The 10 Most Unusual Hotels in the World

Tierra Patagonia Hotel & Spa, Torres del Paine National Park, Patagonia, Chile

Located on one of the largest sheep estancias in Southern Patagonia, this new 40-room resort (it opened in December 2011) was designed by three of Chile's leading architects to look like a fossil rising out of the earth.

The hotel overlooks the blue waters of Lake Sarmiento at the edge of Torres del Paine National Park, a glacier-studded UNESCO Biosphere Reserve where Andean condors soar and guanacos roam. Prices start at $1,950 per person for three nights, including accommodations, meals, transfers and excursions.

Tsala Treetop Lodge, South Africa

If you want a bird's-eye view of the lush forest canopy in South Africa, you can't do much better than Tsala Treetop Lodge: It's built right into the treetops. Elevated wooden walkways meander through the trees and provide access to guest rooms. Each is constructed of stone, wood and glass and features a luxurious bedroom, elegant sitting room with a fireplace, and a spacious bathroom. You'll also enjoy a private infinity pool that seems to be suspended in air. 

Day excursions include visits to a primate sanctuary; the largest aviary in the world; a safe haven for rescued African elephants; Rhino Base Camp, which offers sightings of rhinoceros, hippopotamus, buffalo, giraffe, lion and antelope; and Cango Caves, one of the world’s natural wonders.

Prices start at $230 per person, double occupancy, for a Treetop Suite, and include breakfast.

Hotel Kakslauttanen, Lapland, Finland

Located above the Arctic Circle in Lapland, the Hotel Kakslauttanen offers something for just about everyone. Log cabin? Check. Honeymoon chamber made from stripped birch and featuring a “Las Vegas-style” bathroom? Check. Glass igloo providing stunning views of the northern lights? You bet.

Winter activities include reindeer safaris, ice fishing and cross-country skiing. You can view the northern lights from late August to late April. During the summer, you can fish, pan for gold or hike under the midnight sun. Prices start at $74 per person per night in a log cabin, or $186 per person per night in a glass igloo.

Jumbo Stay, Stockholm, Arlanda Airport, Sweden

Why take a plane to your destination when a plane itself can be your destination? Hotelier Oscar Diös bought a 747-200 jumbo jet, removed the seats and retrofitted the fuselage to house 76 beds in 27 rooms. Don't want to sleep with the hoi polloi? Upgrade to first class. The jet features both a "Cockpit Suite" and a "Black Box Suite." Prices range from $57 per person per night for a dorm bed to $471 for a night in the cockpit.

Icehotel, Jukkasjärvi, Sweden

This winter, the world's largest hotel made of ice and snow will open for its 23rd season -- after it’s rebuilt in November and December, of course. Each year, Icehotel is constructed anew by artists from around the world, and then it melts away in the spring.

When you’re not sawing logs on a reindeer-skin-covered ice bed in sub-freezing temperatures, you can view the northern lights by snowmobile, go dog- or reindeer-sledding, watch moose, learn to sculpt ice or mingle at ICEBAR. Just remember to leave your luggage in the heated part of the hotel; otherwise, it will freeze in your room.

Prices start at $257 per person per night for cold accommodations (the hotel also offers heated rooms) and include warm clothes, gloves, shoes, breakfast and a morning sauna.

Capsule Ryokan Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan

Japan's legendary capsule hotels provide a cozy place to sleep at an affordable price. Capsule Ryokan Kyoto offers the classic capsule experience, but with a traditional twist. Just 39 inches high and wide, and 81 inches long, the stacked capsules feature flat-screen televisions, lockable luggage storage and traditional tatami mats. An overnight stay at the Capsule Ryokan Kyoto is 3500 yen per person per night, or roughly $44. 

Jules' Undersea Lodge, Key Largo, Fla.

You can't help but get wet at Jules' Undersea Lodge. In fact, that's exactly the point. It's the world’s only underwater hotel. To get there, you have to scuba dive 21 feet below the ocean surface. Once inside, you’ll find all the creature comforts you’re used to on land: hot showers, a well-stocked kitchen, books, music and movies. Plus, you’ll have a fabulous view of the underwater habitat right from your bed.

The lodge started out as a research laboratory off Puerto Rico. Now it sits on legs and offers two bedrooms and a common area. Guests can enjoy diving or dive instruction, and can opt for a "mer-chef" who dives down to prepare a gourmet dinner. Rates start at $275 per person per night.

Sala Silvermine, Sala, Sweden

You'd better not be claustrophobic if you plan to visit this hotel; its Mine Suite is located more than 500 feet below the Earth’s surface. It's part of a silver mine that was constructed in Sweden in the 18th century. Although the mine itself is only about 35 degrees, the suite is heated to 64 degrees -- still nippy, but comfortable with the extra blankets provided. Accessed via an elevator, the suite features silver furniture and is surrounded by intriguing rock formations.

For $570 a night for two, guests receive a guided tour, dinner with wine, and breakfast the next morning. Activities include cave diving and exploring a high-wire adventure track with ropeways, hanging bridges and other high-altitude challenges.