12 Unique Stays in Europe That Will Make You Rethink Your Usual Hotel Habit

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One of the most exciting aspects of planning a European trip is finding somewhere to stay. Whether looking for a 5-star hotel that’ll blow your socks off or a hostel that’ll help you save money, Europe has something to suit every kind of traveler. However, Europe is also home to some of the world’s most unique accommodation options.

Europe is unique in many ways, so it’s no surprise it offers some of the most distinctive and beautiful lodgings. To learn more, here are 12 unique accommodations in Europe you need to try. The entries on our list were selected because they offer a one-of-a-kind experience in popular European destinations.

Domki pod Gubałówką, Poland

Unique Accommodations in Europe Domki pod Gubałówką, Poland Tatra mountains and lake — © Patryk Kosmider / Adobe Stock

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Starting price (two people): $290 a night

Let’s start with a beautiful accommodation option in Zakopane, Southern Poland. A big hit with skiing enthusiasts, this accommodation option offers travelers stunning alpine-style chalets at the base of the Tatras Mountains. Each wooden chalet has multiple bedrooms, a cozy fireplace and lounge area, a kitchenette, and a bathroom. Every chalet also offers mountain views, a shower, and a flat-screen TV.

Surrounded by lush scenery, travelers visiting Domki pod Gubałówką can participate in various activities; skiing is the most popular. The Gubałówką Ski Lift is approximately 1,968 feet (600 meters) from the accommodation. The famous Krupówki Street is also nearby. This lively street has many bars, pubs, restaurants, and shops.

Houseboat-Amsterdam, Netherlands

Most Beautiful Cities in the World Amsterdam Netherlands — © Kavalenkava / Adobe Stock

Starting price (two people): $514 a night

Amsterdam is a fascinating city famed for its picturesque canal, vibrant houses, and historic tourist attractions. Of course, the Dutch capital is also well-known for the De Wallen district, better known as the Red Light District. If you want to live in style during your trip to Amsterdam, stay at Houseboat-Amsterdam.

As its name suggests, Houseboat-Amsterdam is a boat converted into a house. Moored a short walk from Central Station, the large ship has a modern exterior and interior and sleeps four adults. It has a full kitchen, bathroom, dining room, and outdoor seating area. In other words, it’s a luxury two-bedroom apartment on the water. Nearby attractions include Anne Frank’s House, the Dutch National Opera & Ballet, and Dam Square.

RiverBeds, Scotland

Starting price (two people): $633 a night

If you want to enjoy Scotland’s wild and rugged terrain to the fullest, we recommend staying somewhere surrounded by nature. Luckily, we’ve found the perfect place in Glencoe, renowned for its natural scenery. At RiverBeds, you can stay in charming wooden cabins/apartments with a private terrace and hot tub.

Perfect for a romantic getaway or an escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life, RiverBeds allows couples to enjoy a tranquil experience filled with outdoor activity. When not relaxing in your wooden cabin or drinking Champagne in your hot tub, explore Glencoe Valley, walk along the river, and visit Ballachulish. The cabins feature en-suite facilities, a kitchenette, a coffee maker, and free WiFi access.

Railway Hotel, England

Starting price (two people): $163 a night

Another unique accommodation option in the United Kingdom is the Railway Hotel in Fordingbridge, a short drive from the coastal city of Bournemouth. Sitting alongside Fordingbridge Railway Station, this former railway building is now a gorgeous boutique hotel with several en-suite rooms, an on-site restaurant, and a railway theme.

Every room at the hotel features a flat-screen TV, free WiFi, a private bathroom, and a fridge. Meanwhile, the Pullman Restaurant serves classic British food like steak and ale pie. Regarding things to do, the Railway Hotel is only a 10-minute walk to the center of Fordingbridge and a 25-minute drive from Bournemouth. Meanwhile, New Forest National Park is only one mile (1.6 kilometers) away.

Yurt District, Finland

Starting price (two people): $434 a night

If you’re lucky enough to visit Rovaniemi, the Official Hometown of Santa Claus, consider staying at Yurt District, a unique accommodation option on the city’s outskirts. A 20-minute drive from the center of Rovaniemi, Yurt District offers travelers a unique opportunity to sleep beside a river in the Arctic Circle in a luxury yurt.

For those who don’t know, a yurt is a round tent traditionally used by nomadic groups in Central Asia. The Yurts at Yurt District are beautifully decorated with Scandinavian fixtures and fittings, and you’ll find them surprisingly warm. The accommodation’s location away from the city’s light increases the opportunity to spot the Northern Lights, so keep your eyes peeled.

Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel, Norway

Starting price (two people): $801 a night

The following unique European accommodation on our list is Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel, another quirky place to stay in Scandinavia. If you thought Yurts District would allow you to stay somewhere unique, this hotel would blow your mind. As its name suggests, this hotel is entirely made of ice.

This unique igloo hotel offers the opportunity to live like an Eskimo but with extra luxuries. It’s an impressive 21,527-foot-squared (2,000-meter-squared) structure only Eskimo royalty could afford. Even the bedrooms are entirely made of ice, including your bedroom. Luckily, you’ll have reindeer leather sleeping pads and a sleeping bag to keep you warm. Sorrisniva, found in Alta, Northern Norway, even has an ice bar.

Zamek Czocha, Poland

Starting price (two people): $88 a night

Travelers who’ve always wanted to live out their favorite fairytale must stay in the magical Zamek Czocha, a 13th-century castle perched upon a granite hill overlooking a picturesque lake in Leśna, Poland. This picture-perfect accommodation offers charming rooms with classical furniture and period accessories. All rooms either have a private bathroom or shared bathroom facilities.

Most rooms offer free WiFi, cable TV, and a small seating area. During your time at Zamek Czocha, you can hike, canoe, and cycle in the lush surroundings or take a guided tour of the castle. It’s also not uncommon for knight demonstrations and chamber music performances to take place. Meanwhile, the hotel’s restaurants offer Polish specialties.

Plas Nanteos Mansion, Wales

Starting price (two people): $212 a night

In Aberystwyth, a seaside town in Wales, travelers can experience what it’s like to live like the British Royal Family, something us peasants in the United Kingdom will never know. Plas Nanteos Mansion is a quintessential Grade 1 Georgian Mansion that operates as a luxurious bed and breakfast.

Set in 35 acres (14 hectares) of beautiful grounds, the B&B has 22 stunning ensuite bedrooms and a luxury four-bedroom Mews House. Regarding facilities, Nanteos rooms have free WiFi, coffee machines, and king beds. An on-site restaurant serves a full Welsh breakfast, and the Library Bar serves alcoholic beverages. Regarding local attractions, Aberystwyth Castle, Royal Pier, and Aberystwyth North Beach are all nearby.

Capsule Hotel – theLAB, Switzerland

Starting price (two people): $90 a night

One of the latest travel trends, especially among budget backpackers, is capsule hotels. A capsule or pod hotel is a type of hotel created in Japan that features bed-sized rooms called capsules. We call these hotels luxury hostels, as they are usually very stylish and comfortable. Capsule Hotel – theLAB in Luzern, Switzerland, is a fine example.

Ideally set in Luzern city center, this hotel features affordable air-conditioned rooms, free WiFi, and a shared lounge. Every guest also has access to a shared bathroom with showers, toiletries, and hairdryers. The quirky capsules at the hotel have a spacious interior and a lovely nature theme. Popular points of interest near the Capsule Hotel include KKL Culture and Convention Centre Lucerne, Chapel Bridge, and Lion Monument.

Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, Finland

Starting price (two people): $297 a night

We couldn’t help but include one more Scandinavian gem on our list, so here is Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort. Surrounded by vast natural landscapes, this unique property in the Saariselkä Fell region of Finnish Lapland offers outdoor enthusiasts many activities and an excellent opportunity to spot the Northern Lights from their chalet or igloo.

Visitors have an increased chance of spotting the Northern Lights because the glass igloo rooms at the resort have glass domes, which provide front-row seats to the night sky. Most thermal glass igloos only feature a bed, but some luxury igloos also have a bathroom and sauna. The site also features two à la carte restaurants serving Laplandic food and offers various activities, including husky safaris and snowmobiling.

Sextantio Le Grotte Della Civita, Italy

Starting price (two people): $270 a night

The penultimate unique European accommodation on our list is a breathtaking hotel that allows its guests to step back in time to the medieval period. Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita is located in the Matera Sassi area in Southern Italy, offering rooms and suites set in large caves. This area is a famous UNESCO World Heritage Site, best known for its ancient stone architecture.

Every room features stone floors and walls, antique furniture, air-conditioning, and luxury bed linens. Meanwhile, the hotel’s panoramic terrace offers spectacular views of Murgia National Park. Better yet, the candle-lit dining area is perfect for a romantic meal. When you’re not living a life of luxury, head out and explore the surrounding area.

The Wine House Hotel, Portugal

Starting price (two people): $271 a night

We recommend staying at the Wine House Hotel to experience Portugal’s wine region in style. This luxurious hotel in Lamego, the heart of the Douro region, is surrounded by a vast landscape of vineyards. It maintains much of its 18th-century charm while offering guests a modern experience.

Guests can stay in one of the beautifully appointed bedrooms or opt for one of the unique wine-barrel-shaped bungalows. The Wine House Hotel offers visitors guided tours, wine tastings, picnics, and cooking classes, and a daily breakfast buffet is served at the restaurant. Better yet, the hotel has an outdoor swimming pool and hot tub. What’s not to like?