TripAdvisor(R), the world's largest travel community, today announced the world's quirkiest lodging, according to traveler popularity and TripAdvisor editors.
1. Forget the Alamo, Remember the Aurora: Forget-Me-Not Lodge and The Aurora Express, Fairbanks, Alaska -- Average nightly rate: $130
This incredible B&B is set on the picturesque hills of Fairbanks, Alaska, where guests enjoy amazing views and unique accommodations in restored antique Alaska Railroad Pullman cars. Each car is masterfully decorated with a Gold Rush-era theme for a wonderfully authentic railroad experience, and according to travelers, the breakfasts just can't be missed. As one TripAdvisor member said, "Make a reservation, select a room and get ready for a terrific ride."
2. Icy Reception: Icehotel, Marknadsvagen, Sweden -- Average nightly rate: $402
Besides rooms, the Icehotel Sweden offers a completely icy experience with everything from an art exhibition to a chapel, all of course, carved from ice. Travelers break the ice with fellow travelers over a cold one at the icebar, with cool blue lighting, while chilling out on sculpted ice stools. As one TripAdvisor traveler said, "The hotel is absolutely amazing -- built completely from ice, and maintained at -5 C."
3. Repeat Offender: Malmaison Oxford Castle, Oxford, England -- Average nightly rate: $361
The converted prison's second straight year on this list, Malmaison Oxford Castle is where lifelong dreams of becoming institutionalized come true. Unlike an actual jail, the accommodations are outstanding, but when you are ready to escape, Oxford features many great shops and restaurants nearby. According to a TripAdvisor traveler, "Wow it was absolutely amazing -- the quirkiest hotel I have ever stayed in -- amazing staff, amazing food and the nicest bathroom."
4. Ruffing It: Dog Bark Park Inn, Cottonwood, Idaho -- Average nightly rate: $88
If you like canines, this hotel is your dog. The not so-subtly named property is a humongous dog-shaped building that features a completely dog-themed interior. You'll get better than dog food at this bed and breakfast, however, as well as beautiful views of the mountains and farmlands. One TripAdvisor member said, "This is a "must-go" for anyone wanting a laid back, nowhere else kind of experience in the most beautiful part of Idaho."
5. Book Smart: McMenamin's Kennedy School, Portland, Oregon -- Average nightly rate: $96
You're never too cool for school at Kennedy, as the authentic classroom feel of a converted school house offers guests a trip down memory lane. Terrific accommodations, including blackboards in the rooms, a movie theatre and a soaking pool in the former teacher's lounge make Kennedy an honor roll quirky hotel. According to one TripAdvisor traveler, "This place is so cool, I'd go back to Portland just to stay there."
6. Caving Inn: Gamirasu Cave Hotel: Ayvali koyu, Urgup, Turkey -- Average nightly rate: $142
A cave dwelling and restored monastic retreat, the Gamirasu Cave Hotel features windy passages and Cappadocia furnished rooms overlooking the village of Ayvali. A layer of volcanic rock, also known as Tufa, keeps the caves warm in the winter and cool in the summer. As one TripAdvisor traveler said, "Gamirasu is a fantastic place with unique, comfortable cave rooms that come with wonderful extras like a set of slippers to warm your feet!"
7. Fit (and Priced) for a King: King Pacific Lodge, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada -- Average all-inclusive three day rate: $6,500
Only reachable by seaplane, the King Pacific Lodge features five-star accommodations on a floating barge. The all-inclusive lodge provides remarkable food, spectacular views, an amazing spa, a number of outstanding outdoor activities, including whale-watching, hiking, kayaking and salmon fishing, and unparalleled serenity. As one TripAdvisor traveler said, "To say that this is a unique and spectacular place barely does it justice."
8. Wild Ride: Fur N' Feathers Rainforest Tree Houses, Tarzali, Queensland, Australia -- Average nightly rate: $236
Set high on stilts among the canopy of a rain forest, Fur N' Feathers offers an authentic nature experience complete with spectacular views and peaceful seclusion. If you stay at these rain forest tree house cabins, however, be prepared to share space with wildlife of all kinds, from platypus to possum to parrots. According to one TripAdvisor traveler, "If you like your wildlife wild then you will love this place."
9. Fit to a Teepee: Wigwam Motel, Holbrook, Arizona -- Average nightly rate: $45
Its second year on the top ten quirky hotel list and with a unique price to match, the Wigwam Motel is a series of teepee-style cement tents along the legendary U.S. Route 66 that offers kitschy fun. A throwback to the 50's with classic cars parked outside, an old railroad nearby and vintage accommodations inside the teepees, Wigwam is a great stop for travelers looking to step back to simpler times. According to a TripAdvisor traveler, "The Wigwam Motel is a unique retro motel, one of the few of its kind left in the USA."
10. Royal Style: The Witchery by the Castle, Edinburgh, Scotland -- Average nightly rate: $454
Part medieval, part gothic and all opulence, The Witchery by the Castle on Edinburgh's Royal Mile offers an over-the-top experience for its guests. In an historic 15th century building that is only a stone's throw from famous Edinburgh Castle, visitors will enjoy an amazing array of antiques, and amorous ambiance. According to one TripAdvisor traveler, "The decor is outstanding, real thought and effort into all the little extras. Has to be the most unique hotel we've ever stayed in."
"Our quirky hotel list is perfect for travelers seeking something out of the ordinary," said Michele Perry, director of communications for TripAdvisor. "Offering a wide range of options, these properties span from the Outback to Oxford and from less than $50 a night to more than $2,150 a night."
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