Guest Post: Funky Hotel Lodging

This is a guest post from HostelBookers, highlighting some funky hotel lodging around the world. Even if you're not leaving the U.S. anytime soon, it's fun to dream!

If you are tired of family holidays to run-of-the-mill hotel chains there are a number of ways you can give your holiday the edge but still get a bargain.

Try bunking down in a cave as the Turkish nomads once did, get out on the water with a floating hotel or climb to the forest canopy to sleep in a treehouse. Now where is that adventurous spirit of yours?

On a river…Serbia

Floating idly on the river Danube Arkabarka Floating Hotel is a multi-story houseboat accessible from a small jetty. Out on the water it offers spectacular views across to the Kalemegdan fortress and Ratno Ostrvo (War Island) which you can enjoy from many of the bedrooms as well as the bar and communal balcony. It is moored at the edge of Usce Park, a charming leafy location for your stay in Belgrade and guests can make the most of the free cycle hire.

In a cave…Turkey

Cappadocia is famous for its cave dwellings and one great place to experience it is at the Aydinli Cave Hotel in the heart of Göreme. One of the suite rooms would be ideal for families and most rooms have Jacuzzi, walk-in showers, fireplaces and hamam sinks. Eat your breakfast on the roof terrace which overlooks the old town, and there are also self-catering facilities if guests would like to prepare a packed lunch.

 

In a castle…Italy

Now, everyone want to stay in a castle at least one in their life. And the 14th century Castello di Galeazza in Bologna will help you with that fantasy. Only 45 minutes from the city center, the castle is something of a rural retreat, the perfect place to catch up on some reading – there are plenty of nooks and crannies where you can disappear with a good book or lounge in a hammock in the surrounding ten-acre woodland. Loose yourself in the frescoed rooms, library and interesting company of the friendly staff and other guests at dinner or for aperitivo.

 

In a treehouse…Turkey

Every kid dreamed of sleeping in a treehouse and in the enchanting valley of Olympos in Turkey, such dreams can come true! Kadir’s Tree House has something for everyone. Thrill seekers can enjoy a host of watersports and hiking, others might prefer lounging on the stunning beach complete with turquoise and clear water, also a spot where the loggerhead turtles come to breed so it is also fantastic for nature lovers. There is an onsite bar and pizza restaurant.

 

On a jumbo jet…Sweden

No chance of travel sickness on this one. Jumbo Stay STF/HI is a converted Boeing 747-200 Jumbo Jet parked at Arlanda Airport outside Stockholm. So, if you have an early flight to catch in the morning, this hotel is ideally situated just 10 minutes walk from the airport check-in. You can even stay in the exclusive cockpit suite, the most luxurious space to be converted to sleeping quarters.