Ever fancied sleeping inside a waterfall, beneath the waves
– or inside a giant dog? Well, here’s your
chance. Stay somewhere different and make the most of your
holiday overseas with our
guide to unusual places to stay
. We’ll help you enjoy the most unusual the world has
to offer.
Drift off – literally
The Hotel Palafitte comprises a series of apartments on
stilts, floating peacefully near the edge of Lake
Neuchâtel in Switzerland. The high-tech suites are
fully equipped to five-star standard, and offer a truly
unique hotel experience. Just don’t forget where you
are when you wake up…
Relax to the sound of waterfalls
In the heart of the Huilo Huilo reserve in Chile, the Magic
Mountain Hotel has a waterfall cascading down its sides.
Built into, and onto, the side of the rock face, much of the
hotel’s structure follows the contours of nature
instead of straight lines. Inside, the hotel is homely,
comfortable and relaxing – once you’ve crossed
the rope bridge to get to it.
Versatile dwellings
Also in South America is the Quinta Real Zacatecas bullring.
What was once a large, noisy amphitheatre dedicated to blood
sports is now a tranquil hotel, with rooms built into the
original amphitheatre walls, and a beautifully paved piazza
as a centrepiece. The tiered seating remains as a feature,
and is a perfect sunny terrace for an afternoon siesta.
Sentence yourself to a holiday
The bars in The Old Jail, at Mount Gambler in Southern
Australia are now for drinking and socialising, not
containing criminals. And the cell doors have been altered:
the locks are now on the inside. Though many of the features
and décor haven’t changed since this was a real
jail, the rules are more relaxed. But what happens if you
don’t pay your bill? Do you stay longer?
Aquatic nights
Swimming and diving to your hotel room is pretty unusual,
but at Jules’ Undersea Lodge in Key Largo, Florida,
it’s the only way to get there. Its sub-aqua suites
are roomy and well equipped, and a great place to watch the
neighbourhood sea life – who are probably wondering
what you’re doing down there.
And finally…
Why not book a week’s relaxing break inside a giant
beagle? Dog Bark Park, in Idaho, USA, has just what you need
– a giant wooden beagle that comfortably sleeps four
and provides all the conveniences of a modern hotel. There
are two floors, four legs and one tail. The park itself is a
monument to all things canine, with wooden carvings and
paintings at every turn. Pets welcome by appointment –
although cats might not appreciate it.
