Tired of standard hotels and resorts? These quirky, weird, and downright over the top hotels have to be seen to be believed!
Hotel Marqués De Riscal, Spain
Located in the La Rioja wine-growing region of Spain, it is immediately apparent what makes the Hotel Marqués De Riscal so unusual. The famed architect Frank Gehry designed the unique building and was his first and only hotel design.
Since its unveiling in 2006 this masterpiece created by Frank Gehry to house the Hotel Marqués de Riscal has become a highly sought after contemporary, luxury retreat. Design, art, gastronomy, wine and the lush landscape all combine to create a memorable sojourn.
The contemporary steel and titanium structure strikes a startling contrast with the surrounding medieval walled city of Elciego. The hotel has unique features such as tilting walls, zigzag windows, and cathedral height ceilings. The interior design is just as beautiful, with curved maple wood walls, leather furniture, and marble bathrooms. Every inch is a work of art. With just 43 rooms, the concierge level service does not disappoint visitors to this remarkable hotel. Guest enjoy wine-themed treatments in the hotel’s spa wing, while the Michelin starred restaurant provides modern fine dining.
Sheraton Huzhou Hot Spring Resort, China
When it comes to over the top hotels, the Sheraton Huzhou Hot Spring Resort in Huzhou, China is another architectural wonder you have to see to believe. The hotel comprises of 27 floors above water and two beneath to form a complete oval shape. Its opulent decor includes a lobby paved with White Jade from Afghanistan and Tiger’s Eye Stone from Brazil. The guest rooms are every bit as unique and quirky. Rooms feature green marble floors, circular bathtubs in the middle of the rooms, even red leather electronic bidets.
The hotel has six bars and restaurants, including the top floor Starlight Cafe with live music, cherry-topped cocktails, and expansive views. In addition you can relax in one of the hotel’s two pools, the large gym, spa, or the onsite hot springs.
Hurawalhi, Maldives
It’s hard not to be impressed with any resort in the Maldives, but Hurawalhi manages to outdo them all. The resort occupies the entire 400-meter long island and boasts it’s own on-site reef. Certainly the most unique feature of Hurawalhi, however, is the 5.8 Undersea Restaurant. This ten-table restaurant is completely glass enclosed and, most noteworthy, sits a full 19 feet underwater. This allows diners to eat with unmatched views of the aquatic life. It’s the world’s largest all-glass undersea restaurant.
The villas at Hurawalhi are every bit as luxurious as the dining. Ocean pool villas sit on stilts over the crystal clear Indian Ocean. Travelers can step into the water directly from their room deck or enjoy a swim in a personal infinity pool overlooking the postcard-worthy views.
Giraffe Manor, Kenya
It’s not the hotel itself that makes Giraffe manor so famous, although the 1930s era property is quite impressive.
…the most fascinating thing about Giraffe Manor is its herd of resident Rothschild’s giraffe who may visit morning and evening, sometimes poking their long necks into the windows in the hope of a treat, before retreating to their forest sanctuary.
The exclusive boutique hotel offers just twelve rooms and is set on a private 12-acre estate. Guests not only get to enjoy breakfast with their long-necked hosts, but can also take safaris and other exciting excursions in the surrounding area.
What do you think of these over the top hotels? Would you plan a stay in any of them? If you’d like to read about more unique vacations a bit farther away, these six brands think space travel is coming sooner than you think.
