Every now and then it’s nice to get away from the real world. Do you every want to experience something new, special, or unusual? Whilst this is often along the lines of a safari in Kenya or a cruise down to the Antarctic, sometimes it’s the accommodation that’s unique. Hotels are becoming more and more similar and to be honest, a little dull. These days, most travellers want something either luxurious (e.g. the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi) or different (e.g. the Hüttenpalast in Berlin).
With this in mind, here at Economy Car Hire, we’ve sought out some of the best quirky places to stay in the world (or should that be eccentric?).
Monastery Stays
It’s not something that immediately springs to mind when you think of hotels. A monastery provides affordable accommodation and a new experience. Particularly popular in Italy, monasteries can be found in most city locations, often boasting locations that would cost a fortune if they were actual hotels. You don’t have to be Catholic to stay at a Monastery and they don’t expect you to attend mass, but some level of participation will always be appreciated. And hey, when in Rome…
The Istituto Maria Santissima Bambina is definitely worth considering if you’re going to Rome. Run by the Suore di Maria Bambina, this monastery is located on the Via Paolo VI in Vatican City. In fact, it’s just the other side of the colonnades surrounding St Peter’s Square. The roof terrace offers unbelievable views over the square to St Peter’s Basilica and all for a bargain €60pp per night! Breakfast is included and mass is at the more reasonable time of 7am.
If you’d prefer something by the water, why not try Casa per Ferie Patronato Pio IX in Venice? From €43pp per night, you get good accommodation in a lovely setting. Breakfast isn’t included but mass is held at 9am and 11am on Sunday’s. Built in the 1500’s, Casa per Ferie Patronato Pio IX is run by the extremely welcoming Padri Giuseppini del Murialdo. The monastery is annexed to the Madonna dell’Orto, one of the finest Gothic churches in Venice. It enjoys lovely views out over the canals. It may not be the most centrally located religious retreat in Venice, but it offers you the opportunity to explore corners of this wonderful city that you would otherwise miss.
Water Stays
Taking a waterside view further, how about this offering from Key Largo in Florida? Jules’ Undersea Lodge is exactly what it sounds like, an underwater hotel. This is the world’s first subaquatic hotel and lies 21 feet below the surface. To get inside you must hold a certified SCUBA diving certificate (you can take a course on site if you’ve not dived before).
Accommodation is what you’d expect in the USA; hot showers, kitchen complete with fridge and microwave, books, music, and movies (they’ll even deliver pizza in a waterproof box.) Most people prefer to watch the fish through the Jules’ 42” portholes and relax in the calming glow of the Emerald Lagoon.
Alternatively, you could make your way to Spitbank Fort in the English Channel. Built between Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight to protect Portsmouth from attack by Napoleon III, Spitbank Fort is now a truly luxurious destination. There are a number of activities on offer from cocktail classes and gin tasting to fishing and a ride in a RIB. Alternatively, if you prefer, have a soak in the hot tub and gaze out over the channel before drinking the night away by the rooftop fire pit.
Plane Stays
If you’re a bit of an aquaphobic, why not take to the skies? Not literally of course because you’ve already done that to get to our next 2 alternative accommodation offerings.
If you’re near Teuge in the Netherlands, why not visit the Vliegtuigsuite? This is a former transport plane of the German Democratic Republic government, which has been converted into a luxury suite for 2. The 1960 Ilyushin 18 that once flew Erich Honecker is now kitted out with a kitchen, Jacuzzi, shower, sauna, mini bar, 3 flat screen TV’s, and air conditioning. Oh and before it was converted into an hotel, it was a restaurant for 15 years!
Staying with the plane theme, if you’re exploring New Zealand’s North Island (and you’ll be doing this in a hire car won’t you!), be sure to book a night or two at the Plane Motel in Otorohanga. This converted 1950’s Bristol Type 170 Freighter that flew in Vietnam now provides 2 self-contained motel units, 1 in the cockpit and 1 in the tail. The plane is on a working farm that offers a Kiwi Culture Show and sheep shearing demonstrations! If you’d prefer different accommodation, they also have the world’s first Hobbit Motel on site.
Not For You?
If you’re more interested in somewhere sensible to stay, check out our post on holiday planning resources which can help find some of the best hotels around. Be sure to follow us on Twitter and Facebook to stay up to date with the latest news in travel.
