoint: it really does offer first-class views of the famous mountain from its perch on a ridge in Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park. Located 13,000 feet (3,962m) above sea level, the hotel has 12 rooms with panoramic views, a restaurant serving regional Khumbu cuisine and a bar. Guests can arrive via helicopter transfer from Kathmandu or, for a real Himalayan adventure, after a trek. The hotel has been closed due to COVID-19 so check the website for the latest on its reopening.
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OFF Paris Seine, Paris, France
A stroll along the Seine is a must-do for visitors to Paris. But it’s also possible to sleep on the famous river at OFF Paris Seine, a glamorous, 4-star hotel within easy distance of the city’s main attractions. Rooms have excellent views of either the Right or Left Bank and are individually designed with wall murals. The structure hasn’t been skimped on, either: its striking design is the handy work of Parisian boat architect Gérard Ronzatti, with lots of glass and decked areas (including a terrace with pool) taking in the surroundings. It’s temporarily closed – check the website for the latest information.
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Gstaad Palace, Gstaad, Switzerland
First opened in 1913, Gstaad Palace looks like it’s popped straight out of a Wes Anderson movie or maybe a children’s fairy tale. The seasonal resort, which opens in the summer months and for winter skiing, has welcomed guests including Louis Armstrong and Marlene Dietrich through its history, and it’s still wonderfully glamorous today. Suites have balconies with views of the Alps, equally lovely whether carpeted in bloom-strewn green or blanketed in snow.
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Keemala Phuket, Phuket, Thailand
The villas at Keemala resemble extra-large, extra-luxurious and especially intricate nests, beehives or treehouses. And that’s deliberate, as guests can choose between bird’s nest villas, thatched cottages, tented villas or tree pool houses, which dangle in the canopies like teardrop-shaped beehives. The accommodation is connected to the hotel facilities via a network of jungle walkways, and each has a private pool that juts into the lush rainforest surrounds.
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Amangiri, Utah, USA
Surrounded by the Mars-like landscape of Utah, the Amangiri resort brings subtle, thoughtful luxury to the most spectacular and secluded setting. A vast expanse of mesas and slot canyons stretches around the resort, which has been designed to reflect the natural palette while elevating the guest experience to something truly special. High-spec suites with terraces look out to views of the rocks, which switch from soft gray to apricot to deep pink throughout the day.
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InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland, Shanghai, China
This 5-star hotel, from the same team behind Dubai’s iconic Burj Al Arab, certainly has a unique setting. It was built on an abandoned quarry in Songjiang, with two of its floors submerged beneath an aquarium teeming with marine life. Each of the six underwater suites at InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland has a separate sitting room and its own window into the marine world. The hotel took 10 years to construct and boasts some serious eco-credentials. Most of the energy is renewable and the roof is covered in greenery to help it blend into the surrounding countryside.
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Les Airelles Courchevel, France
This one-of-a-kind hotel looks more like a gingerbread house, with a pastel-pink exterior carved with the shapes of woodland creatures and an interior featuring beamed ceilings, roaring fireplaces and sumptuous velvet fabrics. It looks even more magical surrounded by heaps of powdered-sugar snow. The hotel has easy access to the ski slopes of Courchevel, with plenty of cozy spots inside for après-ski. Check the website for the latest details on booking.
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Adare Manor, Limerick, Ireland
Sitting on the banks of the River Maigue in Limerick, Adare Manor is the former seat of the Earl of Dunraven and there are references to this nobleman’s family throughout the Neo-Gothic property, including wood carvings featuring the family crest. The hotel is set within 840 acres of lush parkland with swimming pool, spa and a golf course. A stay here is all about elegant, indulgent rituals, from Champagne afternoon tea served beneath the vaunted ceilings of The Gallery to nightcaps in the Tack Room, which has more than 100 rare whiskies from around the world. It’s temporarily closed due to COVID-19.
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The Guitar Hotel at Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood, Florida, USA
The world’s first guitar-shaped hotel, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel in Florida’s Hollywood takes a love of music and dials it up to 11. This masterpiece of engineering and architecture soars 450 feet (137m) into the sky and packs in 638 luxury guest rooms and suites with floor-to-ceiling windows and balcony showers. The hotel also has a 13.5-acre swimming pool – the equivalent of nine football pitches. The hotel is home to a live performance venue and a casino as well as 30 bars, lounges and restaurants.
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Golden Rock Inn, Nevis, St Kitts & Nevis
Housed in an old sugar mill, Golden Rock Inn occupies one of the best locations on the island with its high perch on the slopes of Nevis Peak. The hotel‘s crumbling stone walls contrast with the chic designer interiors and modern art collection adorning the walls, while every window perfectly frames views of swaying palms and turquoise water. There are only 11 guest rooms that are more like small, private cottages and each has a secluded terrace for total immersion in the tropical surroundings.
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Arctic Bath, Swedish Lapland, Sweden
This one-of-a-kind property is a true floating hotel. In summer, it glides serenely on the Lule River. When the ice sets in, it’s fixed to one spot and accessible via a pontoon. The Arctic Bath’s intriguing design draws inspiration from the forest with a criss-crossed log exterior that’s beautifully dusted with snow in winter. Each of the six guest rooms has direct access to the water, while saunas, hot tubs and the spa help warm guests on chilly days – especially after ice-swimming, a popular activity for the brave.
