The Most Unconventional Places to Stay in the World: From Underwater Hotels to Ice Rooms

For many travellers, a hotel is not just a place to sleep but an essential part of the experience. In a world filled with traditional hotels and resorts, some accommodations break all conventions, offering truly extraordinary stays. Whether it’s sleeping under the ocean, spending the night in a capsule suspended from a cliff, or resting inside a room made entirely of ice, these destinations promise unforgettable experiences.

Beyond the novelty, these unusual hotels often embrace innovative architecture, eco-friendly designs, and immersive surroundings. Some offer a deep connection to nature, while others push the boundaries of human engineering. Here are some of the most remarkable places where you can stay, each offering something completely out of the ordinary.

Underwater Hotels: Sleeping Beneath the Waves

Staying in an underwater hotel is like stepping into a futuristic fantasy. Instead of waking up to city views or mountain landscapes, guests here are greeted by schools of fish, coral reefs, and the gentle movement of the ocean. These accommodations provide a surreal sense of tranquillity while ensuring comfort and luxury below the water’s surface.

One of the most famous examples is Poseidon Undersea Resorts in Fiji. Situated 12 metres below the ocean surface, this all-glass structure allows guests to be completely immersed in marine life. Each suite features 270-degree views of the deep sea, offering a front-row seat to the wonders of the underwater world. The hotel also provides submarine tours and access to a private artificial lagoon.

For those seeking a more intimate experience, The Manta Resort in Tanzania offers a floating suite with an underwater bedroom. The top deck serves as a sunbathing and relaxation area, while the lower level—submerged beneath the sea—allows guests to sleep surrounded by glowing bioluminescent fish.

Challenges and Innovations in Underwater Hospitality

Constructing underwater hotels presents unique challenges. Maintaining air pressure, ensuring waterproofing, and providing safety against marine currents require sophisticated engineering. Glass panels must be strong enough to withstand water pressure while offering uninterrupted views of the ocean.

Moreover, sustainability is a key concern. Many underwater hotels incorporate eco-friendly technology, such as renewable energy sources and marine conservation initiatives, to minimise their environmental impact. In some cases, artificial reefs are created to enhance biodiversity and provide safe habitats for marine life.

Despite the high costs and engineering difficulties, underwater hotels continue to captivate adventurous travellers. With plans for more submerged resorts in destinations like Dubai and the Maldives, the future of underwater hospitality looks promising.

Sleeping in the Arctic: Glass Igloos and Ice Hotels

If you prefer cold climates and dream of watching the northern lights from your bed, Arctic accommodations offer some of the most breathtaking experiences in the world. Whether it’s a transparent igloo under the stars or a room sculpted from ice, these hotels combine extreme conditions with modern comfort.

The Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort in Finland is famous for its glass igloos, allowing guests to gaze at the aurora borealis from the warmth of their beds. These futuristic dome-like structures provide panoramic views of the Arctic sky while maintaining a cosy interior temperature.

For a more immersive ice experience, travellers can visit Sweden’s Icehotel, which is rebuilt every winter using ice blocks from the Torne River. Each room is uniquely sculpted by artists, featuring intricate ice carvings and furniture made entirely of frozen water. Despite the sub-zero temperatures, guests sleep in thermal sleeping bags on reindeer hides for insulation.

The Science Behind Ice Accommodations

Building a hotel out of ice is no simple task. The structure must be strong enough to support its own weight, while temperature control ensures the ice remains stable without excessive melting. Engineers use compacted snow and solid ice blocks to create walls, floors, and ceilings.

Each winter, teams of designers and sculptors create new themed suites, meaning no two stays at the Icehotel are ever the same. Guests can enjoy amenities such as ice bars, frozen chapels, and even ice-carved furniture, making the experience both artistic and otherworldly.

Since ice hotels melt in the spring, their ephemeral nature adds to the magic of the stay. New construction begins each year, offering a fresh design and a once-in-a-lifetime experience for visitors.

Suspended in the Sky: Clifftop and Hanging Hotels

For those who enjoy high-altitude adventures, hanging hotels offer a thrilling alternative to traditional accommodation. These lodgings are built into cliffs or suspended high above the ground, providing breathtaking views and adrenaline-fueled experiences.

The Skylodge Adventure Suites in Peru is one of the most extreme examples. Hanging 400 metres above the Sacred Valley, these transparent capsule suites are accessible only by climbing a rock face or zip-lining down from the top. Each pod is equipped with a bed, dining space, and clear walls for an uninterrupted view of the valley below.

For a slightly more grounded—but equally unique—experience, the Treehotel in Sweden offers a selection of ultra-modern treehouses suspended among the treetops. Designs range from a mirrored cube that reflects the surrounding forest to a UFO-shaped suite that seems to hover among the branches.

Safety and Comfort in Hanging Hotels

Staying in a hanging hotel may sound daunting, but safety is a top priority. These structures are designed using high-strength cables and reinforced materials to ensure they remain secure even in strong winds and adverse weather conditions.

Despite their daring locations, hanging hotels are often surprisingly comfortable. Many feature climate-controlled interiors, plush bedding, and gourmet dining options, ensuring that guests can enjoy both adventure and relaxation.

Whether suspended from a rock face or nestled high in the trees, these hotels redefine what it means to sleep under the stars, offering unparalleled views and unforgettable experiences for those brave enough to try them.