5 Unique accommodations you won't believe exist...

Travelling is as much about where you stay as where you go and the world is full of bizarre places to stay that add some serious flair to your adventures. From sleeping underwater to sharing breakfast with giraffes, these places offer more than just a bed—they offer stories you’ll be telling for years.

The Underwater Room – The Manta Resort, Tanzania

First up, let’s dive—literally—into The Underwater Room at The Manta Resort. This isn’t your typical hotel suite... it’s a floating marvel with a bedroom submerged four meters below the Indian Ocean. Imagine drifting off to sleep as colourful reef fish glide by your windows, with only the sounds of the ocean to lull you to sleep. By day, you can sunbathe on the top deck, and by night, watch as underwater spotlights attract all sorts of nocturnal sea creatures. The room’s design is minimalist yet elegant, blending wooden elements with expansive glass panels that offer 360-degree underwater views. Amenities include all your meals, boat transfers, and even a personal butler stationed on a nearby boat—so you’re truly isolated but never unattended. This once-in-a-lifetime experience can be booked directly through The Manta Resort’s website. A tip for future guests: pack light, bring a waterproof camera, and maybe leave the fish food at home—unless you want some very close encounters.

Giraffe Manor - Nairobi, Kenya

From the deep sea to the African Savannah, our next stop is Giraffe Manor in Nairobi, Kenya. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to have a giraffe as your breakfast companion, this is the place to find out. Located in a leafy suburb of Nairobi, Giraffe Manor is famous for its herd of Rothschild giraffes who regularly pop their heads through the windows in search of treats. The experience is as surreal as it sounds—you could be sipping your morning coffee when a giraffe suddenly decides to join in. The manor itself is a charming 1930s stone mansion, styled like a Scottish hunting lodge, with a mix of vintage and modern decor that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Guests can expect luxury accommodations with en-suite bathrooms, four-poster beds, and views of the surrounding gardens. Book early through The Safari Collection’s website, as this place is in high demand. Pro tip: don’t forget your camera—the photo ops here are unbeatable!

The Bubble Hotel - Reykholt, Iceland

Next, we’re heading to Iceland to check out The Bubble Hotel, also known as the "5 Million Star Hotel." Located in the middle of a forest, these transparent bubble rooms offer a one-of-a-kind experience, sleeping under the stars with an uninterrupted view of the Northern Lights (if you’re lucky). The bubbles are heated and ventilated, so you stay cosy even when it’s freezing outside. Each bubble is designed to be minimalistic yet comfortable, with a bed, nightstand, and not much else—because the real star of the show is the view. Guests can expect privacy as each bubble is situated away from the others, nestled among the trees. Prices for a night here start around £300, and you can book through the Bubble Hotel’s website. If you’re planning a stay, the best time to visit is during the Northern Lights season, from September to March, to maximise your chances of witnessing this natural wonder.

The Icehotel - Jukkasjärvi, Sweden

Feeling chilly? Let’s head to Sweden, where The Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi offers a stay that’s as cool as it gets—literally. Rebuilt each winter from the frozen waters of the Torne River, this hotel is part accommodation, part art installation. Every room is unique, carved by artists who create intricate ice sculptures and stunning designs from crystal-clear ice. Staying here is an experience like no other: you’ll sleep on a bed of ice, wrapped in thermal sleeping bags that keep you warm despite the sub-zero temperatures. But don’t worry, you can warm up in the nearby sauna or the Icehotel’s cosy, heated cabins if the chill gets too much. With rooms starting at around £200 per night, this is a surprisingly accessible way to tick “sleep in an ice hotel” off your bucket list. Book through the Icehotel’s website, and don’t forget to pack layers—lots of them. And whatever you do, resist the urge to lick the walls. It’s as cold as it looks!

Crane Hotel Faralda - Amsterdam, Netherlands

Last but certainly not least, we’re off to the Netherlands to stay at Crane Hotel Faralda in Amsterdam. If you’ve ever dreamed of sleeping in a crane (and let’s be honest, who hasn’t?), this is your chance. Perched high above the city in a former industrial crane, this hotel offers some of the most unique views of Amsterdam’s skyline. The suites are luxuriously appointed, with bold, modern decor that contrasts with the crane’s industrial past. Each suite is different, offering its own quirky charm—whether it’s the panoramic views from the “Free Spirit” suite or the sultry tones of the “Secret” suite. And if heights don’t faze you, there’s even a hot tub on the top deck for a soak with a view. Prices start at around £500 per night, and you can book your stay through the Crane Hotel Faralda’s website. Just a heads up: the crane can sway slightly in the wind, so if you’re prone to seasickness, this might be your ultimate test!

Whether you’re dreaming of snoozing with the fish or having a giraffe as your breakfast buddy, these unique stays are anything but ordinary. So grab your bags, don’t forget your sense of adventure (you’ll need it!), and get ready for a getaway that’s guaranteed to give you stories you’ll be telling for years—whether your friends believe you or not!