It's a human nature to observe and to seek for unique adventures in life. From building tallest skycrapers to eating six-legged insects, human beings try to be as unique as possible to gain either popularity or self-satisfaction and utmost pride. In this inaugurable UNIQue series of blog posts, I will hand-pick 10 most unique accommodations in the world based on my self-review. The types of accommodation vary from backpacker hostel to lavish apartment but sometimes can be of neither of these usual types of lodging available elsewhere. However, my main consideration here is the price for a night stay in these places which must be considered affordable to a middle income earner like myself. In no particular order, here are my listings of 9 (yeah, not the usual 10) unique accomodations from several selected continents around the globe.
Montana Magica Lodge, Chile
- Region: South America
- Type: Eco resort
- Address: Km 55, Camino Internacional Panguipulli, Neltume, Region de Los Rios, Chile.
- Cheapest rate: USD 172 (standard single), USD 232 (standard double) include breakfast and access to spa, swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna.
Located within Hulio Hulio forest reserve in southern Chile, lies a pyramid-like building which looks like a mountain in a fairytale movie. From the peak of the building, a waterfall cascades down the wooden structure to simulate a mountain with pure water flowing to symbolize the energy and life of this native forest.
Kumbuk River Cottage, Sri Lanka
- Region: Asia
- Type: Eco resort
- Address: Buttala, Sri Lanka
- Cheapest rate: USD 225 + 10% service charge (summer rate) full board package per night for 2 persons
Elephant is considered one of the sacred icons to most Hindus in general and to Sri Lankans in particular. The owners of Kumbuk River Cottage have taken a step ahead to turn their religious faith into one unique place to spend a night in. Located just off the riverbank in Buttala, about 250km from capital Colombo, this cottage offers two types of accommodations - Elephant villa and Kumbuk chalet. Both types sleep 6 to 8 people with ample space for other activities.
Dog Bark Park, USA
- Region: North America
- Type: Bed & Breakfast
- Address: 2421 Business Hwy 95, Cottonwood, Idaho, USA.
- Cheapest rate: USD 86 (single), USD 92 (double) per night. Breakfast inclusive.
As the name implies, this cute dog-shaped wooden building can really impress with the unusual design architecture based on a common stay-at-home pet. "Welcome to the world's biggest beagle" sounds so catchy for most who seek for an extraordinary place to stay the night. This is a famous two-bedroom B&B in the state and it features full of dog-themed contents.
Kokopelli's Underground Cave, USA
- Region: North America
- Type: Underground inn
- Address: 5001 Antelope Junction, Farmington, New Mexico, USA.
- Cheapest rate: USD 260 (1 - 2 persons), USD 300 (3 - 4 persons) per night.
At 70 feet beneath the surface and facing the vertical cliff face on the west, overlooking La Plata River Valley, Kokopelli's Inn is a unique B&B. Inside the cave, the floor is mostly carpeted and furnished luxuriously with 'horno' fireplace and entertainment facilities.
Woodlyn Park, Waitomo Caves, NZ
- Region: Oceania
- Type: Farmstay
- Address:1177 Waitomo Valley Road, Otorohanga, New Zealand
- Cheapest rate: USD 128 (double) per night
Hobbit house
At Woodlyn, you can choose where you want to sleep the nights in of either in a 1950s train, Vietnam war airplane, World War II patrol ship, or a hobbit's dwelling. Located 2 hours from Auckland and Rotorua, this farmstay is near to Waitomo Caves. All rooms are self-contained with kitchens and shower facilities. Guests will have the chance to enjoy Kiwi culture show within the farmland and can be booked as a package with the accommodation.
Sala Silvermine Underground Suite, Sweden
- Region: Europe
- Type: Underground mine
- Address: Sala Silvergruva AB, Sala, Sweden.
- Cheapest rate: USD 52 (twin room), USD 60 (double) per night
This accommodation is situated inside a preserved mine settings in Sala Silvermine, southwest of Sweden. Its located about 98km from capital Stockholm. This underground hotel claims the world's deepest hotel room title for its record-breaking 115m underground lodging facilities. Guests can do several activities like tours inside the mine and the high-wire adventure track.
La Balade des Gnomes, Belgium
- Region: Europe
- Type: Fairytale lodge
- Address: Rowe de Remoleu, 6941 Heyd-Durby, Belgium.
- Cheapest rate: USD 155 (double) per night
This Trojan horse-shaped accommodation is located in a countryside near Durby, Belgium. Its fairytale concepts are the main attractions to visitors. Staying inside the rooms will take you to an out-of-this-world and wonderful experience. I haven't been here but I can say by looking at the pictures.
Das Park, Austria
- Region: Europe
- Type: Sewerage pipe
- Address: Donaulande 21, Ottensheim, Austria
- Cheapest rate: Pay as you wish!
Three concrete sewage pipes laid down in a public park. These are all that make up the unique Das Park Hotel. The rooms are very simplistic with only basic facilities like double bed, blankets, power outlet and light can be found inside each of them. Other facilities like showers, toilets, cafe and pool are available within the park area.
Utter Inn, Sweden
- Region: Europe
- Type: Underwater
- Address: Lake Malaren, Vasteras, Sweden.
- Cheapest rate: USD 190 per night
This underwater lodge perhaps the most limited accommodations that one can offer. With only one room available which sleeps two persons at any one time, you can consider yourself lucky if you get a chance to occupy this little space underwater. To get to Utter Inn, a boat is provided to pick up guests from the nearby port.
There must be more unique accommodations available around the world but what listed here are from my own point of view the most affordable uniques.