Travelers craving something truly one-of-a-kind can check into these unforgettable hotels —ingeniously carved into caves, perched on cliffs, repurposed from lighthouses, yachts, airplanes, and upcycled from old factories.
Here’s an extraordinary roundup of the world’s top 13 hotels built in the most unconventional locations for 2026.
Sunborn London Yacht Hotel, London, UK
Moored in the Royal Victoria Dock beside the ExCeL Exhibition Centre, the Sunborn London, a 4-star unusual hotel, brings a taste of superyacht glamour to the capital. Unlike any ordinary hotel, this 394-foot vessel has a charm of chic 80s and delivers the indulgence of a luxury cruise ship while staying firmly anchored in the heart of the city.
Launched in the 2000s as the world’s first custom-built yacht hotel, the Sunborn was designed to combine the sophistication of five-star hospitality with the elegance of nautical life. Sweeping decks, glossy wood interiors, and panoramic windows that frame views of Canary Wharf and the Thames skyline – Sunborn Yacht Hotel in London.
Guest rooms (19-23m²) are a bit old, but styled as elegant cabins, many with private balconies or terraces over the water (some need refreshment). Inside, plush bedding, marble bathrooms, and basic amenities. Sunborn London’s Yacht Junior Suites are larger – 35m². A plus is that checkout is at 12 pm and not 11 pm.
Dining takes place at the Land’s End Restaurant, where seasonal British cuisine and afternoon tea are served with wide views of the dock. The hotel also has a Sundown Bar. If the weather is good, you can enjoy a coffee on the dock outside, taking in the view of the river, bridge, and airplanes that take off every 10 minutes from the city airport.
Perfect for business travellers attending ExCeL events, such as igaming conferences, couples seeking a romantic London stay, or anyone curious to experience yacht living without ever leaving shore, the Sunborn London is ideal for this purpose. By the way, Sunborn London Yacht Hotel is a fully licensed wedding venue.
Prices: From about £180 per night.
Amenities: Fine dining restaurant, cocktail bar, event spaces, and waterfront terraces.
Room Types: Cabins, executive rooms, and luxury suites with river views.
Address: Sunborn London, Royal Victoria Dock, London E16 1AA, UK, +44 20 3714 8111, info@sunbornlondon.com
www.sunbornlondon.com
Private Jet Villa, Uluwatu, Bali, Indonesia
The one and only – the most unconventional hotel in the world, in an airplane. High above Bali’s Nyang Nyang Beach, the Private Jet Villa transforms a retired Boeing 737 into one of the world’s most unusual luxury stays.
Perched 150 meters over the Indian Ocean on a clifftop, the aircraft was hauled in pieces by cranes and rebuilt in 2021 as a two-bedroom villa for up to four guests.
The fuselage now holds a lounge with bar, glass portal windows, and walk-in closets, while the cockpit has become a Jacuzzi with panoramic views.
You can step directly onto the wing, reimagined as a terrace, or swim in the infinity pool where a transparent glass wall looks straight out to sea.
Inside, touches like Egyptian cotton linens, custom Spanish fixtures, and smart-glass technology elevate the aircraft shell into a polished retreat.
Prices: $3,100–$7,300 per night. Contact and book: WhatsApp.
Amenities: Infinity pool with glass wall, wing-top terrace, Jacuzzi in cockpit, bar and lounge, walk-in closets, private chef on request, helipad
Room Types: Entire two-bedroom Boeing 737 villa (sleeps four) with living areas and cliffside outdoor spaces
Hôtel du Couvent, Nice, France
In the heart of Old Nice, hidden among the winding lanes of the old town, a 17th-century convent has been reborn as Hôtel du Couvent, a five-star sanctuary where monastic calm meets Provençal elegance. Built in 1604 for the Clarisses order, the property has been meticulously restored with lime-washed walls, vaulted arcades, and terracotta floors, offset by soft contemporary design.
Silent music plays discreetly throughout the cloisters, and every room comes with dried lavender placed on the pillow for a restful sleep.
Accommodations range from minimalist “cell-style” rooms starting at around $700 per night to more spacious suites overlooking the convent gardens.
Outside, guests find a swimming pool tucked into the upper garden with panoramic views of Nice, while the vast spa channels the Roman baths with hot and cold pools, a hammam, and a soaring stone chamber pierced by a giant opening to the sky for natural light and air.
Meals are guided by Provençal tradition: market produce from the hotel’s own farm, rustic breads, and regional favorites prepared by Chef Thomas Vételé.
Days end in the fragrant gardens among citrus trees and herbs, with the hum of cicadas and the hush of the convent’s walls.
Travelers should note that reaching the hotel is part of the experience: tucked away in the maze of narrow old-town streets, it is best to request a buggy pick-up at booking to be met and guided to the entrance with ease.
Amenities: Spa with thermal baths and natural light chamber, outdoor swimming pool with city views, upper garden, on-site farm produce, Provençal restaurant, farmers’ market, tranquil soundscapes, lavender-scented rooms.
Room Types: Monastic “cell” rooms and spacious suites overlooking the gardens and Old Nice.
reservation@hotelducouvent.com, book at hotelducouvent.com
Kokopelli’s Cave Bed & Breakfast, Farmington, New Mexico, USA
Tucked deep within the ancient Tertiary Ojo Alamo sandstone bluffs 300 feet above the La Plata River valley, Kokopelli’s Cave Bed & Breakfast delivers a lodging experience unlike any you’ll find above ground.
Conceived in the 1980s by geologist Bruce Black, the cave was originally intended as an office carved 70 feet below the desert mesa, a true feat of engineering and perseverance. By 1996, his vision evolved into a comfortable guest retreat, gifting travelers with a taste of subterranean magic.
What makes Kokopelli’s Cave truly unique is its sense of utter seclusion. Guests descend a rocky path and enter through a carved entrance directly into the cliff face, stepping into a 1,650-square-foot suite hewn from ancient rock.
Here, stone archways and rugged walls surround you, but comfort isn’t sacrificed: the space features a full kitchen for home-style meals, a cozy fireplace to ward off cool desert nights, and a Jacuzzi tucked beside panoramic windows.
After a day of exploring the high mesa, guests can relax on a private patio or enjoy sunset barbecues with dramatic views stretching over the river valley.
It’s a haven for adventure-seekers craving an immersive escape from the ordinary.
Whether you’re a couple, a family, or a group of friends (the suite accommodates up to six), Kokopelli’s Cave offers space to unwind, reconnect, and be awed by New Mexico’s rugged beauty and the views across Arizona, New Mexico, Utah and Colorado that make up the Four Corners.
Prices: From $340 per night for up to six people.
Amenities: Full kitchen, Jacuzzi, fireplace, private patio, BBQ, shower, washer/dryer.
Room Types: One spacious main cave suite (1,650 square feet), designed to feel cozy yet expansive, just beneath the surface, yet a world away from the expected.
Kokopelli’s Cave Bed & Breakfast, 87 Road 1980, Farmington, New Mexico, 87401, USA, +1 505 278 3358, info@kokoscave.us,
kokos-cave.com
Deep Sleep, Snowdonia, North Wales, UK
Hidden deep beneath the wild mountains of Snowdonia, Deep Sleep stands as the world’s deepest hotel, an astonishing 1,375 feet underground, in the belly of an abandoned Victorian slate mine.
This incredible retreat was crafted by the adventure experts at Go Below in the 2010s, transforming a forgotten and very dark labyrinth into an experience that happily blurs the line between adrenaline adventure and quiet respite.
To reach your accommodation, you’ll follow professional caving guides through old mine tunnels and echoing caverns, surrounded by dripping rock and the inky blackness only total isolation can bring.
At journey’s end, Deep Sleep awaits with a series of cozy cabins and a communal dining cavern, softly lit and designed for the ultimate digital disconnect. Here, every sound and sensation is amplified, making even simple moments like dripping water, a good night’s sleep, somehow profound.
Deep Sleep is tailor-made for those with a taste for the unconventional: thrill-seekers, cavers, and anyone curious to experience true darkness and silence.
Cabins are well-stocked with warm bedding and creature comforts, so even in the heart of the earth, guests are kept snug. Mornings bring hot drinks and stories shared with fellow adventurers before retracing the path upward to daylight. And don’t forget your wellies!
Prices: About £350 per person per night.
Amenities: nice, insulated cabins, communal dining cavern, professional caving guides.
Room Types: Private and shared cabins.
Go Below Underground Adventures Ltd, Glandwr Cottage, Penmachno, Betws-y-coed, Conwy, LL24 0PP, Wales, +44 1690 710 108, ask@go-below.co.uk,
www.go-below.co.uk/deep-sleep.asp
Kayakapi Premium Caves, Cappadocia, Turkey
Etched into the hillsides of Cappadocia, Kayakapi Premium Caves invites guests to step into Turkey’s famed cave dwellings.
These extraordinary suites, restored in the 2000s, were once the modest homes and grand residences of centuries past, some dating back to the 10th century, carefully reimagined to offer modern luxury while preserving their ancient soul.
Kayakapi is located within a UNESCO World Heritage site, where the landscape of chimneys and sculpted rock has captivated travelers for generations.
Every suite and mansion at Kayakapi bears the marks of its heritage: vaulted stone ceilings, arched passageways, and hand-carved nooks, all with heated floors, rainfall showers, and plush bedding.
Some rooms even retain original frescoes and centuries-old details, letting you wake up surrounded by living history.
It’s a dream setting for couples seeking romance, families craving something unforgettable, and buffs eager to explore history. The property offers an elevated level of comfort with on-site spas, gourmet restaurants serving Anatolian cuisine, and panoramic terraces overlooking the fairy-tale valleys of Nevşehir.
Prices: From €250 per night.
Amenities: Heated floors, luxury en-suites, spa and wellness centre, restaurants, and private terraces.
Room Types: Suites and mansions, each with its own original cave interiors and distinctive charm.
Kayakapi Premium Caves, Kayakapi Mahallesi, Kuscular Sokak No 43, 50400, Urgup, Cappadocia, Turkey, +90 384 341 88 77, contact@kayakapi.com
www.kayakapi.com
Dunlap Hollow Cave, Hocking Hills, Ohio, USA
Tucked away in Ohio’s scenic Hocking Hills, Dunlap Hollow Cave redefines the idea of a nature retreat, crafting contemporary luxury within a timeless sandstone cavern.
Opened in the 2020s, this 1,500 square foot cave home was thoughtfully constructed to showcase the raw textures of the cave while delivering every modern comfort, resulting in an unconventional getaway that playfully delights somewhere between wild and refined.
The moment guests step through the bold glass doors carved into the rock, they enter an eco-friendly world where towering stone walls and arched ceilings meet sleek design, plush furnishings, and thoughtful amenities.
Dunlap Hollow Cave effortlessly blends the primitive with the posh: a full kitchen for gourmet meals, Wi-Fi and entertainment systems for relaxing evenings, luxury bedding for restful nights, and a private hot tub steps away, set beneath the beautifully dappled light of the forest above.
This hideaway is perfect for families or couples who crave the ultimate in privacy, playful seclusion, and an experience designed for making memories.
A year-ahead reservation waitlist speaks to its popularity; guests often book to unplug, celebrate, or reconnect with nature while enjoying the unmistakable ‘wow’ factor of sleeping inside a cave.
Prices: From $600 per night.
Amenities: Full kitchen, Wi-Fi, luxury bedding, hot tub.
Room Types: Single and multi-room configurations, styled as a genuine cave home.
Dunlap Hollow Cave, Hocking Hills, Rockbridge, Ohio, USA, info@dunlaphollow.com
www.dunlaphollow.com/cave
Corsewall Lighthouse Hotel, Loch Ryan, Scotland
Perched on the rugged coastline of southwest Scotland overlooking the cold churning waves of the North Channel, the Corsewall Lighthouse Hotel stands as a magnificent beacon, welcoming travelers as faithfully as it once guided ships.
The Corsewall Lighthouse, a landmark in Scottish maritime navigation since 1815, embarked on a new chapter in the late 20th century, transforming select quarters into a boutique hotel that lets guests immerse themselves in the romance and drama of coastal life.
Staying at Corsewall means experiencing the rare pleasure of sleeping in a working lighthouse. The property offers six thoughtfully restored rooms housed inside the lighthouse itself, plus elegant suites fashioned from former keepers’ cottages.
Each space features sweeping sea views, thick stone walls that hush the wind, and a charm that’s historic and homely.
Perfect for history lovers, couples, and anyone drawn to the storied Scottish coast, the hotel promises tranquillity and spectacle.
Evenings are best spent lingering over local fare in the hotel’s award-winning restaurant, where fresh Scottish seafood and hearty regional dishes are served with views out to the choppy sea.
Prices: From $297 for a two-night weekend stay, including dinner and breakfast.
Amenities: Six individually decorated rooms in the lighthouse, multi-room suites in historic cottages, an award-winning restaurant, and direct access to walking trails along the dramatic coastline.
Room Types: Double rooms and spacious suites designed for families or couples.
Corsewall Lighthouse Hotel, Corsewall Point, Kirkcolm, Stranraer, Scotland, DG9 0QG, +44 1776 853 220, info@lighthousehotel.co.uk
www.lighthousehotel.co.uk
Malmaison Oxford, Oxford, UK
“Sentence” yourself for a night in a real old prison. The hotel will let you go for free, but be sure to enjoy their Chez Mal Brasserie & Bar. Housed within the imposing, castle-like walls of Oxford’s former prison, Malmaison Oxford transforms a notorious 19th-century lock-up into a bold and atmospheric hotel stay.
Built as the city’s prison in 1888 (on the site of an 11th-century Norman castle) and operating until its closure in 1996, the building underwent a remarkable transformation, opening as a hotel in 2006.
Today, it’s a magnet for anyone intrigued by converted heritage spaces and slightly terrifying histories. Thankfully, it’s better than your average prison!
The hotel’s designers have artfully retained the prison’s original features: heavy metal doors, high-vaulted cell blocks, iron railings, and long stone corridors now lead to plush rooms and suites brimming with dark, playful character.
Many guestrooms are carved from what were once three adjoining cells, now combined for space and comfort, each with whitewashed brick walls, signature Malmaison velvet headboards, and reminders of the building’s past like studded cell doors and barred windows.
The original exercise yard has transformed into an inviting terrace; old prison wings house lively bars, chic brasserie dining, and even artwork honouring the building’s former residents of this house of correction.
Prices: Standard rooms from around £180 per night; rates vary widely by season and room category.
Amenities: Stylish brasserie restaurant, buzzy cocktail bar, private event spaces, picturesque courtyard. Checkout is at 11.
Room Types: Ex-prison cell rooms (standard and club double), expansive suites (including the Governor’s Suite), and family options.
Malmaison Oxford, Oxford Castle, 3 New Road, Oxford, OX1 1AY, UK, +44 1865 689 944, theteam@malmaison.com
www.malmaison.com/locations/oxford
Harlingen Lighthouse Hotel, Harlingen, Netherlands
Rising above the still-functioning Dutch harbour, the Harlingen Lighthouse (strange and unique hotel) is perfect for a romantic getaway, maritime adventure, and architectural curiosity.
Originally constructed in 1920 as a fully operational lighthouse guiding ships along the North Sea coast, this towering structure was transformed in 1999 into one of Europe’s most sought-after boutique hotel stays.
Guests here enjoy exclusive access to the lighthouse; there’s just a single, split-level suite spread over three circular floors, all for you and your companion. The adventure begins with a spiral ascent to your sanctuary in the sky.
On the lower level, there’s a private bathroom with a circular shower and all the essentials.
The bedroom sits on the second floor, surrounded by the soothing sounds of sea winds and the port below. At the very top, a bright tower lounge offers a panoramic, 360-degree perch for sipping coffee at sunrise or enjoying sunset over the water.
Harlingen Lighthouse Hotel is for lovers, daydreamers and anyone who’s longed to sleep within the beam of a real lighthouse.
Every moment here is defined by privacy, seclusion, and breathtaking views across Harlingen’s harbour and far out to the horizon. The unique setting and intimate size make booking almost essential.
Prices: Approx. $396 per night.
Amenities: Private bathroom with circular shower, bedroom, and top-floor lounge with sweeping outlooks.
Room Types: One unique, split-level suite designed for two.
Harlingen Lighthouse Hotel, Havenweg 1, 8861 XH Harlingen, Netherlands, +31 61 334 4313, info@dromenaanzee.nl
www.dromenaanzee.nl
The Caves, Negril, Jamaica
Carved into the dramatic limestone cliffs of Jamaica’s raw, beautiful, and untamable west coast, The Caves in Negril is an interesting hotel where nature’s beauty meets contemporary luxury hospitality.
Unlike conventional resorts, The Caves was purposefully designed to celebrate its extraordinary surroundings: a labyrinth of sea-sculpted caves and tunnels, transformed into an intimate hideaway perched right above the turquoise Caribbean and pure Jamaican good vibes.
Here, guests stay in one- and two-bedroom cottages and suites literally tucked into, or built atop, these ancient sea caves.
The design is whimsical and eclectic with vivid colours, handcrafted Jamaican furnishings, and open-air verandas that invite in the salty breeze.
Venture out, and you’ll find yourself exploring secret alcoves, relaxing at cliffside spa decks, and perhaps descending stone stairs to the legendary Blackwell Rum Bar, set within a secret underground grotto lapped by the sea.
The Caves is made for couples, honeymooners, or anyone longing for a romantic escape with a splash of adventure and Caribbean soul.
Days stretch lazily with snorkelling, cliff jumping, or diving among the coral shelves just offshore. Evenings are full of magic, imagine private dinners by candlelight inside the caves or alfresco under the stars.
Prices: $626–$1,148 per night, depending on cottage or villa.
Amenities: Cliffside spa, snorkelling gear, direct access to coral dive sites, al fresco and cave dining, legendary rum bar, lush tropical gardens.
Room Types: One- and two-bedroom oceanfront cottages, plus an exclusive private villa.
The Caves, Lighthouse Road, West End, Negril, Jamaica, +1 876 357 2367, info@thecaveshotel.com
www.thecaveshotel.com
New Road Hotel, London, UK
Situated in Whitechapel, the heart of East London, the New Road Hotel offers a playful nod to the city’s industrial heritage and is inspired by New York.
This boutique property occupies what was once a humming 1960s textile mill, designed by architect Hume Victor Kerr. Brought back to life by the Malik family and opened in the 2010s, the hotel’s transformation stays true to its roots: exposed brickwork, steel girders, and original factory fittings create a raw yet stylish atmosphere.
Inside, the vibe is unmistakably urban and creative. Each room highlights the building’s history, with high ceilings, open layouts, and punchy design details.
Contemporary comforts bring the factory floor into the present, from rainfall showers to plush bedding. The communal spaces are meant for mingling and unwinding, whether you’re drawn to the lively Mr. White’s English Chophouse, by Marco Pierre White, sipping inventive cocktails at the Bar, or relaxing in comfy lounge areas with city views.
The New Road Hotel appeals to trendy city explorers, business travelers, and anyone who values a touch of history alongside modern, minimalist design.
Its East London location puts you steps away from the city’s buzzing creative scene, cool galleries, and eclectic dining hotspots.
Prices: From £120 per night.
Amenities: Restaurant, chic cocktail bar, inviting communal lounges and shared workspaces.
Room Types: Snug rooms for solo travelers or quick stays, spacious lofts, and larger suites for longer visits or more indulgence.
New Road Hotel, 103-107 New Road, Whitechapel, London, E1 1HJ, +44 203 0198 710, info@newroadhotel.com
www.newroadhotel.co.uk
White Cliffs Underground Motel, White Cliffs, Australia
This is another unique place to stay for a night or two, actually, the world’s largest underground motel. Deep in the remote Australian outback, the White Cliffs Underground Motel promises a stay that’s distinctive and different.
Its origins trace back to local opal miners, who, over the decades, carved expansive rooms and corridors beneath the sunbaked earth, once for shelter, but ultimately creating a unique underground sanctuary that now welcomes travelers seeking respite from the region’s famous heat.
Life here happens well below the surface, where thick layers of rock maintain a cool, steady temperature year-round. The atmosphere is immediately relaxing, with natural stone walls, arched ceilings, and an otherworldly sense of quiet.
It’s a slice of classic Australian ingenuity where guests enjoy simple comforts, unique surroundings, and a connection to history.
Perfect for families, backpackers, or adventure-seeking travelers, the motel offers a range of underground rooms, single, twin, family, and group options, catering to everyone from solo explorers to families and tour groups.
Social spaces above ground include a welcoming bar, a hearty outback restaurant, and a swimming pool, while tours of the opal fields and guided walks offer insight into the region’s mining heritage and fossicking for opal.
Prices: new 2-night and 3-day outback package $160 bonus
Amenities: Underground bar and restaurant, outdoor pool, daily tours and activities like “cook your own BBQ”.
Room Types: Single, twin, family, and group rooms, all located below ground for the true dugout experience.
White Cliffs Underground Motel, 129 Smiths Hill, White Cliffs, New South Wales, Australia, 2836, +61 8 8091 6677, info@undergroundmotel.com.au
www.undergroundmotel.com.au
Here are some more cave hotels.
TOP 13 Extraordinary Hotels in the World’s Most Unconventional Locations
- Kokopelli’s Cave Bed & Breakfast – Farmington, New Mexico, USA
In a sandstone cave carved into cliffs above the La Plata River Valley. - Hôtel du Couvent, a Luxury Collection Hotel – Nice, France
In a restored 17th-century convent with cloistered gardens and Roman-style baths. - Sunborn London Yacht Hotel – London, UK
In a luxury superyacht permanently moored on the Royal Victoria Dock. - Private Jet Villa – Uluwatu, Bali, Indonesia
In a retired Boeing 737 set on a cliff 150 meters above the Indian Ocean, with a cockpit Jacuzzi and wing-top terrace. - Deep Sleep – Snowdonia, North Wales, UK
In a Victorian slate mine, 1,375 feet underground. - Kayakapi Premium Caves – Cappadocia, Turkey
In historic cave dwellings carved into Cappadocia’s hillsides. - Dunlap Hollow Cave – Hocking Hills, Ohio, USA
In a sandstone cavern redesigned as a modern eco-retreat. - Corsewall Lighthouse Hotel – Loch Ryan, Scotland
In a working 19th-century lighthouse on the Scottish coast. - Malmaison Oxford – Oxford, UK
In a former 19th-century prison inside Oxford Castle. - Harlingen Lighthouse Hotel – Harlingen, Netherlands
In a 1920s lighthouse overlooking a Dutch harbor. - The Caves – Negril, Jamaica
In sea-carved limestone cliffs with private grotto bars. - New Road Hotel – London, UK
In a converted 1960s textile factory in East London. - White Cliffs Underground Motel – White Cliffs, Australia
In former opal mines turned into an underground motel.
