Hotels are fine. But if you’re craving a travel experience that lingers in your memory long after the plane lands, then it’s time to think beyond cookie-cutter stays. From sleeping in treehouses to glamping under the stars, unique accommodations travel is about finding places that are as adventurous as your destination itself.

In this guide, we’re diving into everything you need to know about booking extraordinary stays — from where to find them and how to choose wisely, to what to expect and how to make the most of every moment. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a romantic, or just want something different for your next escape, these tips will help you book a stay you’ll truly never forget.

1. Define What “Unique” Means to You

Start by deciding what “unique” means in the context of your travel style. Is it remote? Unusual architecture? Hyper-local cultural immersion? Some popular types of unique accommodations travel include:

• Treehouses: Immersed in nature, perfect for off-grid escapes
• Converted spaces: Lighthouses, castles, windmills, caves
• Glamping tents: Luxury camping with comforts in wild places
• Houseboats: Floating stays in cities like Amsterdam or Kerala
• Tiny homes or eco-pods: Stylish, sustainable, and snug

Once you know what experience you’re chasing, it’s easier to narrow your options.

2. Use the Right Booking Platforms

Standard hotel sites may not always highlight unusual stays, so go niche with platforms that specialize in memorable properties. These include:

• Airbnb: Filter by “unique stays” for domes, towers, and more
• Glamping Hub: Great for yurts, safari tents, and cabins
• Plum Guide: Curated high-end unique stays around the world
• Host Unusual (UK): Focuses on castles, wagons, and oddball gems
• Booking.com: Use filters like “Farm stays” or “Riads” for culturally immersive options

Always check if a property has its own direct booking site for better rates or added perks.

3. Read the Reviews (Really!)

Unique doesn’t always mean comfortable. That treehouse might have magical views, but no hot water. Reading reviews helps you manage expectations and prepare accordingly.

• Look for mentions of cleanliness, host communication, and accuracy of listing
• Don’t ignore negative reviews — look for patterns, not one-offs
• Use the “search reviews” function to find keywords that matter to you (e.g., “privacy” or “wifi”)

Reviews are often where you’ll find hidden surprises — both good and bad.

4. Understand the Location and Access

A dreamy cliffside hut sounds perfect — until you realize it’s 45 minutes from the nearest road. Ask yourself:

• How will I get there?
• Is parking available? Is a 4×4 required?
• Is it safe to arrive at night?

Remote stays often require some extra logistical love. But with the right prep, they’re always worth it.

5. Book Early for High-Demand Properties

Treehouses, caves, and underwater hotels? They book out fast — sometimes a year in advance. If your travel plans are locked in, don’t wait.

• Use tools like “Save to Wishlist” on Airbnb to monitor availability
• Set up price alerts for rare stays using third-party tools
• Follow unique properties on social media for early-bird specials

Unique accommodations travel is trending, so early birds definitely get the best nests.

6. Ask About Amenities and Policies

Just because a stay looks beautiful doesn’t mean it has what you need. Always check for:

• Electricity and plumbing (especially in treehouses, domes, or boats)
• Air conditioning or heating — depending on the climate
• Breakfast, kitchen facilities, or nearby food options
• Check-in instructions (some hosts live off-site)

Unique stays are often passion projects — not chain operations. Ask questions to avoid surprises.

7. Match the Accommodation to the Destination

Choose accommodations that amplify your surroundings. Some examples include:

• Riad in Morocco: Feels magical in a medina, less so on a highway
• Ice hotel: Perfect for Lapland, not necessary in Oslo
• Jungle treehouse: A great match for Costa Rica or Thailand
• Overwater villa: Best for the Maldives or Bora Bora

Let the vibe of the location influence your choice. It makes the experience more cohesive and immersive.

8. Embrace the Quirks — They Make It Memorable

Staying somewhere unique might mean a ladder instead of stairs or a compost toilet instead of plumbing. Go in with the right mindset:

• Not every stay will be five-star, but it might be five-heart
• Lean into the unusual — that’s what you booked it for!
• Take photos, journal your experience, and savor the novelty

What makes unique accommodations travel unforgettable is often the charm and character — not the perfection.

9. Look Local: Think Beyond the Popular Platforms

Many unforgettable stays don’t show up on Airbnb or Booking.com. Dig deeper:

• Search Instagram geotags for offbeat places
• Use local tourism board websites or Facebook groups
• Ask travel bloggers and digital nomads who’ve been there

Sometimes, the best finds are the hardest to Google.

10. Leave a Helpful Review

Once your magical stay is over, give back. Reviews help future travelers and reward thoughtful hosts.

• Be honest, but constructive
• Mention tips for others — “Bring a flashlight,” “Book the sunrise canoe ride,” etc.
• If something wasn’t perfect but you loved the experience anyway, say that

Your review could help someone else say yes to their next unforgettable night.

Bonus: Bucket-List-Worthy Unique Stays Around the World

• Giraffe Manor (Kenya): Have breakfast with giraffes
• Skylodge Adventure Suites (Peru): Sleep on a cliff face in a glass pod
• The Manta Resort (Zanzibar): An underwater bedroom with reef views
• Treehotel (Sweden): Sci-fi meets treetop luxury in northern forests
• Desert Lotus Hotel (China): A gleaming mirage in the Gobi Desert

These are worth saving for — and swooning over.

Conclusion: Make Your Stay Part of the Story

Travel isn’t just about where you go — it’s also about how you stay. Choosing memorable lodging makes your journey richer, more immersive, and a whole lot more fun. Whether you end up in a treetop, a tower, or a train car, unique accommodations travel transforms “just a place to sleep” into part of your adventure.

What’s the most unforgettable place you’ve stayed? Share your story in the comments and follow WentWorld for more travel inspiration that steps outside the usual check-in box.