In the mood for a vacation that’s unique, strange or a even a bit bizarre? Check out these not-to-missed options: Perched near the Arctic Circle in Sweden, the Ice Hotel is, as you might guess, a hotel made of ice. Several room options are available, from “cold room” options that include sleeping on actual blocks of ice (brr!) or reindeer skins to the “warm room” options with designs that look like they’re ripped out of an IKEA catalog. Choose the cold room and you’ll be warmed in the morning by a delivery of hot lingonberry juice, welcome respite after the 5 degree night.

White Cliffs Hotel

White Cliffs in New South Wales will put you up in an underground hotel carved out as opal mines. The room rental includes a free tour of the mine and an unforgettable stay in Australia’s outback. Photo courtesy Gourmettraveler.

Cappadocia Cave Suites

Weird but also wonderful are the Cappadocia Cave Suites in Turkey, carved during Hittite, Byzantine and Roman days, but now used as lodging. Your ancient room, nestled among caves used as places of worship, includes wifi and an espresso machine.

Dog Bark Park Inn

Right here in the USA in Cottonwood, Idaho, is the Dog Bark Park Inn which is in the shape of a gigantic beagle. Enter the body of the dog through a private deck, then check out your spacious room, which comes with homemade pastries and granola. The hotel’s website includes this incredible quote from former guests: “Our girls had a fabulous time in the dog’s head.”

Tree House Lodge in Costa Rica

In case you like a more aerie like environment we recommend a tree house in Costa Rica.

Skye Lighthouse is now a hotel

Some prefer the sound of crashing waves and beach access.  In that case check into the Skye Lighthouse, in Scotland. Photo courtesy of Jon & Allison.

Luxor Hotel, Las Vegas

If you prefer more action, nightlife and well, gambling then Las Vegas offers all sorts of strange hotels, with the most wierd and my favorite– the Luxor.  It is so American to think we can replicate the pyramids.

Genting Highlands Hotel in Kuala Lumpur

Or if you just want more than just a little local color, go to Kuala Lumpur for a rainbow-like stay.  I think it looks like a child’s painting, full of whimsy. Photo courtesy of CLF.

Marques de Riscal

I also love the flowing lines this luxury Starwood Resort in Elciego, Spain.  The architect is of course, Frank O. Gehry. He is never dull. Photo courtesy of whomsie.

Underwater Hotel in Itanbul, Turkey (under construction)

And finally, we return to the sea, with an underwater hotel, slated to be finished in 2010, but don’t hold your breath.

Want even more weird hotels? Read the “More Weird Hotels” follow-up post.