Discover 8 of the Most Uncommon Hotels Across the Globe

Luxurious bedding. Infinity pools. Sweet treats at bedtime.

Even the most magical aspects of a hotel stay can lose their charm when they become commonplace or predictable. Nowadays, as the internet connects us all, finding something truly unique is harder than ever.

Introducing a wave of genuinely exceptional properties and accommodations where the unexpected reigns and what’s typical is refreshingly new. "The craving for unique and unconventional experiences has skyrocketed," states Mohamed Huck, head of global sales at Kruger Shalati, a luxury hotel inspired by railways in South Africa. "As a result, hotels... are driven to innovate, pushing the limits and embracing creativity. A hotel's uniqueness shines through when it exceeds expectations."

A surge of distinctive hospitality experiences is just around the corner. Set to debut in 2024: the wellness hotel SHA Mexico in Costa Mujeres, designed in the shape of a human genome (or DNA). A historic department store in Oxford, England, will transform into the Store Oxford, a chic new 101-room hotel from fashionable hoteliers of Paris’s Left Bank. In the art-focused Fishtown area of Philadelphia, Hotel Anna & Bel will open in a former 18th-century women's asylum, featuring rooms that are all uniquely different. By a riverbank in Paoli, Wisconsin, the Inn at Seven Acre Dairy Company will launch as a new eight-room hotel set in an 1888 cheese factory, complete with an upcoming micro dairy plant on site.

Meanwhile, we’ve gathered eight truly unconventional destinations across the globe that you can book today. From a treehouse getaway to an underwater room, these extraordinary hotels offer experiences like no other.

1. The Interlude Pentridge

Nestled in the vibrant North Melbourne, the Interlude redefines the concept of a "prison escape." This upscale wellness retreat opened in April 2023, transforming what was once Pentridge Prison from 1851 to 1997. Here, within robust stone walls and 19 suites set in former cell blocks, guests are treated to mind-opening and sensory-stimulating experiences. Dine on dishes crafted from local farm-to-table ingredients (how about crocodile tempura?) alongside fine Yarra Valley pinot.

The property crafts tailored itineraries for guests, featuring options like tasting tours of the vibrant Colburg neighborhood, charcoal drawing classes, mindful movement sessions, or even helicopter flying lessons. Guests can enjoy semi-guided bathing rituals in the stunning underground pool and evening campfires in the Reflection Garden, where artisans, experts, and storytellers share local legends. Starting at $499

2. Kruger Shalati

When Kruger National Park first opened its gates to visitors in the 1920s, trains would pause overnight on Selat Bridge, which overlooks the flowing Sabie River. Now, Kruger Shalati (named after an African warrior queen) has made this location its permanent home, featuring 31 locomotive-style, earth-toned accommodations. The glass-walled rooms provide stunning views of elephants, leopards, and buffalo wandering nearby. From Kruger Shalati, guests can partake in game drives, savor South African-inspired cuisine, or relax in their clawfoot tubs after in-room facials, all while enjoying the circular pool that appears to float above the wildlife-rich landscape. Starting at $1,200

3. The Hotel Chalet at the Choo Choo

Train enthusiasts will be thrilled: you can now spend the night in a historic American train station. Opened in October 2023 after a $19 million restoration, the Hotel Chalet is situated on Choo Choo Avenue, within the grounds of the original Chattanooga Choo Choo train station, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The hotel features 25 guest rooms located in beautifully restored Victorian carriages, designed in the classic Pullman style with art deco lighting, plush velvet furnishings, and doors adorned with opaque curtained windows. Nestled in the heart of downtown Chattanooga, close to the Tennessee River, this hotel offers entertainment for both city dwellers and nature enthusiasts. Be sure to grab evening cocktails at the courtyard bar, crafted from a vintage caboose. Starting at $250

4. Henn na Hotel Kyoto Hackijoguchi

The Guinness World Records recognizes Henn na Hotel Kyoto Hackijoguchi as the world's first robot hotel. Located in the heart of Kyoto, guests are met by robot concierges and dinosaur robots (some serving as bellhops to assist with luggage), along with a lighting display inspired by a Shinto shrine.

The innovative features don’t end there: mattresses are equipped with a cutting-edge “three-dimensional spring structure” designed to enhance comfort, while pillows incorporate acupressure technology. An in-room Sorachi foot massager provides relief after a long day of exploring the city. Looking for entertainment? The hotel offers a collection of over 700 manga titles for your enjoyment. Starting at $80

5. The Muraka at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

At the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, the Muraka is an extravagant two-level residence boasting multiple bedrooms, an ocean-view bathtub, and a private infinity pool on the upper floor (plus 24-hour butler service, a personal chef, and on-call spa therapists). The highlight, however, is the master bedroom and bath located down a spiral staircase or elevator, allowing guests to slumber surrounded by turquoise waters.

Sixteen feet below the surface of the Indian Ocean, beneath a transparent 180-degree curved acrylic dome, guests can relax in bed (or unwind in their sitting area) while enjoying a private view of the vibrant underwater world, watching marine life—from powder blue surgeonfish to blacktip reef sharks—glide by as they drift off to sleep. Starting at $9,999

6. Alila Fort Bishangarh

Alila Fort Bishangarh is perched on a hill, encircled by thick ancient walls and turrets that resemble a fairy tale fortress. This resort is housed in a 233-year-old warrior fort, showcasing the distinctive Jaipur Gharana architecture. It features 59 suites adorned in neutral tones that harmonize with the landscape, complemented by marble floors and large bay windows offering stunning views of the Aravalli Hills and expansive countryside.

Guests can explore a tranquil nearby village to discover artisan crafts, enjoy horseback riding, or remain on-site for meals crafted from ingredients sourced from the organic garden. Activities include poolside relaxation, sunrise yoga, herbal baths, and ancient Ayurvedic spa treatments that blend local Rajasthani traditions with Western therapies. Starting at $250

7. Twin Farms Treehouses

If you’ve ever climbed a tree as a child, you might remember the enchanting feeling of seeing the world from above. This bird’s-eye perspective inspired Twin Farms when they envisioned their eight new Treehouse suites. These suites are the first new accommodations added in 30 years to the expansive 300-acre estate.

Suspended between 14 and 20 feet above ground, these 800-square-foot retreats on stilts embody the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi, which celebrates the beauty of imperfection in nature. Featuring rustic materials, floating fireplaces, and floor-to-ceiling glass windows, each suite invites the outdoors in for a serene escape. From $3,500, all-inclusive

8. Shipwreck Lodge

At Shipwreck Lodge, ten chalets designed like tiny wooden ships emerge from the sand dunes of Namibia’s Skeleton Coast, a name steeped in mystery due to the wreckage of countless ships that have met their fate here. Dense fog frequently envelops the cabins, each equipped with wood-burning stoves, cozy daybeds, and angled picture windows that showcase the dramatic skies and ocean. Every encounter with life in this stark landscape feels extraordinary. On a game drive, you might spot a herd of desert elephants, their soft steps breaking the profound silence that surrounds you. From $750, all inclusive

Additional reporting by Kathryn Romeyn.