Travelers spent an estimated $200 billion staying in non-traditional tourist housing last year, and Precedence Research estimates desire for alternate accommodations will send that figure skyrocketing to $924.47 billion by 2034. Consumers are looking for more authentic and unique experiences beyond standard hotels. From a royal stay at historic castles to glass pods suspended in air, these lodgings ensure your vacation is anything but ordinary.

A Fairytale-Like Stay in Castles

Across Europe, historic castles have been transformed into luxurious accommodations, providing an enchanting alternative to traditional hotels. Ashford Castle in Ireland, once a 13th-century fortress, now welcomes guests to lavish interiors, fine dining and unforgettable activities like falconry. In France, Château de Bagnols will reopen in May 2025; it’s located in the heart of the Beaujolais wine region and allows guests to stay in an authentic medieval castle complete with a moat, towers and Renaissance paintings.

Staying in a castle is not only about luxury; it’s also an opportunity to immerse yourself in history. Many locations provide guided tours, medieval feasts and stories about their former inhabitants. For instance, Hever Castle in the United Kingdom was the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, who became Queen of England in the 1500s. The Book of Hours Room is renowned as one of the most beautiful rooms in the castle and is rumored to be where King Henry VIII courted Boleyn. These regal retreats invite travelers into a fairy tale while enjoying world-class hospitality and a rich historical experience in Europe.

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Remote Stays in Extreme Locations

For those looking to disconnect in remote locations, unique accommodations provide the perfect experience. From ice hotels to desert lodges, these stays immerse guests in exceptional scenery that few have had the chance to see.

Located 124 miles north of the Arctic Circle, Sweden’s ICEHOTEL offers an unforgettable stay. Guests sleep in sculpted ice rooms, equipped with thermal sleeping bags and reindeer hides, all while experiencing temperatures ranging from 19 to 23 F. This destination allows you to fully embrace the northern experience by sleeping in ice blocks, going dogsledding and witnessing the breathtaking Northern Lights.

On the other hand, Peru’s Skylodge Adventure Suites presents a different kind of adventure. Here, you can sleep in glass pods suspended 1,300 feet above the Sacred Valley, accessible only by climbing or zip lining. In your transparent bedroom, you can fully appreciate the stunning views of the Peruvian landscape. These remote accommodations offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience that surpasses traditional hotels, perfect for those looking for thrilling adventures.

Caves Turned Into Cozy Retreats

Sleeping in a cave might sound primitive, but today’s cave hotels offer a surprisingly luxurious experience. The Museum Hotel in Cappadocia, Turkey, features rooms that have undergone meticulous restoration, showcasing caves that are thousands of years old. Each suite is decorated with historical artifacts, providing a unique view of the region’s famous hot air balloons.

In Matera, Italy, a village known for having dwellings, churches and palaces carved into the volcanic hillside, you’ll find Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita. This boutique cave hotel comprises 18 rooms and an ancient church, maintaining its historic atmosphere while offering modern amenities. For travelers, a night in a cave hotel not only promises comfort but also provides a chance to experience a piece of history.

Floating Over Water

If you want to be lulled to sleep by the gentle sway of the ocean, like in Maldives, floating accommodations are what you need. Options like houseboats, overwater bungalows and floating villas allow guests to wake up to stunning sunrises and the soothing sounds of the water.

In Kerala, India, you can hop on a “kettuvallam,” a traditional wooden houseboat held together by knots. Once used for transporting rice, Indian spices and other goods, these boats have now been transformed into comfortable accommodations that let guests enjoy the tranquil canals. This isn’t an experience you can find with a normal hotel – gliding through the waters while catching breathtaking views of the green rice fields.

Sleeping Up in the Air

People who fear heights will probably run in the opposite direction when they hear about aerial stays. From industrial cranes to tree houses, adventurous travelers get to sleep in unique, sky-high rooms.

The Harlingen Harbour Crane Hotel lets guests stay in a fully refurbished harbor crane built in 1967. You must take two lifts to reach your room, which was once an engine room. Inside, you’ll find a double rain shower and all the essential amenities you need for a comfortable stay, maybe even some beverages and pretzels. This luxurious accommodation allows you to choose your view – you can rotate the crane 360 degrees yourself using the original joystick. Unconventional arrangements like the Harlingen are redefining what it means to get a room with a view, and the run-of-the-mill hotels can’t compete.

Unconventional Accommodations Are the Future of Travel

Where you stay during your vacation is more than finding a place to sleep. Today’s travelers look for lodgings that transform a simple stay into an adventure. Generic hotels are being replaced by unique options such as castles, caves and even glass pods. As predicted by Presedence Research, there is a growing trend towards unique and meaningful experiences, with alternative accommodations redefining how people travel.

Zuzana Paar, creator of Amazing Travel Life, is a seasoned traveler and writer who has explored 62 countries and lived in St. Lucia, Dubai, Vienna, Doha and Slovakia. Her work has been featured in Fox News, NY Daily News, MSN and more; she has also appeared live on the Chicago WGN Bob Sirott Radio Show. When she’s not discovering new destinations, she shares travel tips and insider insights to help others experience the world in a unique and unforgettable way.