Travel: Unusual Hotels Around the World

1.) The Ice Hotel

Celebrating over 10 years in business, the Hotel de Glace in Canada is a tribute to all things cold. Made entirely out of 15,000 tons of snow and 5,000 tons of ice, the hotel is rebuilt every year, complete with 36 rooms and specialty suites, ice cafe, ice bar, ice chapel, art gallery and the grand slide.  Don’t forget to check out the original art work and furniture made out of blocks of ice.

Hôtel de Glace
75, Montée de l’Auberge, Pavillon Ukiuk
Station touristique Duchesnay
Sainte-Catherine-de-la-Jacques-Cartier
Québec Canada G3N 2Y5
Toll free : 1 877 505-0423 (Canada et États-Unis)

2.)Tree Houses Hotel

Located in the jungles of Costa Rica, The Tree Houses Hotel features just 3 tree houses on 8 acres and is surrounded by a 70 acre wildlife refuge. Explore the area waterfalls, river and enchanting pools of water while discovering Costa Rican birds, sloths, monkeys and butterflies.


Tree Houses Hotel , 300 Meters Norte de Cemetario de la Florencia
Santa Clara, San Carlos, Costa Rica   Tel: 011 (506) 2475-6507  www.treehouseshotel.com

3.)Karosta Prison

If you would like the “real” prison experience, check into the Karosta Prision in Liepaja, Latvia. Used by the Soviets, Nazis and Latvians during the Russian Revolution and the Nazi occupation, it is the only European prison that is open to tourists. It is said that 150 people were shot and killed here, and restless spirits still roam the corridors. For a low fee, you can participate in the late night “show” from 9pm-9am, and included everything you would expect from a prison; iron bed, interrogations even a little verbal abuse.


Karosta Prison, Invalidu Street 4, Karosta Liepaja, LV-3402, Latvia
Tel: +37126369470, www.karostascientums.lv

4.) Jumbo Hostel

Stay in a 747-200 turned hostel in Stockholm, Sweden. This former jetliner now has 25 small rooms, including the specialty Cocktail Suite (with original flight controls included). Each room is outfitted with a flat screen television. No flight attendants to serve you, but if you need a beverage, head to the retro orange and white cafe located on board open 24/7.

Jumbo Hostel, 4 Jumbovagen , SE 190 47 , Stokholm Sweden Phone +46 (0)8-593 604 00  www.jumbohostel.com