For decades, the standard for travel accommodation was predictable: a clean room, a comfortable bed, a TV, and a continental breakfast. Whether you were in London, Tokyo, or New York, a hotel room looked like a hotel room. But the travel landscape has shifted dramatically. Today’s travelers are no longer just looking for a place to sleep; they are looking for a story to tell.
The rise of platforms like Airbnb has democratized hospitality, allowing anyone with a unique property to become a host. This has led to an explosion of creativity in the rental market. Why stay in a beige box when you can sleep inside a giant potato, a retro airplane, or a floating capsule? These “novelty stays” have become destinations in themselves, often overshadowing the cities or towns they are located in.
In this guide, we explore seven of the most bizarre, creative, and downright strange Airbnbs you can book right now. These properties prove that when it comes to travel, the only limit is your imagination.
The Rise of Experiential Accommodation
Before we dive into the list, it is worth asking: why are these strange places so popular? The answer lies in the “experience economy.” Modern travelers, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, value unique experiences over material luxury.
A night in a bizarre Airbnb offers instant social currency. It is “Instagrammable,” memorable, and fun. Furthermore, these stays often provide a deeper connection to the local environment—whether it is sleeping in a cave in Spain or a bamboo hut in Bali—that a chain hotel cannot match.
1. The Flying Saucer (Redberth, United Kingdom)
If you have ever dreamed of being abducted by aliens—but in a comfortable, glamping sort of way—this is your chance. Located in the heart of Pembrokeshire, Wales, this UFO-themed Airbnb is a masterclass in novelty design.
From the outside, it looks like a prop from a 1950s sci-fi movie, complete with a hatch door and blinking lights. Inside, the theme continues with futuristic white furniture, circular windows, and even “alien” memorabilia. Despite the kitsch factor, it is a fully functional living space with a dining area and sleeping quarters. It sleeps four, making it a hilarious and unforgettable family getaway.
Why Book It?
- Nostalgia: Perfect for fans of classic sci-fi.
- Location: Close to the beautiful Tenby coast.
- Uniqueness: It is literally a spaceship in a field.
2. The Big Idaho Potato Hotel (Boise, Idaho, USA)
Only in America could you find a hotel shaped like a giant root vegetable. The Big Idaho Potato Hotel is exactly what it sounds like: a 6-ton potato structure made of steel, plaster, and concrete.
Initially built by the Idaho Potato Commission to tour the country on a flatbed truck, it was eventually retired and converted into a tiny home. The interior is surprisingly chic, featuring pink velvet chairs, a custom-built bed, and white shiplap walls. It even has a silo turned into a spa bathroom just outside the potato. It is cozy, incredibly quiet, and undeniably the most famous potato you will ever sleep in.
3. The Seashell House (Casa Caracol) (Isla Mujeres, México)
Casa Caracol is not just a weird Airbnb; it is an architectural icon. Located on the stunning island of Isla Mujeres, this house is designed to look like a cluster of giant white seashells.
Architect Eduardo Ocampo built it for his brother, a painter, and the artistic influence is visible everywhere. There are no sharp corners in the house—everything swirls and curves. The taps are made of seashells, the showerhead is a shell, and the bed frames spiral up towards the ceiling. It is a whimsical, fairytale escape that feels organic and connected to the ocean just a few steps away.
4. The 727 Fuselage Home (Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica)
Sleeping on a plane usually implies cramped legs and crying babies. Not here. The 727 Fuselage Home is a vintage 1965 Boeing 727 airframe salvaged and transformed into a two-bedroom luxury suite.
The plane is mounted on a 50-foot pedestal that juts out into the jungle canopy, giving you the feeling of being in flight. The interior is paneled in local teak wood, offering a warm, rustic vibe that contrasts with the industrial exterior. The cockpit remains intact, allowing you to sit in the pilot’s seat and look out over the Pacific Ocean. It is widely considered one of the most exclusive and unique vacation rentals in the world.
5. The Crane Hotel (Amsterdam, Netherlands)
Industrial chic takes on a new meaning in Amsterdam. The Faralda Crane Hotel is located inside a monumental harbor crane that stands 50 meters above the NDSM shipyard, a hip artistic hub.
This is not a budget stay; it is a high-end luxury experience. There are only three suites, each stacked on top of the other inside the crane’s structure. The rooms are lavishly decorated with distinct themes. The best part? The crane still moves. It moves slowly in the wind, ensuring that your view of the Amsterdam skyline is constantly changing. For the brave, there is even a Jacuzzi on the very top deck.
6. The Bamboo Nest (Bali, Indonesia)
Bali is famous for its bamboo architecture, but some properties take it to the next level. Imagine a bird’s nest woven from bamboo, perched high up in the rice fields. These eco-stays are often open-air, with no walls or glass windows—just mosquito nets and the sounds of nature.
While less “bizarre” than a UFO, the sensation of sleeping in a basket suspended in the air is surreal. These structures often involve climbing bamboo ladders to reach your sleeping quarters. It is an immersive experience that forces you to disconnect from technology and reconnect with the wild.
7. The Bubble Under the Stars (Reykholt, Iceland)
Known as the “5 Million Star Hotel,” this concept has popped up in deserts and forests worldwide, but it is most magical in Iceland. The accommodation consists of a clear, inflatable bubble kept inflated by a silent ventilation system.
Inside, there is nothing but a bed and a lamp. The goal is simple: to remove the barrier between you and the Northern Lights. Lying in a warm bed while snow falls inches from your face is a sensory paradox. It offers the visual connection of camping with the thermal comfort of a hotel room. It is minimalist, strange, and incredibly romantic.
Practical Tips for Booking Weird Stays
Before you rush to book a night in a potato, there are some practicalities to consider. Novelty stays operate differently from standard hotels.
Check the Amenities
Unconventional structures often come with unconventional plumbing. A treehouse or a bubble might have a compost toilet or an outdoor shower. A cave might naturally be cool and require no heating. Innovative architecture sometimes sacrifices modern convenience, so read the “Amenities” section of the listing carefully to avoid surprises.
Location and Accessibility
Many of these properties are located in remote areas to enhance the atmosphere. The UFO is in a field; the 727 is in the jungle. You will likely need a rental car to reach them. Public transport is rarely an option for these hidden gems.
Read Recent Reviews
Novelty wears off. A listing that looked great five years ago might be showing signs of wear and tear today. Maintenance on a custom-built UFO is more complex than maintenance on a standard apartment. Look for recent reviews to ensure the “quirk” hasn’t turned into “dilapidation.”
The Verdict: Is It Worth It?
Is it worth paying a premium to sleep in a giant seashell or a crane? For the average traveler who wants a shower and a mattress, perhaps not. But for the traveler who views the journey as a collection of stories, the answer is a resounding yes.
These bizarre Airbnbs offer a break from the monotony of modern travel. They remind us that playfulness and imagination have a place in our adult lives. When you wake up inside a UFO or look out the window of a Boeing 727 to see monkeys swinging by, you aren’t just a tourist; you are an adventurer in a world that is still capable of surprising you.
Conclusion
The world is full of standard hotels, but there is only one Big Idaho Potato Hotel. Whether you are a solo adventurer, a couple seeking romance, or a family wanting to laugh, there is a weird Airbnb out there for you.
So, for your next trip, skip the chain hotel. Dare to be different. Book the bubble, climb into the treehouse, or sleep in the spaceship. The memories you make in these strange places will last far longer than the memory of a beige room with a mini-bar.
