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There are times when the hotel is just somewhere to rest your head on a trip. And then there are other times when the accommodation is the trip.
From igloos in Finland to castles in the UK, Europe has some pretty unique digs – and now Tripadvisor has revealed its Best of the Best one-of-a-kind stays to help narrow down your options.
Based on user reviews and ratings between 1 January and 31 December last year, 20 accommodation options from around the globe made it onto the listing.
“This year’s Best of the Best Hotels winners represent the top choices of millions of travellers who stayed, experienced, and took the time to review these properties,” Laurel Greatrix, Chief Communications Officer at Tripadvisor Group, said.
“Whether it’s a luxury resort in Indonesia, an adventure lodge in Oregon, or a crane suspended above Amsterdam, these winners create the foundation of truly unforgettable trips.”
The best one-of-a-kind stays in Europe
Crane Hotel Faralda Amsterdam
Number one on the list went to Crane Hotel Faralda Amsterdam… which is exactly what it says on the tin.
You can book a stay in one of three suites located in a crane mast, each of which boasts incredible views over the wider city from either 35 metres, 40 metres, or 45 metres up.
Best of all, there’s a rooftop Jacuzzi at the very top.
Eagle Brae, Beauly, United Kingdom
For a rustic stay in nature without missing out on all the creature comforts, Eagle Brae might be the one for you.
Found in the Scottish Highlands, around an hour from Inverness, there are 10 grass-roofed cedar cabins for you to choose from.
Around the estate, you’re likely to spot red deer, pine martens, red squirrels and more, and you can also book onto a black grouse safari or take part in guided camera stalking activities.
Eagle Brae came out third overall.
Fingal Hotel, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Another Scottish option, Fingal Hotel in Edinburgh, ranked ninth.
Located in the city’s Leith neighbourhood, the hotel is found within a converted Northern Lighthouse Board ship.
There are 23 cabins aboard, as well as a restaurant you can visit for afternoon tea should a stay be out of the question. On land, you’re just three kilometres from the city centre and main sights.
Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita, Matera, Italy
Coming in just outside of the top 10, Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita in Italy took 11th place.
The city of Matera is famed for its rock dwellings which have been inhabited since the Palaeolithic period, and 18 caves were restored to create this hotel.
Tripadvisor reviewers lavished praise on the property for its romantic vibes, as well as the sensational views over the countryside at breakfast.
Ashford Castle Hotel & Country Estate, Cong, Ireland
Next up is Ashford Castle Hotel & Country Estate in Ireland in 12th.
Found within an 800-year-old castle, this grand hotel and estate was once owned by the Guinness family (of Irish stout, and now Netflix, fame).
There are 83 individually designed rooms, a gorgeous spa (complete with a relaxation pool in the conservatory), plus a number of restaurants and bars.
Port Lympne Hotel, Kent, United Kingdom
A safari stay doesn’t have to mean booking a flight to a destination like Kenya, Tanzania or South Africa.
In fact, you can book one right here in Europe at the Port Lympne Hotel in Kent, which offers rooms overlooking enclosures for leopards, lions, tigers and giraffes and was ranked 17th overall.
Your stay gives back, too, as the money raised goes towards caring for the wildlife on-site as well as The Aspinall Foundation which has helped release hundreds of animals into the wild.
Apukka Resort Rovaniemi, Finland
Coming in 19th place, and the final entry from Europe, Apukka Resort Rovaniemi is a bucket-list stay for those looking to see the Northern Lights.
First founded 150 years ago, the resort has a number of classic wood log cabins, but it’s the glass igloos that really stand out.
In the winter months, you’ll be able to see the geomagnetic jig from the comfort of your bed, and you can book in for activities with reindeer, huskies or snowmobiles.
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