5 Of The World’s Weirdest Places To Sleep

What do you look for when you’re booking a hotel? Great location, onsite parking, nice breakfast, luxury bathroom products? How about a 30-foot drop just outside your door? Or a view into an underwater world through your window?

If you’re searching for something out of the ordinary or you want a hotel stay with a difference, check out some of the weird and wonderful places you can sleep around the world.

In A Giant Dog

                                                                               Alan Levine from Strawberry, United States [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Sweet Willy, or the Dog Bark Park Inn, as he is officially known, is thought to be the largest ‘Beagle’ in the world. Created and cared for by chainsaw artists Dennis and Frances, the giant dog is one of many oversized attractions littered across America that were designed in an attempt to make people stop during their journey along the highway.

You’ll find this quirky B&B in the city of Cottonwood, Idaho and there is one spacious suite for guests to spend the night. A queen bed and two fold-out mattresses are offered alongside a fridge, air-conditioning, coffee maker, free Wi-Fi, a help-yourself breakfast and many other amenities. Unsurprisingly, pets are also allowed.

At The Top Of A Crane

This room with a view in the Netherlands is different to most others as you’ll find it at the top of a crane lovingly nicknamed Blauwe Kop (Blue Head in Dutch). Gaze out across the Wadden Sea from your bed and enjoy a great range of amenities that you wouldn’t expect to find in such a strange space. All the lights and electronics are controlled by a touchscreen, there’s a mini-bar, free internet and great insulation to protect you from the elements.

However, all that pales into insignificance when you learn the really exciting part. You can actually control the crane! Climb into the cabin and use the lever to move the head a full 360 degrees. Naturally, there will be great views across the water but also inland over the historic city of Harlingen.

In A Boot

If you’ve ever read the story of the old women who lived in a shoe and wondered what her life would actually be like, you can get a small taste (without the copious amounts of children) on a stay in Tasman, New Zealand. The Boot Bed’n’Breakfast was created from scratch by Steve and Judy in 2001 and quickly attained folklore status in the area.

This quiet cottage is a spacious place to stay for a few days and is perfect for a romantic couple. The downstairs boasts an open fire and there’s a balcony attached to the bedroom that allows you to look out over the courtyard. Relaxation is definitely on the cards for anyone who chooses to stay here. The area has some great wineries, is just minutes from the beautiful Tasman Bay and there are some charming national parks nearby too.

Underwater

If you’re looking for a stay that you will never forget (and the others on the list seem too…mainstream…for you) a night in The Underwater Room is just what you need. This floating paradise can be found off the island of Pemba in Zanzibar and is part of the luxurious Manta Resort. Everything here is eco-friendly and designed to take you back to nature, but this extra-special suite takes things to another level.

Anchored 250 metres from the shore, you’ll have the chance to sleep with the fishes without having to be the unfortunate victim of a 1950s gangster. Whilst the mid-level landing area gives you the ideal place to cast-off in your kayak (provided by the resort), the lower level is situated below the waterline and is where you’ll find the bed. A further top level offers a romantic spot for star-gazing or listening to the calming sound of the ocean.

In An Invisible House

Sometimes finding your hotel can be difficult, but spotting this final accommodation on our list could be almost impossible from certain angles. Nestled within the Dolomite Mountains in Northern Tyrol, Italy, these two houses are uniquely designed to reflect their surroundings – literally. The large mirrored panels on the outside help them blend seamlessly with the natural landscapes all around and both boast luxurious interiors.

Along with the plush bathroom, cosy sleeping area, well-equipped kitchen and comfortable living space, there’s a private garden to enjoy and a shared swimming pool in which to make a splash. The properties are located just outside of the city of Bolzano, but the area offers much more besides urban explorations. Hiking and cycling trails abound and you’ll want to make time to try some of the local wine.

If you would like us to help you find some quirky accommodation for your next trip, call us on 0800 021 3237. You can also speak to our team in person at our Ipswich or Woodbridge travel agents.