Top 4 unusual museums in London you must visit
These imaginative hotels have either transformed an old building or vehicle, have a distinct theme or view - or in some cases actually defy description.Read on to find out more about some of the most unusual hotels in the world.
Planes, trains and automobiles
Jumbo Jets
Buckle up and prepare yourself for landing a stay in two converted jet planes.
1. Hotel Costa Verde's 727 Fuselage - Costa Rica
Set doors to manual on the Costa Verde Jumbo Jet
Costa Rica's jungle canopy is now also home to this two-bedroom hotel suite, made from a converted 1965 Boeing 727.Once you're nestled 50ft above the ground, you'll have to share a terrace with your near neighbours - the monkeys, toucans and sloths who inhabit the tree tops.You'll feel like you're in first class with the hand-carved Java teak furniture, private entrance via a rock or spiral staircase, and ocean view.Website and Facebook
First class service in the Costa Verde Jumbo Jet
2. Jumbo Stay - Stockholm
(c) Jumbo Stay
The ultimate in airport stays - you actually spend the night on a runway at Arlanda Airport in Stockholm.While usually sleeping on a plane involves a lot of discomfort and a stiff neck, in this hostel you can pick a budget option of a dorm, or take our recommendation for an upgrade and take the Cockpit Suite.Website and Facebook
Cockpit of Jumbo Hostel - photo by Lioba Schneider
3. Aviator by Tag - Farnborough
This swanky option is on the perimeter of the privately-owned Tag Farnborough Airport (and if you time it right you get unparalleled views of the Farnborough International Airshow) and rooms overlook the runway.With stylish suites, fine dining and a luxurious bar, you'll feel like the elite traveller this hotel was inspired by.Website and Twitter
4. V8 Hotel - Stuttgart
V8 Hotel Mercedes Suite (c) Frank Hoppe
If the dream is to sleep in a vintage car bed – then this has to be the hotel for you.Take the ultimate pit-stop in one of the themed rooms – the Carwash room even has special massage brushes in the shower and a full body dryer to give you the full service.Four-wheeled fanatics can also experience MOTORWORLD in the same former airport complex and look at the vintage cars.Website
V8 Hotel (c) Frank Hoppe via V8 Hotel
5. Fairmont - Monte Carlo
Formula 1 at Fairmont Monte Carlo
Few views can rival the one of the famous hairpin bend, part of the Grand Prix street circuit in Monaco, from this glamorous 4-star hotel.Not only can you smell the burning rubber from the Formula 1 cars, but you are within easy reach of the casinos, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and they have a spa and pool on the roof - what more do you need.Website and Twitter
Formula1 courtesy of the Fairmont Monte Carlo
6. Central Yas Island - Abu Dhabi
Another hotel for Grand Prix fans, this is close to not only the Yas Marina Formula 1 Circuit but also Ferrari World Abu Dhabi.Did we also mention it's near a Links golf course, has a pool and floodlit tennis courts?Website and Facebook
Central Yas Island Abu Dhabi
7. Brooklands Hotel - Surrey
A must for motor enthusiasts, you can book a room overlooking the Mercedes Benz racetrack.You also have the added bonus of checking out vintage aircraft, bikes and motors at the nearby Brooklands Museum.Website and Twitter
Brooklands
8. The Old Railway Station - West Sussex
In Petworth, West Sussex, you have the choice of staying in a restored Pullman Carriage or the Old Station House.
9. The Sidings Hotel - Yorkshire
Bringing the Golden Age of Rail together with the modern day is this hotel, where not only can you stay in a converted Pullman carriage but you can also eat lunch or dinner in a restaurant overlooking the busy York to Thirsk line.
Enjoy being in the dog house
The Giant Beagle - courtesy of The Dog Bark Park Hotel
10. The Dog Bark Park Inn - Idaho, USA
The chance to stay in the world's biggest beagle on the Camas Prairie is not to be sniffed at.Cosier than a kennel, and sleeping four, this is a chance to live a pampered dogs life on your holidays.The carefully-carved rooms feature work by chainsaw artists and owners Dennis and Francis.Website and Twitter
The interior at the (c) Dog Bark Park Hotel
Brew-tiful places to stay
The Brew at the Kerry Hotel Pudong, Shanghai
11. Kerry Hotel Pudong - Shanghai
If you like Australian Craft Beer - then head to this delightful five star hotel in China which has its own in-house brewery.Sleek, stylish and contemporary, it's only nod to a traditional ale house is the fact it has six hand-crafted beers, one cider and shows sports on the television.Website and Twitter
12. The Augustine Hotel - Prague
Without monks we wouldn't have beer and this 5 star hotel in a 13th-century monastery has taken over landlord duties in the original brewery.Try the 5 star hotel's own ale, the St.Thomas Beer, in their atmospheric underground bar.Website and Facebook
St. Thomas Brewery Bar - Cubistic Bar
13. The Hotel Waldhaus am See - St Moritz
While the Swiss might be famous for their chocolate and watch-making - they've also got the world's largest whisky bar.The hotel's Devil's Place bar has more than 2,500 different drams to try - it might take you slightly longer than a weekend break.Website
Do some holiday time in a former prison
The Lobby courtesy of the Liberty Hotel
14. The Liberty - Boston
Built in 1851 as the Charles Street Jail, the appropriately named Liberty Hotel, has transformed the interior behind the sturdy Boston granite walls into a stunning contemporary place to stay.There are some cheeky nods to it's former inhabitants, for instance with the original cells being transformed into cosy private dining cubicles in the CLINK restaurant.Website and Twitter
15. Malmaison - Oxford
Old meets new.Houses of Corrections at the Oxford Malmaison
Not just a converted prison, but also a former medieval castle, there's no sign of its grim and draughty past in this sumptuously furnished 4 star hotel.Book into the executive suite and you'll really feel like the Governor. It even has a cinema room to watch The Shawshank Redemption or Orange is the New Black...Website and Twitter
Bathroom in the Oxford Malmaison
Sporting hotels
Hotels inspired by the "Beautiful Game"
Hotel Football next to Old Trafford
16. Hotel Football - Manchester
If you're a fan of the Red Devils then this is the "hotel of dreams" - it's within a goal kick's distance of Old Trafford.Opened in 2015 by former star players including Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville, each room is football themed, has the full Sky Sports Package and Class of 92 toiletries in the bathroom.It's even got a mini astroturf pitch on the roof if you need a pre-match warm up.Website and Twitter
Hotel Football
17. Millennium & Copthorpe Hotels - Chelsea
If you're more Blue than Red, you might prefer to stay at these hotels right next to Stamford Bridge, the home of Chelsea Football Club.There's no pre-match pies or burgers here though - food comes from Marco Pierre White's "Marco" restaurant for a bit of fine dining.Website and Twitter
18.
- Buenos Aires.
Rather than staying at home - why not try an away visit? Fans of Thai team Buriram United can stay at their hotel, which is part of the Thunder Castle Stadium (their home ground).
19.
(yes really) - Bandung, Indonesia
Liverpool fans can pay tribute to their former No. 8 and stay at this hotel in Indonesia.
Batman v Star Wars
Hotel Sidi Driss. Photo by Stefan via Flicker Creative Commons
20. Hotel Sidi Driss - Tunisia
While hotel might be stretching it (it's very basic), there's no denying the force is strong here.Anyone familiar with the Star Wars films will recognise the exterior immediately (see image above), however don't try any Jedi mind-tricks when it comes to settling your bill.Website
21. Hotel Gotham - Manchester
Bankers Suite. Image by Mark Leeming courtesy of Hotel Gotham
Opening in 2015 in a former Art Deco bank, it'd be criminal not to visit this imposing and stylish-homage to Bruce Wayne's alter-ego.The brooding grandeur of this castle-like structure hides the fact it has all the modern amenities you need.We know it has a roof top club (where potentially a bat signal could be sent) but we can't confirm if it has a secret bat cave below.Website and Twitter
Bat Do Not Disturb sign. Image by Mark Leeming courtesy of Hotel Gotham
Get a permanent reminder of your stay
A dorm room (c) Urban Hostel
22. Urban House - Copenhagen
More a cool hostel than a hotel, however there aren't many places you can stay with an in-house tattoo parlour.You can ink in a booking at the Wisdomless Tattoo Club before you arrive.They also have a re-cycled bike shop if you fancy a ride round the city and a cinema room if you want to relax.Website and Twitter
And finally...
Have you stayed at any unusual hotels we should add to the list? Let us know by leaving a comment below.We've got hotels all around the world if you're looking for further inspiration - and of course there's getting there. Take a look at our flights and see where you could be waking up tomorrow.
