The most amazing hotels around the world
When you think of the best places to vacation in the world, you might think of cities like Paris or New York, however, there are a few hotel properties that can stand alone as fantastic locations. These finest hotels in the world deliver some of the best travel experiences on the planet, ranging from luxury to gritty.
If you’ve ever fantasized about sleeping in a Medieval castle in Europe, seeing the Northern Lights, staying in a luxurious treehouse, or even staying in an underwater hotel in the ocean, now is your chance! Some of the coolest hotels go even further, with giraffes serving as breakfast guests, elephants serving as taxis, and butlers attending to your every need. Many of the properties are actually affordable, while others are quite expensive, but you will live like a king in either case. We hope you enjoy our list of the world’s top ten coolest hotels!
1. Giraffe Manor – Nairobi, Kenya
The Big Five of African Wildlife (lions, leopards, elephants, rhinoceros, and cape buffalo) can all be found in Kenya, but at this colonial mansion, you can add a sixth – giraffes! The vine-covered Giraffe Manor is a wonderland of calm located less than 10 miles outside of Nairobi’s crowded city centre. The brick mansion was constructed in 1932, but conservationists Jock and Betty Leslie-Melville bought it in 1974 and brought it back to life. The property soon expanded to 140 acres, and it now includes a resident Rothschild giraffe herd as well as the AFEW Giraffe Center.
The real fun starts at mealtime, whether you’re staying in one of Giraffe Manor’s ten luxury suites or enjoying a scenic sunset over the Ngong Hills from the Karen Blixen Terrace. The windows are opened every day for breakfast and dinner, and magnificent giraffes become your dinner guests, practically sharing a spot right at your table! One of the most perfect and exclusive experiences in the world.
Average Nightly Cost: $1000 all-inclusive.
2. Conrad Hilton – Rangila, Maldives
The Conrad Hilton is by far the greatest of all the amazing hotels in the Maldives. This hotel, which is located on Rangali Island, brings the lagoon experience to the next level. Many of the Hilton’s stilt hut villas have see-through glass flooring, private freshwater baths, and beds that rotate 270 degrees to suit the sunset. You can also get the property’s Ithaa Restaurant transformed into a one-of-a-kind underwater hotel room for a hefty price!
There are 11 restaurants at the Conrad Hilton Maldives, ranging from the underwater Ithaa to those with spectacular sunset views. They also have a 20,000-bottle underwater wine cellar with 101 of the finest cheeses in the world. Throughout your stay, you will have access to a variety of exciting Maldives experiences. On the Nemo Submarine, you can swim with manta rays, snorkel with whale sharks, walk along white sand beaches, search for dolphins, and get up-close with sea turtles and a vivid coral reef. The submarine will go down to 100 feet below the surface, giving you a view that only experienced scuba divers can get.
Average Nightly Cost: Starts from $900.
3. Anantara Golden Triangle – Sop Ruak, Thailand
Anantara Golden Triangle Resort may be the most elegant hotel on this list, with its storybook scenery and dreamlike activities. The place, 90 minutes north of Chiang Rai, is in the heart of the Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos all come together. It’s an area brimming with lore and history from the opium trade’s heyday that’s sure to pique your interest.
They even have elephants and mahout coaches who will lead you on private picnic treks.
Average Nightly Cost: Starts from $900.
4. Ashford Castle – Cong, Ireland
Although several European vacations include tours of Medieval castles, the Ashford offers you the opportunity to stay in one for the night. The Ashford sets itself apart from other castle hotels from the moment you enter through the magnificent gate and wall. This vast castle was constructed over many decades, beginning with the construction of the first mansion in 1228.
Horseback riding, falconry, lake cruising, fishing, clay shooting, archery, golf, and other sports are available in addition to the high-end accommodations. Massages, body wraps, makeup, facials, and waxing are all available at the castle’s spa.
Average Nightly Cost: Starts from $130.
5. Dhara Dhevi Resort – Chiang Mai, Thailand
When you stay at the Dhara Dhevi Resort in Chiang Mai, you’ll feel as if you’ve been teleported to the heyday of the Lanna Empire. The vast property resembles a palace rather than a resort, and you’ll be treated like royalty. The 118 suites are arranged around a large old world farm and rice field, evoking the days when mansions were self-contained cities. All of the spacious rooms have views of the rice paddies or the lush tropical gardens that cover the majority of the resort’s 60 acres. There are also 5 full, palatial residences available for celebrities and world leaders to stay in for longer periods.
The pool is as beautiful as you would imagine, but it is the spa that we adore. The entire spa is designed to look like a historic Mandalay palace, complete with a seven-tiered carved teakwood lobby. If you’re looking for a little more excitement, try riding a water buffalo, taking a cooking class with a master chef, or watching one of the resort’s thrilling live shows. The Dhara Dhevj is Northern Thailand’s only resort with an on-site craft village. Basket weaving, bamboo weaving, rice pounding, paper cutting, and flower arranging are among the regular arts and crafts exhibits.
Average Nightly Cost: Starts from $700.
6. Kelebek Cave Hotel – Goreme, Turkey
The nearby Mount Erciyes Volcano filled the region with ash during Turkey’s pre-history. Wind and rain carved the dense layers of ash into fairy chimney-like shapes over centuries. The two chimneys that are now part of the Kebek Cave Hotel were once a monk’s chapel before becoming a family home in the early Middle Ages. Traditional arch homes were later constructed into the chimneys, resulting in the 36 rooms of the Kelebek Cave Hotel.
Not only is there a Turkish Bath nearby, but day trips to Cappadocia’s famous chimney forests, notably by hot air balloon, are a popular activity. There’s something enigmatic about seeing the chimneys from above after spending the night inside one.
Average Nightly Cost: Starts from $75.
7. Londolozi Tree Camp – Kruger National Park, South Africa
Both the Londolozi Tree Camp and the Kruger National Park were founded in 1926, and both have contributed significantly to the conservation of Africa’s wildlife. For the first few decades, the camp was the first bush camp, with presidents and princesses among the most notable visitors. By the 1970s, they had fully embraced the conservation movement and had changed their name to Londolozi, which is derived from the Zulu word for “to protect.”
It was the first game reserve in the world to be granted Relais & Châteaux status, demonstrating its dedication to luxury accommodations, fine dining, and excellent service. It’s difficult to disagree with Londolozi’s accolades because nowhere else can you take a morning bath while watching elephant herds walk by, then go on an afternoon safari to see rare leopards and big cats. Prepare to escape to some of the coolest treehouses and lodges you can picture when the day is over.
8. De Glace Ice Hotel – Québec, Canada
Since 2001, a mystical hotel has been reconstructed from snow and ice to build the right Winter wonderland. The De Glace Ice Hotel in Quebec welcomes tourists from all over the world from January to March. For a few weeks, professional sculptors build the huge structure, and the level of detail they use is incredible. From the 44 inspired rooms to the ice bar and the ever-popular Super Slide, there is snow art everywhere. It’s a lot of fun to drink out of ice glasses while sitting under an ice chandelier.
Even though the temperatures are just slightly above zero, don’t be concerned about getting cold. Each suite has a real mattress and blankets over the ice base, and the arctic down is rated at 35 degrees below the hotel’s temperature. In the adjacent Celsius Pavilion, they also have a warming centre with completely heated bathrooms.
Average Nightly Cost: Starts from $199.
9. Jade Mountain Resort – Saint Lucia
The Jade Mountain Resort has some of the best scenery in the world, with perspectives of the picturesque Piton Peaks and the bay of St Lucia from every bed. The hotel itself is perched atop a hill, with a labyrinth of exquisite bridges connecting each suite to the common areas, creating a man-made jungle. The suite is known for having just three walls, ensuring that you always have a view, as well as spacious 15-foot ceilings and jaw-dropping private infinity pools.
The main resort is located high above the beach, requiring a windy 90-minute drive from the airport, but you can arrive in style for $220 by helicopter. The property’s owners also own the oceanfront Anse Chastanet Resort, which is located just below Jade Mountain and provides easy beach access. There are a variety of enjoyable things to do near the Resort, in addition to the marvelous rooms and the nearby beach. Soufriere, the Caribbean’s only walk-in volcano, and the Rainforest Canopy cable car are both must-see attractions in St Lucia.
Average Nightly Cost: Starts from $1000.
10. Ngorongoro Crater Lodge – Tanzania
The Ngorongoro Crater Lodge in Tanzania would be the perfect physical place on a map to visit in Africa if you had to choose one. The Lodge is conveniently located between the Serengeti National Park, Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, and Mount Kilimanjaro, as well as being next to Lake Magadi and within an old volcanic crater.
The perspectives and interactions seem to create themselves because the lodge is in such a great place. Large cats and elephants are just a short drive away, and wild zebras, giraffes, and other animals frequent the grounds. Since this is a property managed by the and Beyond Community, you should expect exceptional amenities. The oversized luxury huts, which all have world-class views of the African landscape, were built with no cost spared. Their bright furniture, woven roofs, and remarkable sense of style will become your favourites.
Average Nightly Cost: Starts from $1000.