A survey by Booking.com revealed that 39% of UK travellers plan to stay in unique types of accommodation, seeking to book more memorable and personalised experiences over traditional hotels. Below are eight unique stays, so travellers can choose an accommodation with a twist for their next escape.
USA
Escape to the Ruby Mountains, Nevada
A truly epic accommodation experience, Ruby Yurts sit in the heart of the Ruby mountains, one of the Silver State’s most idyllic mountainscapes. Visitors have two to choose from, both situated in prime locations for jaw dropping views and easily accessible terrain. The Ruby High Yurt is perched at 9,700 feet on top of the Conrad Creek ridge, and comfortably sleeps four guests. Complete with a propane stove, solar powered energy for lights and charging electronics, Wi-Fi, and other creature comforts. For an easier way to access an off-grid reset, consider driving right up to the Conrad Low Yurt. Located a short drive from the Ruby 360 Lodge, the Conrad Creek Yurt is situated on bubbling creek and serves up spectacular views of the valley below. Prices starting from £140 per night travelnevada.com
Sleep soundly in tiny homes, Methow Valley, Washington State
Situated between the small towns of Mazama and Winthrop in the Methow Valley, Rolling Huts and Methow Tents provide gorgeous mountain views just steps from the Methow River. At Methow Tents guests will find canvas safari tents with cots, electricity and water. Guests at Rolling Huts will stay in modern platform-style huts that resemble tiny homes with added amenities, including bedding and a fireplace. Start the day with breakfast on the patio before heading out to hike, mountain bike, or fish in the wilderness that is on the doorstep. Or enjoy a game of volleyball on site before visiting the sauna and grabbing wood-fired pizza from the on-site pizzeria. Prices starting from £59 per night for tents, and £114 per night for huts stateofwatourism.com
Immerse in Navajo culture at the Shash Diné Eco Retreat, Page, Arizona
Book a two-night stay at the Shash Diné Eco-Retreat located near Page for an immersive experience of Navajo history and culture. Guests will get to stay in an earth and log hoghann (Hogan) on the Shash Diné ranch and hear Navajo stories while eating savoury lamb, bread and desserts underneath a starry sky. In the morning guests can enjoy a walking tour to witness an unparalleled sunrise. Travellers can also opt to book the experience without accommodation which will allow them to have the dining and storytelling experience. Shash Diné also offers glamping options for those who would prefer a more comfortable stay. More information about the type of accommodation offered can be found on their website here. Prices start from £154 per night. visitarizona.com
Live like a rockstar at Hotel Ziggy, West Hollywood, California
Paying homage to West Hollywood’s eccentric musical history, Hotel Ziggy, located on the iconic Sunset Strip, is a 108-room concept hotel with decor that reflects their mission and catchphrase – “free the music”. In line with that, Hotel Ziggy’s Shred Shed gives guests the unique opportunity to dive into the world of music-making, offering a variety of instruments and equipment such as electric and acoustic guitars, as well as Walkmans with cassette tapes, for rent. From guest rooms to restaurants and even their outdoor saltwater pool (the only one in West Hollywood), Hotel Ziggy exudes the counterculture, rebellious spirit of the Sunset Strip and West Hollywood. Room rates from £145 per night. visitwesthollywood.com
Watch a movie and stay under the stars, San Luis Valley, Colorado
Frontier Drive Inn is a reimagined 1940s drive-in movie theatre and accommodation offering. Guests can stay in luxury suites, steelmaster sheds or glamping yurts, and enjoy nightly film screenings on an outdoor movie screen, set against the backdrop of the San Juan and Sangre de Cristo mountain ranges. Frontier Drive Inn also has a relaxing spa with an open roof, so guests can enjoy views of the San Luis Valley stars once the sun sets. A night’s stay starts from £107 for two adults. www.colorado.com
Stay in a vintage trailer at AutoCamp Yosemite, – Yosemite Mariposa, California
While technically not a lodge, not quite a campground, not quite a hotel, AutoCamp Yosemite is a unique place to stay. Located 45-minutes from the Arch Rock Entrance to Yosemite National Park AutoCamp Yosemite combines the best of both; luxury accommodation and authentic outdoor ruggedness via its sleek Airstream trailers. Rooted in the timeless American tradition of hitting the road, AutoCamp properties take everything that’s great about sleeping in the wilderness and elevate it with impeccable design. AutoCamp Airstreams come with a queen size bed, a sofa that converts into a full size bed, full bathroom, well-stocked kitchen and a patio with fire pit. Return from a day hiking Yosemite to a luxurious shower at AutoCamp Yosemite. Prices start from £154 per night, a minimum of 2-nights. www.yosemite.com
JAPAN
Spend the night in an artwork in Niigata, Japan
Set in a hillside forest overlooking the town of Tokamachi in Niigata Prefecture, the House of Light, created by artist James Turrell, is a unique blend of art, architecture and sustainability. Built for the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale in 2000, the house integrates natural materials, passive energy systems and immersive light installations that change based on natural light. The House of Light is both a lodging facility and a work of art, making it a truly unique experience. Accommodating up to 16 people at a time, the space encourages visitors to engage with both the natural environment and the local community. The House of Light is currently taking reservations up to 28 February 2025. The House of Light charges a basic facilities charge of £126.62 which is split between the groups who have booked the space on the day. Accommodation charges are added on to that with prices from £25 for adults and £12 for children aged seven to 12. Children under seven stay free. japan.travel/en/uk
AUSTRALIA
Bedtime in a Bubble in New South Wales, Australia
Nestled in the rugged beauty of Capertee Valley, the world’s widest canyon, Bubbletent Australia is a one-of-a-kind glamping experience offering unmatched stargazing and sweeping vistas. Guests can stay in transparent, eco-friendly domes perched on private hillsides, surrounded by breathtaking 360-degree views of the valley’s sandstone cliffs, sprawling bushland and iconic wilderness. Each of the three secluded “bubbles”—named Virgo, Leo and Cancer—offers a unique space complete with a plush bed, an outdoor wood-fired bath, and thoughtful amenities for a romantic or tranquil retreat. Perfect for nature lovers and those seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience, Bubbletent Australia combines luxury, privacy and immersion in the natural splendour of New South Wales. Prices start from £293 a night. visitsydney.com
