Grey days chained to the desk, listening to the same anecdote from an adjacent co worker. Trying to force a smile, and turning your attention back to the monotony of the screen and spreadsheet. There must be more to life than this.
If you, like us, have an inner quirk just longing to be unleashed, then fear not; there are some seriously flamboyant hotels out there just ready to welcome you inside. Whether that’s realised through esoteric entertainment, bizarre bedding or architectural intrigue, the list is as varied as the folk that patronise it. With that in mind, we’ve teamed up with timber decking supplier, Arbordeck, to bring you these; our 7 IDEAL stays in the world’s quirkiest hotels.
THE LUXOR, LAS VEGAS, USA
It’d be rude not to start with the City of Sin, such is the variety of their opulent architecture. While there are so many builds which are truly unique, the Egyptian inspired design of the Luxor is arguably the most unusual actual design in the Nevada hotspot (no weather pun intended!) with 30 floors to take in in the gigantic Sphinx. With huge pharaoh statues welcoming you in the lobby, the Luxor opened for business as the first (and only) pyramid-shaped hotel in Vegas in 1993 and remains an architectural marvel to this day. If only that Frank Ocean song played in the lobby upon arrival.
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, but The Hoshinoya Fuji in Japan offers something stand alone, that’s for sure. Step inside your cosy pod and you’ll be met 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. Now that’s unique.
While that may sound great, it gets better. You can step outside your space and onto a private decking area 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.
GIRAFFE MANOR, NAIROBI, KENYA
Going on safari tops many a bucket list. 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, JEONGDONGJIN, 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 the 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 Jeongdongjin. 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? 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 just that.
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
If, like us, you can’t bear to leave your canine companions behind while taking your annual holiday, then this place will offer relief. 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.
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 to satisfy those animalistic urges. With ten unique rooms, ‘The Walk of the Gnomes’ – to give it its English name – is situated in an elegant 17th Century town and gives visitors a choice of rooms which could each 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. Phwoar.
