Underwater hotels, igloos, and cave dwellings: The top 10 magical stays selected by the accommodation website

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

Accommodation is an important aspect of travel for many people, and sometimes it's also a way to experience local culture. Hotels.com recommends fantastical stays that offer an authentic experience for travelers worldwide, including underwater hotels surrounded by fish, childhood-dream treehouses, spending a night in an ice-built igloo, and even a surreal spaceship. These ten magical accommodations are sure to make you want to stay overnight.


▲ Swedish Treehotel. (Provided by Hotels.com, same above)

1. Stay in a treehouse — Swedish Treehotel (Harads, Sweden)
A childhood dream come true!\nSweden’s Treehotel is nestled within dense forests, offering a one-of-a-kind experience of staying in a forest treehouse. Each treehouse is uniquely designed, including a special bird's nest model. Though it's a treehouse, the comfort level is no less than being at home.


▲ Spaceship Treehouse.

2. Stay in a spaceship — Swedish Treehotel (Harads, Sweden)
As humanity strives to explore the unknown cosmos, the Swedish Treehotel not only offers various sizes of treehouses but also features a cool UFO-shaped treehouse. Built with composite materials, this high-tech UFO treehouse is out of this world.


▲ Cappadocia Cave Hotel by Kelebek Special Cave Hotel.

3. Stay in a cave — Cappadocia Cave Hotel by Kelebek Special Cave Hotel (Cappadocia, Turkey)
Visitors to Cappadocia must not miss staying in a cave dwelling. Carved over millions of years by erosion in volcanic tuff landscapes, the harder basalt formations remain as cones — locally known as "fairy chimneys" due to legends of sprites living inside. At Turkey’s Kelebek Special Cave Hotel, you can experience these unique cave accommodations at affordable prices.


▲ Ice Palace Hotel (Quebec, Canada).

4. Stay in an igloo — Ice Palace Hotel (Quebec, Canada)
Want to experience life in an icy wonderland? Come to the Ice Palace Hotel in Canada. Its lobby showcases hand-carved ice sculptures by artists, and surprisingly, the indoor temperature averages around 25°C. You can even warm up by the fireplace while admiring the beauty of ice and snow under the firelight.


▲ Thornbury Castle Hotel.

5. Stay in a castle — Thornbury Castle Hotel (England)
With a history of 500 years, Thornbury Castle once hosted King Henry VIII and Queen Anne Boleyn. The castle is filled with armor and fireplaces. It offers croquet and archery, and you can also arrange clay pigeon shooting and falconry training upon request. Enjoy wine from the hotel’s own 500-year-old vineyard, making you feel like you've traveled back to the Tudor era of the 16th century.


▲ Atlantis, The Palm (Dubai, UAE).

6. Stay deep underwater — Atlantis, The Palm (Dubai, United Arab Emirates)
The underwater suite at Atlantis, The Palm lets you be in the deep sea 24/7. In addition to a private beach for secluded strolls, you can also dive in and swim with dolphins, and enjoy free entry to the largest waterpark in the Middle East. With restaurants and shops offering global cuisines, you can travel the world without leaving the hotel.


▲ Disney's Art of Animation Resort.

7. Stay in an animated world — Disney's Art of Animation Resort (Florida, USA)
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort offers four themed suites: Finding Nemo, Cars, The Lion King, and The Little Mermaid, along with three themed swimming pools. Even adults will find their inner child here.


▲ Houseboat Hotel Apartments.

8. Stay in a houseboat — Houseboat Hotel Apartments (Canal Belt East, Amsterdam, Netherlands)
In Amsterdam, known as the city of canals, you can experience the unique stay of a houseboat. These boats offer private spaces with fully equipped kitchens and living rooms, making them a great choice for travelers who want to spend more time exploring the city.


▲ Bon Campground Youth Hostel.

9. Stay in a camper van — Bon Campground Youth Hostel (Germany)
BaseCamp Bonn in Bonn, Germany, is perfect for those who want to experience camper van life but don’t want to haul around a bunch of gear or brave the elements. This youth hostel, converted from an abandoned warehouse, has the ground floor parked with over ten unique types of vehicles—including campers, sleeper trains, and American-style RVs—for guests to choose from. Don’t forget to check out the kitchen and dining area on the second floor, where you can chat with backpackers from all over the world.


▲ Farmer's 1920s Safari Camp.

10. Stay in a tent at Farmer's 1920s Safari Camp (Maasai Mara, Kenya)
Farmer's 1920s Safari Camp is located right next to the Maasai Mara plains. The tents are fully equipped with amenities, and the interiors are as well-appointed as those of a star-rated hotel. Professional guides lead wildlife safaris, making this an unforgettable tented accommodation experience in Kenya. From the highest point in the camp, you can even take in views of both the Maasai Mara and Serengeti National Parks.