A hotel on the moon, you say? Really? Well, since Premier Inn took out an option to buy lunar land in 2008, watch this space! For now though, our most unusual hotels continue to be earthly delights.
That's not to say you can't have an 'out of this world' experience when you next go on holiday. From underwater wonderlands to ice caves, if you are bored of the traditional bricks-and-mortar approach to accommodation, here's how to spice up your stays.
Magic Mountain Hotel, Chile
This hobbit-house hotel literally looks like a mountain with windows. Trees and shrubs sprout from the living exterior and waterfalls cascade from the 'summit'. A rope bridge leads guests to the elevated entrance where they will find cavernous rooms with a fairytale feel. This hotel is nothing short of magical, and exists in harmony with the surrounding native forest.
Ice Hotel - Jukkasjarvi, Sweden
This was the first ice hotel and remains the largest. Every winter the structure is rebuilt with unique features by a team of architects and designers. Book rooms in December to witness construction first hand or watch the hotel slowly melt away by visiting at the end of April. Warm clothes and sleeping bags are provided, and there are hot showers and a sauna in an adjoining building. A huge part of this hotel's charm is the artwork displayed, from ice sculptured to light displays.
Underwater Hotel, Dubai
This cutting edge hotel is currently under construction, so start saving your pennies (rooms certainly won't be cheap!). Disc shaped metal structures make this hotel appear positively futuristic and there are a collection of suites submerged 10m underwater. Guests can gaze at tropical fish, turtles and enjoy views of the marine life through glass walls and ceiling. Although there is already an underwater hotel in Jordan, in traditional style, Dubai plan to do it bigger and better.
Desert Cave Hotel, Outback South Australia
Ever wondered what it would be like to sleep underground? Well, here's your chance to find out. Four-star cave dwellings provide intrepid explorers with the perfect adventure accommodation in the Australian Outback. There is also an underground shopping arcade where you can purchase local opals, and nearby mining tunnels to explore. Many guests have claimed that underground slumber provides for the most peaceful of sleeps.
Green Magic Tree-houses, Kerala, India
Elevate your hotel experience with a stay in a rustic treehouse 80 feet above the ground. These tree top houses provide stunning views over the surrounding forest, far from pollution, traffic and civilisation. Enjoy the flora and fauna from your own oasis in the clouds surrounded by a kaleidoscope of butterflies and birds. Traditional cane-lifts transport you up to the forest canopy and lofty rope bridges connect the tree houses.
What has been your most unusual hotel experience? Tell us about it below.
