9 of the World's Most Astonishing Hotels

Tired of the same old hotel you stay at every year on vacation? No offense to the Holiday Inns of the world, but sometimes you just need an aspirational hotel or two to add to your bucket list. So, we’ll give you nine. Let’s take a tour of some of the most impressive hotels around the world, to get your imagination flowing!

1. The Manta Resort - Pemba Island, Tanzania

Have you ever dreamed of sleeping underwater? You can do just that when you book one of the floating rooms the Manta Resort in Tanzania. Each room features three levels - a sun deck on the top floor, a mid-level with stunning 360-degree ocean views, and an underwater bedroom. You can watch tropical fish float by, as you relax in your own real-life aquarium.

2. First World Hotel and Plaza - Genting Highlands, Malaysia

Hotels don’t get bigger than this one! With a whopping 7,351 rooms, no hotel in the world has more guest rooms than First World. And if that doesn’t impress you, check out the 500,000-square-foot plaza with a theme park, casinos, shopping galore, and more dining options than you can imagine. Sometimes bigger really is better.

3. Passalacqua - Lake Como, Italy

If you’re looking for a more tranquil getaway, Passalacqua on Lake Como may just fit the bill. This intimate hotel doesn’t skimp on luxury. Expect Michelin Star dining and stellar personalized service - not to mention stunning lakeside views. Just breathe and take it all in.

4. Ashford Castle - Lough Corrib, Ireland

If you’re seeking an authentic Irish experience, look no further than this hotel inside a 13th century castle, set on a 26,000-acre estate. The Guinness family renovated the castle in the 1800s, and now you can book a medieval stay there, complete with clay shooting, falconry, and horseback riding.

5. Hôtel de Glace - Quebec, Canada

All guests can embrace their inner “cold sleeper” at this unique hotel made of real ice. Sculptors rebuild the Hôtel de Glace every year, so expect an ever-changing experience. Amenities include themed rooms with arctic-insulated beds, an ice bar, and even an ice slide. Electric blanket, anyone?

6. SLS Dubai - Dubai, United Arab Emirates

For a true “high-end” experience (and we mean that literally), book a room at the SLS Dubai. Luxury awaits you at every corner in this posh hotel, but you’ll want to head to the rooftop for the real showstopper - a panoramic infinity pool that sits higher than almost any other swimming pool in the world. Here you can soak up views of Dubai’s skyline, including the Burj Khalifa. And you should, with a cocktail in hand.

7. Umaid Bhawan Palace - Jodhpur, India

This massive Rajasthani palace overlooks Jodhpur’s famous Blue City - and it’s just waiting for you to explore. Built during the 1920-40s, this palace-turned-hotel offers the type of luxury originally meant only for maharajas. Oh, and Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas got married here too.

8. Ambiente^® Sedona - Sedona, Arizona, USA

Stargazers, this one’s for you. Imagine 40 secluded villas set among Sedona’s famous red rocks, each featuring floor-to-ceiling windows. Imagine a fire pit on each villa’s rooftop, beckoning you to gaze at the night sky in this certified Dark Sky location. Imagine the kind of peace and quiet that an adults-only resort in the desert can bring.

9. La Mamounia - Marrakech, Morocco

Since 1923, travelers have flocked to this iconic Moroccan hotel for its legendary architecture, hospitality, and gardens. Oh, and the 27,000-square-foot spa doesn’t hurt either.

So, when planning your next vacation, why not splurge on one of these unforgettable hot spots? After all, a little luxury never hurt anyone!

References: The World’s 30 Most Impressive Hotels | These Are the Best New Hotels of 2024 | 30 Most Luxurious Hotels in the World | The World’s 50 Best Hotels