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Exploring the World’s Most Unique and Unusual Hotels for Families


Embarking on a family adventure often means seeking out destinations that offer more than just a place to rest your heads; it’s about finding experiences that create lasting memories. From treehouses nestled high in lush canopies to glass bubbles under the northern lights, the world is full of unique and unusual hotels that transform every family vacation into an extraordinary journey. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most imaginative lodgings across the globe, where each stay promises not just a bed, but an unforgettable memory for your family.



Treehotel

Harads, Sweden

PHOTO BY TREEHOTEL


Overview: Treehotel offers a whimsical and eco-friendly lodging experience in the treetops of northern Sweden. Designed by various Swedish architects, each treehouse is unique and provides a blend of nature and modern design. The Bird's Nest is perfect for families with a double bed and two single beds.


On-Site and Nearby Activities:

  • Moose tours

  • Dogsledding and ice dining

  • Horseback riding or sleigh riding

  • Snowmobiling, snowshoeing, ice skating

  • Pizza making

  • Kayaking and hiking



The Manta Resort

Pemba Island, Tanzania

PHOTO BY THE MANTA RESORT


Overview: The Manta Resort offers an underwater room experience on Pemba Island, off the coast of Tanzania. The Floating Room is an extraordinary lodging option that provides a unique perspective on marine life. Keep in mind that children must be 12 years old to stay in the Underwater Room, but there are other lodging options available for younger children at the resort.


On-Site and Nearby Activities:

  • Scuba diving and snorkeling

  • Sunset cruises and sailing excursions

  • Fishing and island tours

  • Beach, pool, and spa



The Conrad Maldives

Rangali Island - Maldives

PHOTO BY CONRAD MALDIVES RANGALI ISLAND


Overview: The Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is renowned for its luxury underwater accommodations, offering guests an immersive marine experience in the Maldives. While the Muraka Suite is far from cheap, it does include 3 bedrooms with the master bedroom submerged below the sea, perfect for marine life viewing.


On-Site and Nearby Activities:

  • Underwater dining

  • Sailing, boating, kayaking, paddleboarding

  • Jet skiing, water skiing, wakeboarding

  • Windsurfing, scooter snorkeling, scuba diving

  • Dolphin cruise, fishing, jetblading

  • Cooking classes

  • Beach, pool, spa



Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort

Saariselkä, Finland

PHOTO BY KAKSLAUTTANEN ARCTIC RESORT


Overview: Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort offers a magical experience with its glass igloos and snow igloos located in the Finnish Lapland. The resort is renowned for its spectacular views of the Northern Lights and what better way to maximize your chances of seeing them than to sleep in a glass igloo with an uninterrupted view of the sky. The Kelo-Glass Igloos provide the perfect option for families of up to six people and combines the comfort of a cabin with the views of the glass igloos.


On-Site and Nearby Activities:

  • Husky and reindeer safaris

  • Snowmobiling, ice karting, skiing and snowboarding

  • Northern lights hunting

  • Hiking, mountain biking, ATV

  • Gold mining and fishing

  • Canoeing and whitewater kayaking



Giraffe Manor

Nairobi, Kenya

PHOTO BY GIRAFFE MANOR


Overview: Giraffe Manor is a luxury boutique hotel in Nairobi, Kenya, known for its resident giraffes that interact with guests during their stay. It offers a unique and intimate experience with wildlife.


On-Site and Nearby Activities:

  • Wildlife safaris at Nairobi National Park

  • Breakfast with giraffes

  • Helicopter tours

  • Pool, gym, and spa



The Kruger Shalati

Kruger National Park, South Africa

PHOTO BY KRUGER SHALATI


Overview: The Kruger Shalati offers a unique lodging experience aboard a refurbished train located on a bridge overlooking the Kruger National Park. It combines luxury with stunning wildlife views. Families with children above the age of 12 can stay in the Train Carriage Suites suspended up on the bridge. Families with younger children can stay in the Bridge House Suites located next to the train with access to resort amenities on the bridge.


On-Site and Nearby Activities:

  • Wildlife viewing from your room

  • Daily game drives

  • Nearby golf course

  • Three pools, spa, and a restaurant



Montaña Mágica Lodge

Huilo Huilo, Chile

PHOTO BY MONTANA MAGICA LODGE


Overview: Montaña Mágica Lodge is a unique hotel shaped like a volcano, located in the Huilo Huilo Biological Reserve in Chile. It offers a magical and immersive experience in the Patagonian rainforest.


On-Site and Nearby Activities:

  • Glacier tour, cable car ride, hot springs

  • Hiking, biking, horseback riding

  • Kayaking, fly fishing, scenic tours

  • Canopy zip lining, whitewater rafting

  • Skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling



Shipwreck Lodge

Skeleton Coast, Namibia

PHOTO BY SHIPWRECK LODGE


Overview: Shipwreck Lodge offers a remote and extraordinary lodging experience on Namibia’s Skeleton Coast. Designed to resemble shipwrecks, the lodge provides a unique and adventurous stay in one of the world’s most desolate yet beautiful landscapes.


On-Site and Nearby Activities:

  • Sunset drives, sandboarding

  • Quadbiking, 4x4 drives

  • Introduction to Skeleton Coast



Skylodge Adventure Suites

Sacred Valley, Peru

PHOTO BY SKYLODGE ADVENTURE SUITES


Overview: Skylodge Adventure Suites offers a daring lodging experience in transparent pods suspended on the side of a mountain in Peru’s Sacred Valley. This hotel provides breathtaking views and an adrenaline-pumping stay for adventurous travelers. Due to the adventurous nature of this hotel, children must be at least 15 years old to enjoy this experience.


On-Site and Nearby Activities:

  • Via ferrata and ziplining

  • Scenic lunch and dinner

  • Night sky viewing



Ashford Castle

Cong, Ireland

PHOTO BY ASHFORD CASTLE


Overview: Ashford Castle is a majestic and historic castle-turned-hotel in Ireland, offering a blend of medieval charm and modern luxury. Set on a sprawling estate with beautiful gardens and lakes, it provides an opulent and enchanting experience.


On-Site and Nearby Activities:

  • Boating, kayaking, horseback riding

  • Fishing, biking, tennis, golf

  • Clay shooting and archery

  • Golf, tennis, guided walks

  • Gardening and food experiences

  • Theatre, pool, and spa



Anantara Golden Triangle

Chiang Rai, Thailand

PHOTO BY ANANTARA GOLDEN TRIANGLE


Overview: Anantara Golden Triangle is a luxury resort nestled in northern Thailand’s lush jungle, offering stunning views of the Golden Triangle region where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet. The resort is renowned for its unique experiences and luxurious accommodations. For families, the two-bedroom jungle bubble offers ample space for an unforgettable evening.


On-Site and Nearby Activities:

  • Elephant experiences and jungle walks

  • Sightseeing and boat tours

  • Squash, kickboxing, tennis

  • Pool, gym, and spa



Railroad Park Resort

California, USA

PHOTO BY RAILROAD PARK RESORT


Overview: Railroad Park Resort in California offers a nostalgic experience with accommodations in vintage railroad cars. Set in a picturesque location, the resort combines historic charm with modern comforts. Cabooses offer several different bed configurations to accommodate families of 5.


On-Site and Nearby Activities:

  • Waterfall hikes, fishing, and sightseeing

  • Pool, hot tub, and restaurant

  • Game room and playground



Fuselage Hotel

Costa Rica

PHOTO BY FUSELAGE HOTEL


Overview: The Fuselage Hotel in Costa Rica offers a unique lodging experience by converting old airplane fuselages into guest rooms. Set in a lush, tropical environment, it combines a quirky design with comfort and adventure. Accommodations are spacious for families with two bedrooms featuring a total of three queen beds.


On-Site and Nearby Activities:

  • Canopy tours, zip coaster, surfing

  • Boating, fishing, dolphin watching

  • Waterfall rappelling, ATV, horseback riding

  • Sailing, kayaking, jet skiing

  • Waterfall hikes and parasailing



Rotel Tours

Worldwide

PHOTO BY ROTEL TOURS


Overview: Rotel Tours offers a unique lodging experience with its rotating hotels on wheels, known as Rotel, combining hotel and bus travel. This mobile hotel concept allows travelers to explore multiple destinations with comfortable accommodations.


On-Site and Nearby Activities:

  • Activities vary by location, but can include hiking, safaris, and sightseeing



Levin Iglut

Levi, Finland

PHOTO BY LEVIN IGLUT


Overview: Levin Iglut offers a luxurious stay in glass igloos located in Finnish Lapland. The igloos provide an ideal setting for viewing the Northern Lights while enjoying the comfort of modern amenities. Suites Igloos are designed to fit families of up to four members.


On-Site and Nearby Activities:

  • Northern light tours

  • Biking, hiking, golfing

  • Horseback riding and kayaking

  • Skiing and snowshoeing

  • Snowmobiling, husky and reindeer safaris



Sun Cruise Resort

South Korea

PHOTO BY SUN CRUISE RESORT


Overview: Sun Cruise Resort offers a unique stay on hotel designed to resemble a luxury cruise ship. Located on land, the resort provides a maritime experience with stunning ocean views.


On-Site and Nearby Activities:

  • Sailing and parasailing

  • Kids indoor play area and karaoke

  • Infinity pool and restaurants



Mustang Monument Resort

Nevada, USA

PHOTO BY MUSTANG MONUMENT RESORT


Overview: Mustang Monument Resort offers an adventurous stay in a tipi on a working wild horse sanctuary in Nevada. The resort provides a rustic yet luxurious experience amid the scenic Nevada landscape. Rates are all-inclusive and special family rates are available.


On-Site and Nearby Activities:

  • Wild horse experiences

  • Paintball, archery, shooting

  • Mountaintop picnics and cooking classes

  • Off-roading excursions



Jumbo Stay

Stockholm, Sweden

PHOTO BY JUMBO STAY


Overview: Jumbo Stay is a unique hotel located in a converted Boeing 747 at Stockholm’s Arlanda Airport. This quirky accommodation offers a distinctive aviation-themed experience. Rooms are available in multiple configurations to accommodate families of different sizes aboard this unique hotel.


On-Site and Nearby Activities:

  • Airport viewing and themed dining

  • Stockholm city tours and sightseeing




Summary


These unique and unusual hotels around the world offer extraordinary experiences that go beyond the ordinary. From staying in a castle to sleeping in a luxurious treehouse, these properties provide immersive and memorable stays that cater to a variety of interests and preferences. Whether you’re seeking adventure, family-bonding, or a connection with nature, these hotels promise to deliver unforgettable experiences that will stay with you long after you’ve checked out.

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