10 Unique And Famous Hotels – What Makes Them Special

The world is full of unique and famous hotels that provide experiences you won’t find anywhere else, from architectural wonders to historic treasures. These hotels change an average trip into an extraordinary experience, whether staying in a record-breaking tower, sleeping under the northern lights, or entering old-world luxury.

Chandelier at the Burj Al Arab Hotel

A few of these hotels have hosted world-changing events, celebrities, and royalty. Others are well known for their breathtaking settings or incredible architecture. I can’t imagine taking any of these for granted or being able to stay in one for an indefinite time.

These ten unique and famous hotels will leave you in awe. If you could stay one night, which would you choose?

The World’s Most Unique and Famous Hotels

Some unique and famous hotels are so extraordinary that you might think you are travelling to another world, offering experiences that are both life-changing and beyond luxurious.

Imagine sleeping in a hotel that melts away every spring, or with fish swimming over your bed! This is beyond my comprehension!

The Magic of Sweden’s Icehotel

Icehotel

 

Before researching this, I had no idea such a hotel existed, or should I say, temporarily existed. Every year, a hotel emerges from the snow in the Swedish Arctic, where winter lasts for months, only to vanish in the spring. Jukkasjärvi’s Icehotel is a work of art made out of frozen water.

Each winter, artists from around the world gather to carve exquisite ice sculptures and furniture with ice from the nearby Torme River. Every year the hotel undergoes melting and rebuilding, ensuring the design remains unique.

Even though inside temperatures dip to about 23°F (-5°C), the cozy thermal sleeping bags will keep you warm and comfortable. Since I am one of those people who don’t like being too hot while I sleep, this sounds perfect.

Explore the northern lights, construct an ice sculpture, or embark on a dog sled ride, among other outdoor activities. If you aren’t brave enough to sleep in these cooler temperatures, there is a year-round hotel called the Icehotel 365 with an ice bar and art rooms kept frozen by solar power.

Without a doubt, this hotel is unique and changes every year.

A Night Underwater at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

Maldives Sunset

If sleeping in sub-zero temperatures isn’t for you, sleeping underwater may be more appealing. The Muraka at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, which is located 16 feet below sea level, makes it possible to sleep beneath the ocean’s surface. Fall asleep in this gorgeous underwater hotel suite while watching reef sharks and manta rays swim by your floor-to-ceiling glass walls.

A night’s stay includes a luxurious king-size bed, a marble bathroom, and an ocean-view shower with cutting-edge climate control. But there is more—a large living room, an infinity pool, and a private deck are above the water where you can enjoy Maldivian sunsets. Dining is available in the all-glass Ithaa Undersea Restaurant as well as diving at the nearby coral reefs.

This is truly a unique experience!

Historical Unique and Famous Hotels

Some historic hotels have been temporary homes to royalty, world leaders, and Hollywood stars. Grand chandeliers, antique décor, and centuries-old architecture will make you feel like you are travelling back in time.

It’s not difficult to imagine secret meetings and conversations, legendary parties, guests, and important events in what used to be castles or houses before they were hotels.

Fairmont Banff Springs

Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel

 

The Fairmont Banff Springs, erected in 1888 as part of Canada’s railway development, has been a grand hotel in the Canadian Rockies for over a century. Originally built to attract well-to-do travellers, the Fairmont Banff Springs sits in a forest.

It looks like a medieval castle, built in a Scottish baronial style, featuring towers, stone walls, and mountain views. The inside combines old-fashioned charm and modern luxury with grand staircases and chandeliers.

The legendary hotel, in Banff National Park, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It offers direct access to Canada’s stunning landscapes, providing plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and hot springs.

If you love a fantastic ghost story, the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel should be on your list. It’s one of Canada’s most haunted hotels. Guests and staff have said they have seen a mystery bride walking around in her wedding dress and a former bellman who “helps” the guests even though he died decades ago.

I’m from Canada and I didn’t even know this place existed!

The Ritz Paris Hotel

The Ritz Paris

 

Step into the world of the rich and famous. Princess Diana, Coco Chanel, and Ernest Hemingway are a few of the most well-known people in the world to stay at the Ritz Paris. This luxurious and prestigious hotel opened in 1898.

Swiss hotelier César Ritz wanted a hotel that would impress and be comfortable for visitors. Located in the centre of Place Vendôme, this hotel features crystal chandeliers, gold-trimmed mirrors, and soft furniture—luxuries you might expect in a large private home.

Known for its stunning architecture, the Ritz Paris served as the Nazi headquarters during World War II. The bar, Bar Hemingway, was named after him after he ‘liberated’ it by ordering several rounds of drinks for everyone in the bar after the war.

Coco Chanel has made The Ritz Paris her private home for over 30 years, making the Chanel Suite one of the hotel’s most popular rooms.

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Unique and Famous Hotels That Defy Expectations

These hotels defy expectations in ways that set them apart globally. They range from the tallest hotel in the world to the one with the most rooms. While some are engineering wonders, others are so large or opulent that they hold Guinness World Records.

The Tallest Hotel in the World

Gevora Hotel, Dubai

Dubai is getting closer to being the world’s wealthiest city, so it’s not surprising that it is home to Gevora Hotel, the world’s highest hotel. At 356 metres (or 1,168 feet), it features an elegant design and a golden façade.

The hotel is located on Sheikh Zayed Road and boasts 528 rooms and suites across 75 floors. There are stunning views of the Burj Khalifa and the contemporary cityscape of Dubai.

In addition to its breathtaking height, Gevora contains five restaurants, a spa, a rooftop pool, and an observation deck with panoramic views of Dubai’s skyline and the Arabian Gulf.

The Largest Hotel by Room Count

First World Hotel & Plaza

First World Hotel & Plaza is a hotel, shopping, and entertainment complex located at Resorts World Genting in Genting Highlands, Pahang, Malaysia.

The hotel’s 7,351 rooms make it the world’s largest hotel by room count. At 6,000 feet (1,829 meters) above sea level in the misty mountains of Malaysia, it provides entertainment and a calm setting. Moderately priced options to more luxurious ones with amazing views are available.

Enjoy the indoor theme park, several dining options, and quick access to SkyAvenue Mall. This is the first hotel in Southeast Asia to implement express check-in and check-out kiosks.

The Genting SkyWorlds Theme Park provides rides for thrill seekers and a casino hotspot for tourists and serious players.

Unique and Famous Hotels That Change the Meaning of Five-Stars

Luxury hotels offer extravagant architecture, top-notch amenities, Michelin-starred meals, private infinity pools, and personal butlers in historic sites and futuristic skyscrapers, making them destinations in themselves.

Burj Al Arab (Tower of the Arabs)

Burj Al Arab

One of the most recognized hotel structures in the world is the 321-meter-tall Burj Al Arab. This sail-shaped design is situated in the Persian Gulf on an artificial island off Dubai’s coastline and is bridged to the mainland.

Every suite has 24-karat gold accents, exclusive butler service, and floor-to-ceiling windows with expansive sea views. A majestic spiral staircase connects the two floors of some of the most opulent rooms.

The Burj Al Arab has nine restaurants. The Al Mahara restaurant, located under the sea, offers a unique dining experience, with a massive aquarium surrounding guests. The Al Muntaha, located 200 meters high, allows a scenic view of Dubai and serves top-notch drinks. A panoramic elevator accesses the cantilever platform, which extends 27 meters on each side of the mast.

And best of all? The 59th-floor helipad has played host to everything from high-end automobile debuts to celebrity tennis matches. As a guest, you can choose between arriving in a chauffeured Rolls-Royce or a private helicopter transfer.

The hotel, a five-star luxury establishment, is referred to as the world’s only seven-star hotel, though the management denies making this claim.

The Plaza Hotel, New York

The Plaza Hotel

The Plaza Hotel in New York City has been an iconic symbol of luxury since 1907. It has hosted high-society events, Hollywood stars, and international leaders for over a century. It is located in Manhattan’s Central Park South Street and occupies the western half of Grand Army Plaza.

The Plaza features gilded interiors, a French Renaissance-inspired façade, and imposing chandeliers, while Palm Court, a popular dining establishment, offers afternoon tea service.

The Plaza Hotel in the United States hosted the Beatles’ first trip in 1964 and hosted Truman Capote’s “Black and White Ball” in 1966. The hotel also hosted the 1985 Plaza Accords, which reduced the U.S. dollar’s value. Hollywood greats Marilyn Monroe and F. Scott Fitzgerald are among the well-known visitors.

The hotel was also featured in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York and the 2003 television films Eloise at the Plaza and Eloise at Christmas, based on Kay Thompson’s book, and starred Sofia Vassilieva and Julie Andrews.

The hotel’s attic is the 50 million euro home of designer Tommy Hilfiger.

The hotel offers upscale rooms and suites with handcrafted furnishings, plush bedding, and marble bathrooms, including private balconies and expansive Manhattan views, making it a must-visit. The Royal Suite, which is more than 4,400 square feet, comes with a private library, grand piano, and a personal butler

Locations That Steal the Show

Whether tucked away in jungles, sitting on cliffs, or surrounded by wildlife, these hotel accommodations provide unmatched views and life-changing experiences.

Imagine seeing a herd of giraffes strolling by your window, beautiful blue oceans, or snow-capped hills when you wake up. These hotels are sure to delight and deliver.

Explora Patagonia

Explora Patagonia

Explora Patagonia provides one of the world’s most spectacular stays in the heart of Torres del Paine National Park. This opulent lodge sits amid snow-capped peaks, turquoise lakes, and expansive open wilderness in the secluded centre of Chilean Patagonia.

The lodge has floor-to-ceiling windows in every room providing breathtaking views of the Paine Massif and Lake Pehoe, while the absence of TVs and WiFi gives a sense of seclusion and beauty.

If you love to explore, this lodge is for you. There are more than 40 guided tours, such as kayaking past glaciers, horseback riding in the valleys, or hiking the well-known W Trek. After a busy day, guests can unwind in the outdoor hot springs, the full-service spa, or dine on gourmet food with Chilean wines.

Giraffe Manor, Kenya

Giraffe Manor

Situated just outside of Nairobi, Kenya, this upscale boutique hotel is well-known for one unique feature: the Rothschild giraffes that live there. These animals walk freely and frequently peek through the windows at breakfast. The hotel also runs a breeding program to return breeding pairs to the wild to ensure their survival.

Situated on 12 acres of private property, the Giraffe Manor is an ivy-covered stone mansion constructed in 1932. It contains grand staircases and antique furniture in exquisite rooms that will take you back in time.

However, the main attraction is the Rothschild giraffes, who wander the grounds, often seeking treats from guests who are encouraged to feed them at the breakfast table, creating an unforgettable dining experience.

In addition to the giraffes, visitors can explore the conservation area at the Giraffe Centre or take excursions a few minutes from the city into Nairobi National Park, where lions, rhinos, and zebras freely roam.

CONCLUSION

The hotels in these captivating locations offer a variety of experiences, from underwater suites to historic sites, skyscrapers, and wilderness retreats, each with its unique charm.

Some hotels offer the opportunity to sleep under the sea, while others offer the chance to interact directly with wildlife or immerse in a rich cultural legacy. Whether your goals are adventure, leisure, or a story to tell for years to come, these hotels offer unique experiences.

For me, I think I would like to check out the Burj Al Arab in Dubai or the Ritz Paris in Place Vendôme. What about you?