8 quirky hotels around the world

Accommodation By Julia Porter

There are some fantastic hotels around the globe, each with something unique to offer. The magnitude of the architectural brilliance is something which makes hotels highly sought-after destinations. Of course, you have the run of the mill offerings such as Holiday Inns and Travel Lodges which offer a comfortable space to sleep, but where in the world has the quirkiest hotels? Let’s take a look at our top eight.

Hoshinoya Fuji, Fujikawaguchiko, Japan

Let’s face it — glamping is a worldwide phenomenon these days. There are so many luxurious pods popping up across the globe that could tickle your fancy. The Hoshinoya Fuji in Japan however offers something a little bit unique. Step inside your cosy pod and you’ll be met with an air-conditioned unit with an array of comfortable furnishings and an ensuite bathroom. But what’s so special about this spot? Well, the ceiling-to-floor windows provide an exquisite view of the scenery surrounding you — the awesome beauty that is Mount Fuji.

While that may sound great, it gets better! You can step outside your space and onto a private decking boards to fully bask in the natural glory. The patio isn’t just any plain space either. Instead, it includes hammocks and fire pits to allow you to relax in style.

Finn Lough, Enniskillen, Northern Ireland

The ‘wee’ country of Northern Island may not be known for its weather, but it has an array of beautiful locations, including Cave Hill, the Giant’s Causeway and Slieve Donard. Perhaps one hidden gem is Finn Lough in Enniskillen. Set in the Mukross Woods, you’ll find home for a night in bubble-like cabins. These ‘pods’ offer 180-degree transparency allowing you to feel at one with the natural habitat surrounding you while remaining in the comfort of a plush bed. There is also access to a spa, marina, docks for fishing and a range of hiking and biking trails, making these little bubbles a quirky spot to see all that Northern Ireland has to offer.

Giraffe Manor, Nairobi, Kenya
Going on a safari adventure is on many people’s bucket lists. But, instead of being in the comfort of a vehicle driving up to the animals, why don’t you let the wildlife come to you? In Kenya you can do just that thanks to Giraffe Manor. This delightful hotel is found in one of Nairobi’s most iconic buildings and enables the resident giraffes to pop their heads through the dining room windows in search of a treat. You really can’t get much closer to living with wildlife!

Sun Cruise Resort, Jeondongin, South Korea

Have you always fancied a holiday on a cruise ship but are wary about getting your sea legs? This quirky number in South Korea gives you all the luxury of a cruise liner while still being on dry land. With a claim to fame of having the best view of the sunrise in South Korea, the Sun Cruise Resort will see you spend your quality time aboard a liner that is carefully placed upon the cliff top of Jeondongin. With over 200 rooms, guests can take advantage of more than just the views, with a revolving sky lounge, night club, karaoke and sea water pool all on offer.

Lover’s Deep Submarine, St Lucia

Okay, so sometimes quirkiness comes at a cost — as is evident in this submarine offering. The underwater hotel can be yours for a little over £200,000 per night. Bargain, eh? Well, although this option is head and shoulders above the others on this list in terms of cost, for those with money to burn, this once-in-a-lifetime experience is ideal. Delve beneath the deep blue sea and you’ll have the choice to moor at your own chosen location, meaning you can take in any view you like, such as St Lucia’s stunning coral reef. Not only that, but you can also choose your own décor for the duration of your stay. While this luxury bedroom will be out of reach for most of us, it definitely deserves its ‘quirky’ title.

Dog Bark Park Inn, Cottonwood, Idaho, USA

Dogs are known as man’s best friend and for many of us, we can’t bear to leave our canine companions behind while we take our annual holiday. However, for those who want to take their canine craze that little bit further, a trip to Dog Bark Park Inn should be on your to-do list. Also known as ‘Sweet Willy’ this hotel is built in the shape of a beagle and stands at 30-feet-tall. So, if you find yourself wanting to be inside the head of a dog, this is your chance. Why not even take your beagle to stay in a beagle?

La Balade des Gnomes, Durbuy, Belgium

If dogs aren’t quite your thing, this Belgian boutique offers up an array of designs, including a Trojan horse. With 10 rather unique rooms, ‘The Walk of the Gnomes’ to give it its English name is situated in an elegant 17th Century town and gives visitors the choice of rooms that each could be at home on a Tim Burton movie set. Alongside the giant wooden horse on offer, you can also choose from the likes of a Macquarie Island room in which your boat-like bed mysteriously appears to be floating on real water and you’ll also find some sandy stretches!

The Venetian, Las Vegas, USA

A list that started in Vegas quite aptly finishes in Vegas too! The Venetian offers a taste of Italy while being situated in a desert. This five-star masterpiece which includes its very own canals for the ever-popular gondola rides has long-been a huge favourite in the gambling capital of the world. Along with a swish shopping mall, this building offers a striking resemblance to Venice and is located in the middle of the strip. Let’s face it, this beauty deserves to be on this list for the canals alone! There are very few places you can meander out of your hotel room to be serenaded by a gondolier!

The world of hotels is a fantastic place and each year architects are outdoing themselves and producing some out-of-this-world designs. The main question is, what will the future hold for hoteliers?