Coolest Hotels in the World: Top 10 Most Amazing
Coolest Hotels in the World: Top 10 Most Amazing

Coolest Hotels In The World:

When you think of the World’s best places to vacation you may imagine cities like Paris or New York, but there are a few hotel properties that serve as amazing destinations of their own.  From luxurious to rugged, these coolest hotels in the world offer some of the greatest travel experiences on the planet.

If you’ve ever dreamed of sleeping in a Medieval castle in Europe, beneath the Northern Lights, in a luxury tree house, or even an underwater hotel in the ocean, you can actually do any of those things!  Some of the coolest hotels even take it to another level with giraffes as breakfast guests, elephants as taxis, and butlers to heed your every need.  Many of the properties are actually affordable, while others cost a small fortune, but either way you will live like a King.  Hope you enjoy our top ten coolest hotels in the World!







Top 25 Coolest Hotels In The World:

1. Giraffe Manor (Nairobi, Kenya):

Top 10 Coolest Hotels In The World, - Giraffe Manor Kenya
Top 10 Coolest Hotels In The World, - Giraffe Manor Kenya Breakfast
Top 10 Coolest Hotels In The World, - Giraffe Manor Kenya Breakfast
Coolest Hotels In The World, Top Ten, Giraffe Manor Kenya

About Giraffe Manor: Kenya is known for having the Big Five of African Wildlife (lions, leopards, elephants, rhinoceros, and cape buffalo), however, at this colonial mansion you can add a 6th – giraffes!  Located less than 10 miles outside the chaotic city center of Nairobi, the vine-covered Giraffe Manor is an oasis of peacefulness.  The brick mansion was built in 1932, but it was when preservationists Jock and Betty Leslie-Melville bought the property in 1974 that it truly came to life.  The property quickly grew to 140 acres and is now home to a herd of resident Rothschild giraffes as well as the neighboring AFEW Giraffe Center.

Staying in any of Giraffe Manor’s 10 luxury suites or watching the sunset over the Ngong Hills from the Karen Blixen Terrace is amazing, but the magic happens at mealtime.  Every day for breakfast and dinner the windows are opened and the majestic giraffes become your dinner guests, literally sharing a sport right at your table!  The experience is one of the most unique and beautiful in the world.  We are so glad that Jock and Betty thought of this amazing concept when they turned the manor into a hotel in 1983.   If somehow you need a break from your long-necked pals, the property is also home to numerous warthogs, and the Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage is only a few minutes away.

Average Nightly Cost: $1000 all-inclusive, but they have large discounts for staying multiple days across their amazing properties in Kenya.  Make a special note that the property is closed each year for the entire month of May.  Hotel Website: (HERE).

2. Conrad Hilton (Rangila, Maldives):

Top 10 Coolest Hotels In The World, - Hilton Conrad Huts Maldives
Top 10 Coolest Hotels In The World, - Hilton Conrad Huts Maldives

About The Conrad Hilton: Out of all of the amazing hotels in the Maldives, the Conrad Hilton is by far the coolest one.  Located on Rangali Island  (only a 30-minute seaplane ride from Male), this hotel takes the lagoon experience to the next level.  Many of the Hilton’s stilt hut villas are complete with sections of see-through glass flooring, private freshwater pools, but some also have beds that rotate 270 degrees to follow the sunset.  For a hefty fee, you can even arrange for the property’s Ithaa Restaurant to be converted into a one-of-a-kind underwater hotel room!

In total there are 11 restaurants to choose from at the Conrad Hilton Maldives from the underwater Ithaa, to others with perfect sunset views.  They even have a 20,000 bottle underwater wine cellar complete with the World’s 101 best cheeses.  Throughout your stay, you will have amazing Maldives activities waiting at your fingertips.  You can dive with manta rays, snorkel with whale sharks, stroll the white sand beaches, look for dolphins, plus get up close and personal with sea turtles and a vibrant coral reef aboard the Nemo Submarine.  The submarine can go up to 100 feet below the surface and it gives you a perspective that only brave scuba divers can normally get.

Nightly Rate: Starts at $900 for beach villas and $1200 for water villas.  Hotel Website: (HERE).

Alternative Hotel Options: Anantara Maldives has 3 great luxury resorts on the Hanifaru Bay only about 30 minutes from the Hilton.  They have great activities including swimming with whale sharks.  With all the amazing water in the Maldives, the coolest pool belongs to the Soneva Fushi which has a sun-in, dry living room in the middle of the beachside infinity pool.  The Six Senses Laamu is also an amazing experience in the Maldives.

3. Anantara Golden Triangle (Sop Ruak, Thailand):

Top 10 Coolest Hotels In The World - Anantara Golden Triangle Thailand
Coolest Hotels In The World, Top Ten, Anantara Golden Triangle Thailand

About Anantara Golden Triangle: From storybook scenery to dreamy activities, Anantara Golden Triangle Resort may be the most romantic hotel on this list.  The location, 90 minutes North of Chiang Rai, is right at the heart of the Golden Triangle where the countries of Thailand, Mayamar, and Laos all meet.  It is a region overflowing with lore and history from the days of the opium trade that is bound to get your imagination rolling.

From the viewpoints looking out onto neighboring countries to the jungle paths and nearby temples; this is definitely a place to get your zen on.  Did we mention they also have elephants and mahout trainers to take you out on treks for private picnics?  Maybe the coolest thing is that whenever the resort has baby elephants, the mahouts typically bring them into the breakfast area to greet you.  Who doesn’t want to have breakfast with baby elephants?

Cost Per Night: If you book in advance it’ll be $900 per night plus around $50 a day per person to upgrade to all-inclusive with activities.  All the rooms are awesome, but bumping your base rate up to $1150 gets you the best views in the place.  Hotel Website: (HERE).

Alternative Option: If you can’t afford the 4 Seasons, you can stay in one of the dozens of moderately priced hotels in Chiang Mai and do a different elephant adventure.  Our favorite affordable elephant experience is the Patara Elephant Farm which is around $200 a person for a full day trek and mahout training.  Read more about Patara Elephant Camp HERE.

4. Ashford Castle (Cong, Ireland):

Top 10 Coolest Hotels In The World - Ashford Castle Ireland
Top 10 Coolest Hotels In The World - Ashford Castle Ireland
Top 10 Coolest Hotels In The World - Ashford Castle Ireland
Top 10 Coolest Hotels In The World - Ashford Castle Ireland

About Ashford Castle: While many vacations to Europe are spent touring Medieval castles, the Ashford gives you the ultimate chance to stay in one overnight.  From your entrance through the impressive gate and wall, the Ashford separates itself from other castle hotels by its sure size alone.  This massive castle was built over a number of centuries, starting with the first mansion built here in 1228.   In 1589 protective fortifications were built, but it took until 1715 for the Ashford name to stick when a French-style chateau wing was added.  Ireland’s famous Guinness family bought the Ashford in 1852 and grew the estate to 26,000 acres, planted thousands of trees, and completely re-built the West wing of the property.

Perhaps the biggest change came it the 1900s, when it was turned into a hotel, was doubled in size, and became a true 5-star property.  The high-end accommodations are matched with activities such as horse riding, falconry, lake cruising, fishing, clay shooting, archery, golf, and much more.  The castle even has a spa for massages, body wraps, nails, facials, and waxing.

Over the years, powerful guests from Mary Queen of Scots, King George V, Princess Grace, Brad Pitt, President Ronald Regan and more have stayed here.  The author Oscar Wilde was even here as a kid as his dad had a neighboring home.  A portrait gallery on the 2nd floor shows most of the famous people who have stayed here.  With its connect to Mary Queen of Scots the castle was featured as the home of the French royal family in the hit TV series Reign.  They did this because most of the huge French chateau actually looked like castle back then before they got Renaissance makeovers.

Cost Per Night: Rooms start out around $130 a night up to a cost of $600.   Hotel Website: (HERE).

Related ArticleTop Ten Castle Hotels In The World.




5. Dhara Dhevj Resort (Chiang Mai, Thailand):

Top 10 Coolest Hotels In The World - Dhara Dhevj Resort Chiang Mai, Thailand
Coolest Hotels In The World, Top Ten, Dhara Dhevj Chiang Mai Thailand

About Dhara Dhevi: A stay at the Dhara Dhevj Resort in Chiang Mai will make you feel like you have been transported back in time to the height of the Lanna Empire.  The sprawling property looks more like a palace than a resort, and you’re bound to feel the royal treatment.  It’s the total package of grandeur and overall experience that lands Dhara Dhevi toward the top of our top 25 Coolest Hotels in the World.  The 118 suites circle a huge old world farm and rice field, reminding you of the days when palaces were self-sustaining cities on their own.  All of the spacious rooms have views either out onto the rice paddy or over the lush tropical gardens covering the rest of the 60-acre resort.  There are even 5 complete, opulent residences for longer stays by celebrities and world leaders.

The pool is as amazing as you can possibly imagine, but it is the spa we love the most.  The entire spa is modeled after an ancient Mandalay palace and even has a 7 tiered, carved teakwood lobby.  If you are looking for more adventure you can ride on the back of a water buffalo, cooking classes with master chefs, or take in one of the resort’s exciting live shows.  The Dhara Dhevj is the only resort in Northern Thailand to have its own on-site craft village.  Regular daily programs for arts and crafts demonstrations include basket making, bamboo weaving, rice pounding, paper cutting and flower arranging.  They also have a kids club with activities from Thai dance and music, games, toys, rice planting, boxing, yoga, and paper umbrella making.

Cost Per Night: Rooms range from $700-1,500 a night.   Hotel Website: (HERE).

Alternative Options: The Iniala Beach House Resort on Phuket Island is a modern twist on Thai luxury hotel which extremely artistic rooms right on the beach.  The hotel became famous after being featured on Keeping Up With The Kardashians, but costs $1400-7000 a night.

6. Kebek Cave Hotel (Goreme, Turkey):

Coolest Hotels In The World, Top Ten, Kebek Cave Hotel Turkey
Coolest Hotels In The World, Top Ten, Kebek Cave Hotel Turkey

About Kebek Cave Hotel: During the pre-history of Turkey, the nearby Mount Erciyes Volcano covered the area with ash.  Centuries of wind and rain later carved the thick layers of ash into formations resembling fairy chimneys.  In the early Middle Ages the two chimneys, which are now part of the Kebek Cave Hotel, where used as a monk’s chapel before becoming a family home.  Traditional arch homes were later built into the chimneys which today help to give the Kebek Cave Hotel’s 36 rooms.

Not only is there a Turkish Bath close by, but day trips to the famed chimney forests of Cappadocia are a staple activity, especially by hot air balloon.  There is just something cool about seeing the chimney’s from above after having just spent the night inside one.

Cost Per Night: From $75 to $100 per night making it one of the cheapest on this list.   Hotel Website: (HERE).

Alternative Hotel Options: The Akköy Evleri Cave Hotel runs from $100-300 a night.  The cave hotel called Museum Hotel Cappadocia is considered Turkey’s most luxurious hotel and runs from $263 a night.  Gives you great morning views of the hot air balloons.

7. Londolozi Tree Camp (Kruger National Park, South Africa):

Coolest Hotels In The World, Top Ten, Londolozi Tree Camp South Africa
Coolest Hotels In The World, Top Ten, Londolozi Tree Camp South Africa

About Londolozi Tree Camp: It is fitting that both the Londolozi Tree Camp and Kruger National Park were both established in 1926 as they have both gone a long way toward wildlife preservation in Africa.  For the first few decades, the camp served as the primer bush camp and mainly hosting exclusive guests such as presidents and princesses.  By the 1970s they went all in on the conservation side of thins and officially changed their name to Londolozi, derived from the Zulu word ‘To Protect’.

Over the years, Londolozi has grown to become World renowned as one of Africa’s finest game lodges.  As easily the most luxurious, it became the first game reserve in the World to be accorded Relais & Châteaux Status, reinforcing its commitment to luxurious accommodation, fine cuisine, and exceptional service.  It is really hard to argue with Londolozi’s awards as nowhere else can you watch elephant herds stroll by while taking your morning bath then go on an afternoon safari to see rare leopards and large cats.  When the day is over get ready to retire to some of the coolest tree houses and lodges you can imagine.  The fine details in the art and furnishing are unbeatable.

Cost Per Night: Starting at $850 per person a night which includes meals, drinks, plus morning and evening game drives.  Kids activities are 1/2 off.   Hotel Website: (HERE).

Alternative Hotel Options: The Lions Sand Reserve has traditional hotel style rooms plus 3 amazing open-air trees houses starting at $450 a night.

8. De Glase Ice Hotel (Québec, Canada):

Coolest Hotels In The World, Top Ten, De Glase Ice Hotel Canada
Coolest Hotels In The World, Top Ten, De Glase Ice Hotel Canada

About De Glase Ice Hotel: Each year since 2001, a magical hotel made re-built out of snow and ice to create a true Winter wonderland.  From January through March the De Glase Ice Hotel in Quebec opens its icy doors to visitors from around the World.  Expert sculptors create the massive structure over the course of a few weeks and the amount of detail they use in unbelievable.  Snow art is everywhere from the from the 44 themed rooms, to the ice bar, and the ever popular Super Slide.  It’s so much fun to drink out of ice glasses while under a chandelier made up of, you guessed it, ice.

Don’t worry about getting cold even though the temperatures only hover above freezing.  Each suite has a real mattress and blankets over the base of ice and the arctic down is rated for 35 degrees colder than the hotel is.  They also have a warming center in the attached Celsius Pavilion complete with fully heated bathrooms.

Out of all the ice hotels, the one in Quebec is the best as not only is it easy to get to, but it is affordable and they do an amazing job.  The surrounding park offers over 2 miles of trails for snowshoeing and hiking.  The park was first used to house 7 different windmills starting in the mid-1700s, some of which still exist as the Parc des Moulins.  The rest of the grounds formerly housed Quebec’s zoo and is now an excellent urban woods.

Cost Per Night: Starting at $199/person.  Non-guests can visit during the day for $18 or $28 total to add snowshoes for the trails.   Hotel Website: (HERE).

Alternative Hotel Options: Also in Quebec the Le Château Frontenac is a giant castle hotel that has dominated the city’s skyline since 1893.

Related ArticleBest Ice Hotels In The World.

9. Jade Mountain Resort (Saint Lucia):

Coolest Hotels In The World, Top Ten, Jade Mountain Resort Saint Lucia
Coolest Hotels In The World, Top Ten, Jade Mountain Resort Saint Lucia

About Jade Mountain: With views of the photogenic Piton Peaks and the bay of St Lucia from every room, the Jade Mountain Resort has some of the coolest views in the World.  The property itself sits high up a cliffside with a maze of elegant bridges connection each suite to the common areas like a man-made jungle.  The suite famously only have 3 walls to make sure you always have a view, have spacious 15 foot high ceilings, and jaw-dropping private infinity pools.

The main resort sits high above the water requiring a 90-minute windy drive from the Airport, but you can arrive in style by helicopter for $220.  The owners of the Property also have the ocean front Anse Chastanet Resort right below Jade Mountain making beach access simple.  Outside of the wonderful rooms and the nearby beach, there are a number of other fun things to do near the Resort.  There is the only walk-in volcano in the Caribbean called Soufriere and the Rainforest Canopy cable car which is a must do in St Lucia.

Cost Per Night: The standard suites are $1000-1500 depending on the season and the fanciest ones are $2500-3100 a night.   Hotel Website: (HERE).

10. Ngorongoro Crater Lodge ( Tanzania):

Coolest Hotels In The World, Top Ten, Ngorongoro Crater Lodge Tanzania
Coolest Hotels In The World, Top Ten, Ngorongoro Crater Lodge Tanzania

About Ngorongoro Crater Lodge: If you were to pick the ideal physical location on a map to visit in Africa, it would be exactly where the Ngorongoro Crater Lodge in Tanzania is.  In addition to being next to Lake Magadi and inside an old volcanic crater, the Lodge sits perfectly between the Serengeti National Park, the Kenyan capital of Nairobi, and Mount Kilimanjaro.

The lodge has such a great location that the views and experiences seem to make themselves.  Wild zebras, giraffes, and other animals often roam the grounds while large cats and elephants are only a short drive away.  Being a property run by the and Beyond Group, you know the accommodations are going to be amazing.  No expense was spared on the over-sized luxury hut which all have world-class views over the African landscape.  We love their colorful furniture, woven roofs, and uncanny sense of style.

Cost Per Night: The standard size suites are $1000 a night in the off-season and $1500 during the peak Summer months.  The larger family suites go between $3500-5500 a night depending on the season.   Hotel Website: (HERE).

Alternative Option: andBeyond also has some other great properties in Tanzania including the Lake Manyara Tree Lodge cradled in mahogany trees overlooking the Great Rift Valley for $650 a night.

Related ArticleBest Treehouse Hotels In The World.



11. Dromoland Castle (Newmarket-on-Fergus, Ireland):

Coolest Hotels In The World, Top Ten, Dromoland Castle Ireland
Coolest Hotels In The World, Top Ten, Dromoland Castle Ireland

About Dromoland Castle: “I slept in a giant castle this weekend, no big deal.”  This is maybe the perfect nonchalant way to tell your friends about your stay in the historic Dromoland Castle.  While the castle has been rebuilt a few times over the centuries, its roots go back to the first structure which was owned by the family of Irish King Brian Boru in the early 1000s.   The property remained in the ancestral ownership of the King all the way until 1962 when it was bought and renovated into a high-end hotel.

We love the facade and powerful towers which were added in the 1830s which strike thought of knights in armor and dragons.  The interior is just as impressive as you can imagine since it was owned by such an important family for so long.  The second you step in the door, there is no doubt you are in a true 5-star property.   In addition to the spa and golf, you can also join in their award-winning falconry school, clay shooting, archery, horse riding, and fishing.

Cost Per Night: Starts at only $150 and they often have stay 2 nights get a 3rd free deals going on.   Hotel Website: (HERE).

Related ArticleTop Ten Castle Hotels In The World.

12. Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort (Saariselkä, Findland):

Coolest Hotels In The World, Top Ten, Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort Finland
Coolest Hotels In The World, Top Ten, Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort Finland

About Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort: While the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort is open year round, it’s their Glass Igloos during Northern Lights season that we love the most.  The Northern Lights season runs from late-August through April each year and the Glass Igloos give you an unobstructed view of Finland’s sky and natural beauty.  After dark is the greatest as not only more stars than you’ve ever seen, but also the flowing colors of the northern lights shine above you.  The dancing light show put on the aurora borealis in this arctic environment is second to none.

The igloos themselves have plenty of privacy with curtains and are very climate controlled. The standard is a 2 person Igloos with a private bathroom, but communal bathrooms and saunas separated by gender.  They also have a bunch of 4 person family-sized Igloos with private bathrooms and hot shower included in each unit.  From December to April, the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort even has a number of real Snow Igloos that you can rent and stay in.  If sleeping outside isn’t your thing, the Resort also has a bunch of luxury log cabins to rent plus many outdoor activities you can pay to join in on.  Activities range from snowmobiling to ice fishing, sled dog training, and even reindeer sleigh rides.

Cost Per Night: The Glass Igloos starting at $450-600 a night depending on the season and if you book ahead.  The Winter-only Snow Igloos go from $350-500 a night.  The Luxury Log Cabins run between $350-1000 depending on how large of a cabin you want.   Hotel Website: (HERE).

Related ArticleBest Ice Hotels In The World.

13. Art Masion Hotel (Oia, Greece):

Coolest Hotels In The World, Top Ten, Art Maison Hotel Oia Santorini Greece
Coolest Hotels In The World, Top Ten, Art Maison Hotel Oia Santorini Greece

About Art Masion Hotel: Our hardest decision on this entire list was deciding which of the near perfect hotels on Santorini Island would make our list, but in the Art Maison pulled it off.  Clinging the to the ocean-side cliff of a former volcano’s caldera, a stay in Art Maison exposes you to the best this white-washed village has to offer.  Cruise ships from around the World come to Oia to see the sunset, but you won’t have to mess with the large crowds from your private infinitely pool.  We love the postcard perfect views even more after dark when the village lights turn it into one of the most romantic places on Earth.

Cementing the Art Maison as one of the coolest hotels in the World may be the private cave pools located in a few of the Honeymoon suites.  Unlike other Santorini hotels, the cave pools here are built as private grottoes with water the illuminates the cave in blue ambient light in the evening.  Words can’t express how pretty it is here.

Cost Per Night: Starting at $900 a night, but they often have over 30% off of stays of 3 nights or more.  For an authentic cave room with both city and oceans views in Santorini, this is actually a pretty good deal.  Hotel Website: (HERE).

Alternative Hotel Options: Also in Oia, the Hotel Katikies is famous for its own cave pools and views. These two properties are almost interchangeable.  If you are looking to save some money, we have also stayed at the Hotel Aethrio which also has cave-like rooms and great ocean views for only around $100 a night. Aethrio may not be as authentic, but is still beautiful and saves a ton of money.

14. Four Seasons Tented Camp (Chiang Saen, Thailand):

Coolest Hotels In The World, Top Ten, Four Seasons Tented Camp Chiang Rai Thailand
Coolest Hotels In The World, Top Ten, Four Seasons Tented Camp Chiang Rai Thailand

About The Four Seasons Tented Camp: Once you’ve experienced glamping at the Four Season’s Tented Camp, you’ll never view your family’s camping tent the same again.  Sitting on the edge of the jungle near Thailand’s Golden Triangle offers the perfect setting to begin your adventure.  The luxurious accommodations are filled to the brim with handcrafted furniture that you have to see to believe.  The tables have carved elephant legs and the two-person hand-hammered copper bathtubs even have elephant trunks as fixtures, not to mention the private outdoor rain showers.

When you are ready to venture out to do activities you can walk right off your spacious deck onto your live pachyderm taxi.   Elephants are a mainstay of the Four Seasons Tented Camp.  You can work with the traditional elephant mahout who dedicate their lives to an animal and take sunrise elephant treks into the lush jungle and misty mountains.  You can also unwind with a bamboo raft cruise down the Mekong River, a massage while taking in stunning views, or dinner from master chefs at the thatched-roof wine cellar.

Cost Per Night: $2,500.  Yes, we said $2,500 a night as it is an exclusive experience truly fit for a king complete with elephant mahout training, spa treatment, plus all your gourmet food and drinks.  They also require a two-night minimum stay, but with ongoing promotions, a three-night stay usually gets you two nights for free at any of the other Four Season properties in Thailand.  Hotel Website: (HERE).

Alternative Options: Since most people can’t afford the Four Seasons, you can alternatively stay in one of the dozens of moderately priced hotels in Chiang Mai and do a different elephant adventure.  Our favorite affordable elephant experience is the Patara Elephant Farm which is around $200 a person for a full day trek and mahout training. Read more about Patara Elephant Camp HERE.

15. Tree House Lodge (Limón, Costa Rica):

Coolest Hotels In The World, Top Ten, Tree House Lodge Costa Rica
Coolest Hotels In The World, Top Ten, Tree House Lodge Costa Rica

About Tree House Lodge: Sloths, sloths, and more sloths!  Need we say more?  The Tree House Lodge is basically a real-life version of the Rain Forest Cafe within Costa Rica’s Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge.  The 10-acre property has both jungle access and beachfront with the almost perfect Punta Uva Beach nearby.  With numerous tree houses to choose from this is one of the coolest hotels in the World to feed your inner child.  Feel free to be lazy the hammocks are inviting and a slow pace is the way to go.  The jungle tree house location alone make this lodge one of the World’s Coolest Hotels, but throw in sloths and it becomes a slam dunk must visit property.

Cost Per Night: $300 for two people, but the tree houses and beach suites can sleep up to 6 people which is $450-600 a night.  Hotel Website: (HERE).

Alternative Options: If you want to see the iconic Arenal Volcano from your hotel instead consider the Nayara Hotel in La Fortuna, Costa Rica.  If you are really digging the tree house vibe check out our list of the best tree house hotels in the world.

Related ArticleBest Treehouse Hotels In The World.

16. Intercontinental Thalasso Spa (Bora Bora):

Coolest Hotels In The World, Top Ten, Thalasso Spa Bora Bora
Coolest Hotels In The World, Top Ten, Thalasso Spa Bora Bora

About Thalasso Spa: There are so many near perfect resorts in Bora Bora that it can be really hard for one to set itself apart but the Intercontinental Thalasso Spa doesn’t have a problem with that.  While many resorts in the area sit in shallow waters facing the open ocean, the Thalasso is in a protected cove of sandbar strands.  This not only helps the water stay a perfect turquoise color any time of year, but also ensures the waters remain claim.  It is this blue lagoon, with white sand beaches and neighboring peaks that became famous in the Adam Sandler movie Couples Retreat.

Because the property is run by ICG, which also runs Hilton and Holiday Inn, you still get the world class service but at a little better rate than most Bora Bora resorts.  It is still a little pricey for some people, but a chance to stay in the perfect tropical paradise is more than worth every penny.

Cost Per Night: Starts at $850 a night and you’ll want to book early to try to keep it under $1000 a night.  Hotel Website: (HERE).

Alternative Options: Also in Bora Bora, we really like the Four Seasons Bora Bora Resort which is a little more exclusive, and the Le Meridien Bora Bora which is known for its turtles.







17. Udaivilas Palace ( Udaipur, India):

Coolest Hotels In The World, Top Ten, Udaivilas Palace India
Coolest Hotels In The World, Top Ten, Udaivilas Palace India

About Udaivilas Palace: On the shores of India’s Lake Pichola is a hotel that is truly made for and by a King.  In 1567, King Udai Singh II started building his palace here after he became the 53rd ruler of the Mewar Dynasty.  Over the next 150 years, the palace grew into a vast royal estate with 4 major buildings and tons of smaller ones creating a fortress-like facade.

Entering the Palace through the arched Tripolia gate into the main courtyard is an experience all it’s own.  The villas have cascading terraces, and semi-private pools you could only dream of.  The best way to appreciate the size of the huge pampering palace is to take a relaxing boat ride out onto the water and see it from a distance.

Cost Per Night: Rooms run from $300-950 depending on the room. Very high-end suites the size of most homes run $5000-8000 a night.  Hotel Website: (HERE).

Other Hotel Options: The Taj Lake Palace in also Udaipur was built in the 1700s as a pleasure palace for the kings.  The 1983 James Bond movie Octopussy was shot here and it is very fancy.  The cost per night goes from $480-780 depending on the room.

18. Burj al Arab Hotel (Dubai, United Arab Emirates):

Coolest Hotels In The World, Top Ten, Burj al Arab Hotel, UAE
Coolest Hotels In The World, Top Ten, Burj al Arab Hotel, UAE

About Burj al Arab: No that’s not a giant ship sail sticking out of the ocean, it is the 1053 foot tall Burj al Arab Hotel.  The huge futuristic complex is considered the fanciest hotel in the World.  Out of a 5-star scale, the Burj al Arab often calls itself a 7-star property.  You’ll begin to see how over-the-top Burj is on your arrival as you can get here by Rolls Royce taxis or even getting flown in by helicopter.

The rooms are beyond amazing with a blend of modern and 19th-century palace elements.  It is so luxurious that they even have a menu to order the specific pillow you wish to use.  Aside from the amazing rooms, you can take a mini-submarine down to their underwater restaurant or head to the roof for a round of tennis at the World’s highest court sitting a ledge 900 feet above the ocean.

Cost Per Night: Starting at $1,600, but some of the fanciest suites go for over $10,000 a night.   Hotel Website: (HERE).

19. TreeHotel (Harads, Sweden):

Coolest Hotels In The World, Top Ten, TreeHotel Sweden
Coolest Hotels In The World, Top Ten, TreeHotel Sweden

About TreeHotel: While many of the units are very futuristic, the name of the game at Sweden’s Tree Hotel is undisturbed nature.  All of the units have very small footprints, but still manage to be among the most unique treehouses on the planet.  The large UFO suite looks like it is right out of the hit movie ET and is truly an out-of-this-world experience.

Maybe our favorite treehouse at the TreeHotel is the huge Mirror Cube which does the ultimate job of blending into nature.  The mirrored sided made the solid structure almost seem invisible as it reflects the natural beauty around it.  Don’t worry about birds hitting the glass, as it is covered in a unique infrared film which keeps them from running into it.  The TreeHotel also has a crate-like cabin elevated over the valley, a huge bird’s nest, a suite that looks like it is made out of Legos, and a large family until in the shape of a dragonfly.

Cost Per Night: $680 per night, but the DragonFly 4 person room is $1100.  They often have packages available for multi-day stays.  Hotel Website: (HERE).

Related ArticleBest Treehouse Hotels In The World.

20. Qasr al Sarab Desert Resort (Liwa, United Arab Emirates):

Coolest Hotels In The World, Top Ten, Sarab Desert Resort UAE
Coolest Hotels In The World, Top Ten, Sarab Desert Resort UAE

About Sarab Desert Resort: The Anantara Group is known for having some of the best hotels in the World and the Qasr al Sarab Desert Resort does not disappoint.  Everything starts with the setting as the huge stone castle sits at an oasis on the edge of the legendary Liwa Desert.  The scene is bound to bring up images of Arabia or Morocco, as all have rooms have either a balcony or terrace with desert views.

When you get sick of dipping into your private plunge pools and getting massages, you can play some tennis or take horse and camel treks out into the desert.  Even just a short hike onto the massive dunes can be magical.  Getting here is easy as it is only 2 hours from Abu Dhabi and 3 hours from Dubai near the small village of Al Khis.

Cost Per Night: Deluxe rooms with a view run around $330 with advanced booking.  Larger villas with multiple rooms go between $1600-3000 a night.  Hotel Website: (HERE).

21. Silver Mine Hotel (Sala, Sweden):

Coolest Hotels In The World, Top Ten, Silver Mine Sweden
Coolest Hotels In The World, Top Ten, Silver Mine Sweden

About The Silver Mine Hotel: Housed in a 17th Century Silver Mine 508 feet below ground, this is officially the World’s deepest hotel room!   Starting your visit with a tour of the mine is fun for the entire family.   You start by going 130 feet below ground to a series of large cavern halls where the silver was separated from the rocks containing it.  A spiral staircase leads you another 70 feet down to the Sofia Magdalena Mine which is now commonly used for wedding and banquets.

As you explore you be able to peak down the mine’s originally shaft from 1690, called the Christina, below taking an elevator to the lower level Ulrica Eleonora Mine.  Once at 508 feet below the surface you explore further including some shafts which are filled with water giving the appearance of underground lakes.  After exploring and touring you reach your room complete with a seating and dining area.  It is truly straight out a movie.

Because you are so far below ground, phones don’t work but they have radios for the guest to communicate with the staff.  The mine can be can be below 40 degrees and chilly so you are urged to dress warmly.  They do provide thick blankets and you have full access to the above ground hostel for lounging and taking showers.  Make sure to check out their outdoor 130-foot tall rope bridge course between natural rock walls.

Cost Per Night: The silver mine room is $600.  You can also do a paid tour during the day and stay in the $75 a night rooms above ground.  Hotel Website: (HERE).

22. 727 Fuselage Hotel (Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica):

Coolest Hotels In The World, Top Ten, 727 Fuselage Costa Rica
Coolest Hotels In The World, Top Ten, 727 Fuselage Costa Rica

About the Fuselage Hotel: No list of the Coolest Hotels in the World would be complete without an airplane hotel!  As part of the Costa Verde Resort, the 727 Fuselage Hotel sits high above the ocean in the lush Costa Rican jungle.  The plane is a vintage 1965 Boeing 727 that was refurbished into a two bedroom suite with amazing views.

Because the suite butts against the Manuel Antonio National Park, you will often have residents monkeys to greet you at breakfast.  Locals claim that monkeys actually outnumber the humans in the village.  The vast beach below has areas for riding horses, sunbathing, plus extra accommodations.  Costa Verde’s ground level restaurant is also a re-purposed jumbo jet making the entire resort feel like a living episode of the hit TV series Lost.

Cost Per Night: To rent out the entire plane with two bedrooms it is $500 a night.  They also have rooms at their beachside inn for $60 a night.  Hotel Website: (HERE).

Other Hotel Options: You can stay in another plane at the Jumbo Jet Hostel in Sweden which is a 27 room converted Boeing 747.

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