Unique... or just simply Strange Hotels

About a month ago, Yahoo! listed some of the unique hotels to be found in the whole world. Take note, though, that most of these hotels are still in its conceptual stage and might not make it to fruition. Bummer, right? Fortunately, while we are anxiously waiting for ground-breaking news on those wonderfully designed hotels, we may try out some of the world's unique hotels that have been around for a few years.

Jet-set to EUROPE!

As themed hotels go, this is one hotel complex you would not want to miss. With different colors and themes in every room, there is certainly something to catch your fancy in the Propeller Island City Lodge in Berlin, Germany. From the circus themed "Two Lions", a crypt theme called "Gruft", rooms full of symbols, mirrors, a topsy-turvy room, and the like, one could never be bored.

A floating shed? Is that really a hotel? One could not fathom how one small house could hold all the necessary amenities of a usual hotel room. But for the creators of Utter Inn, in Sweden, that was not a problem. That is in fact a floating hotel, and underneath the shed is the room that would house visitors. From both the top and bottom part of the hotel, you could view the fish in their natural habitat. Fancy a tan, go to the deck for a bit of sunbathing. The place is totally private, as you are brought their by boat and left alone after imparting instructions. How's that for some alone time with your hubby?

Fancy having a James Bond moment? Why not try the Capsule Hotel, from Den Haag, Netherlands. Made from real survival pods used in the marines, it is virtually indestructible. It is also set in water, which makes it like a ginormous water bed, er... room. But don't worry about it drifting away from the shore because it is securely anchored.

Next trip: ASIA!

Talking about capsule hotels, Japan has its very own version of the "Capsule Hotel". Almost like a blast from "The Fifth Element", these sleeping compartments are stacked one on top of the other like apartments. Inside is a small TV, wireless internet, air-conditioning vents, and lights. Baths and toilets are communal though. Lockers are provided for your things, and this is the most affordable, albeit not too comfy, accommodation in Tokyo (granted you are not claustrophobic).

With a boom in the love industry, Japan has come up with "Love Hotels". Yes, that is absolutely right. Love Hotels are actually quite popular in Japan, with other countries following suite after seeing the success of this business venture. Aside from the unique rooms, equipment, and display that bombards you as you enter, the fact that it is cheap, clean, and very private is enough to make you decide on sleeping at one rather than the largely populated hotels of Central Tokyo.

Last, but not the least, AMERICA!

With room names like "Geisha Garden", "Cupid's Corner", "Casino Royale", "Caesare's Court" and "Arabian Night", it is no wonder that many flock to the Fantasuite Hotels. So much so that in North America they already have two branches of the hotel. Both of the branches offer a wide variety of themed rooms, though the selection is different with each hotel.

Picture a mountain, almost covered by water flowing from the top like a volcanic eruption. Get the picture? That is the scene that will greet you when you visit the Magic Mountain Hotel in Panguipulli, X Region, Chile. Inside, you will be transported into a wonderful log cabin, quite the opposite from the harsh yet eye-catching exterior of the hotel.

Enjoying nature much? How about a trip to the Amazon. The Ariau Amazon Tower Hotel is a huge (and I mean, HUGE!!!) complex of tree houses that is situated right in the Amazon Rainforest, Manaus, Brazil. Walkways are available to transfer each individual to their room, all of which looks almost like a tree house, but not quite a regular tree house. Enjoy a one of a kind experience away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Photos courtesy of Unusual Hotels of the World (Capsule Hotel, Utter Inn, Magic Mountain Hotel, Ariau Amazon Tower Hotel), Wikipedia (Japan's Capsule Hotel), Misty Keasler (Love Hotel), TravelBlog (Love Hotel menu), Propeller Island City Lodge (Two Lions), and Fantasuite (Geisha Garden). Click on the pictures to go directly to the websites.