By ShermansTravel Editorial Staff
There's a hotel out there to satisfy most every curiosity—whether you're into marine life, wildlife, or Eskimo life—but we've narrowed the choices down to ten stand-out properties ranging from low-cost to luxe. So say goodbye to so-so lodging and catch your zzz's in one of our favorite offbeat hotels. Pick from a 1950s freighter jet, a former prison cell, a treetop lodge, a onetime royal haunt, and more.
1. Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle, Thailand
Jungle living has gone civilized, not to mention luxurious, in this compound of 15 posh tents lying on the banks of the Ruak River by the Thailand-Laos-Myanmar border (a.k.a. the Golden Triangle). Set on stilts amid verdant brush and bamboo, and connected by elevated walkways, each individual 581-square-foot canvas-covered shelter is equipped with a large wood deck, plush pillow-top mattress, polished-teak floor, huge copper bath, and outdoor rain shower. The setting overlooks the river, jungle treetops, and the mountains and includes a rock-lined pool, whirlpool, and open-air spa. And the best resort perk? You can ride and train an elephant with the help of professional mahouts.
P.O. Box 18, Chiang Saen Post Office Chiang Rai, Thailand 57150
Tel. 66 (53) 910-200
Fax. 66 (53) 652-189
website:
http://www.fourseasons.com/goldentriangle/
2. Ice Hotel, Quebec
If you still harbor a childhood fantasy of camping out in your own snow fort, head to the Ice Hotel, just outside Quebec City. Comprised of 500 tons of ice and 15,000 tons of snow, this innovative hotel (open every winter, weather permitting, from January - April) includes 34 artistically designed rooms, the N'Ice Club, Ice Lounge, two art galleries, and even a wedding chapel, all made of solid H2O. While you may have to remain bundled up throughout your stay (though fireplaces, warm sleeping bags on beds of deer pelts, and heated washrooms are provided), this may well be the coolest place in North America. For an even more authentic experience, head to the original Ice Hotel in Jukkasjarvi, Sweden.
Ice Hotel Quebec-Canada Inc.
143, route Duchesnay Pavillon Regie
Sainte-Catherine-de-la-Jacques-Cartier
QC, Canada
G0A 3M0
Telephone : (418) 875-4522 (Quebec City)
Toll free : 1 877-505-0423 ( CAN/USA)
Fax: (418) 875-2833
website:
http://www.icehotel-canada.com/en/index.en.php