The Best Places to Sleep Under the Stars 2 – Europe
We have already told you about great hotels where you can enjoy nature in its natural form and at the same time enjoy a comfortable bed. So if you don’t like camping, this is a great option to admire the night sky without having to warm yourself in a sleeping bag.
Our first such walk traveled the world, which nowadays is quite difficult to realize, not to mention impossible given the COVID19 situation. However, there are several proposals that are much closer – in Europe. For those most worried about the pandemic, we will say that there is already such an option in Bulgaria – in the Vratsa Balkans.
Top Hotels with a View of the Stars in Europe
Attrap’Rêves Hotel, France
Comfort and unique view – this is what this hotel offers for a night under the stars. The rooms are actually transparent balloons placed in beautiful places among the French forests. And to make guests feel good, the balloons are furnished with the essentials and are no less comfortable than other hotels – they have electricity, running water in the bathroom and lighting. And if you’re wondering how they don’t fall, we immediately reveal the secret – they are kept inflated by a quiet compressor, which also provides clean air in the room. The price varies depending on the place and amenities.
Golden Crown Igloos, Hotel Finland
We have already told you about these great glass igloos in our series of uniquely strange hotels, so we just remind you. There you can admire the phenomenon of “Northern Lights”, huddled warmly under the covers. You can also take advantage of some great extras such as an outdoor jacuzzi or free Wi-Fi.
Cabriolet Suite in L’alberta Relais Chateaux, Italy
If you just want to enjoy the starry sky – without any barriers, you can go to Italy. The Cabriolet apartment at L’alberta Relais Chateaux overlooks the surrounding vineyards and Lake Iseo. Guests can also open and close the roof at the touch of a button.
Null Stern Hotel, Hotel Switzerland
Here you now have only a comfortable bed, blankets and pillows… and that’s it. The hotel was “built” on a bunker by artists Frank and Patrick Ritlin. It offers a superb location at almost 6,500 meters above sea level in the Graubünden mountains of Switzerland.
PurePod, Hotel New Zealand
Complete relaxation in the mountains… If you want, you can go for a walk or just lie on the sun lounger on the sun terrace. The villa has a bedroom, a bathroom and a kitchenette. And if you are worried that you will be cold, know that there is central heating. Well, you won’t have internet access, but you’re unlikely to need it there.
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For all who have a trip to Sofia we offer other interesting place – Art Hotel Simona. It is near to the city center and we offer you low prices, artistic atmosphere and design rooms, coziness, comfort, impeccable hygiene and very tasty food in the restaurant Simona.
3 More of the Most Uniquely Strange Hotels in the World (Part 3 – PHOTOS / VIDEO)
This week we offer you a “portion” of exotic travel again. We present you three more uniquely strange hotels that will undoubtedly enchant you. The tour starts in Asia and ends in South America to fully immerse ourselves in the beauty of nature, traditions and ingenious thinking of hoteliers.
Happy Nomads Village, Karakol, Kyrgyzstan
It’s time to travel to Asia (virtually for now) to enjoy traditional Kyrgyz life in Happy Nomads Village. At guests’ disposal are three large bosui (yurt – a portable home, a type of felt tent used by Asian nomadic peoples).
Well, they have been slightly updated with underfloor heating, Wi-Fi and electrical outlets, but they still have an authentic look thanks to their design and colorful rugs on the walls. You may find it awkward that the place has a large bathroom, but it is shared. Breakfast is also served in a common area – a common yurt.
For art lovers, this non-traditional hotel is a great choice not only because of its interesting appearance, but also because it is close to the Karakol Historical Museum, as well as to art galleries such as the Art Gallery “KORK”.
Palacio de Sal, Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
This hotel may not seem so unconventional, but it is definitely. The idea for the ice hotels here is “reshaped” using salt from the famous salt pans Solar de Uyuni. And the result is quite a luxury in the middle of the Bolivian desert, which provides incredibly beautiful views (plus the opportunity to admire the starry night sky). It is also interesting that almost everything in the hotel is made of salt, including the building and furniture.
Palacio de Sal has 30 stylishly furnished rooms with wooden floors. Each has a private bathroom with terracotta tiles and air conditioning. The platforms and armchairs in the common areas are also made of salt, but are covered with plush blankets and pillows for more comfort.
What do you think?! Doesn’t sound bad, does it ?!
Treehouse Lodge Resort, Iquitos, Peru
A great place to merge with nature to the sounds of the Peruvian rainforest along the Amazon River. Here you will completely break away from the civilization and amenities you are used to (at least most of them) and you will enjoy the charm of the jungle. Keep in mind that reaching this interesting place involves a one-hour boat ride and a short climb. Then you will be at one of the eight round wooden houses with thatched roofs, located on average about 5 meters high.
The only thing that stands as a “barrier” between you and the wildlife is the railing, the curtains and the mosquito net. There is also a bathroom with a shower, but with cold water (below the main floor). Hanging paths from each tree house lead to the main house, where unique local dishes are served.
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If your destination is Sofia – regardless of work or personal commitment, we suggest you visit Art Hotel Simona. With us you will get coziness and comfort in an artistic atmosphere at top prices, personal attitude and some bonuses such as free parking, Wi-Fi and safe. And in order not to waste time in search of the perfect place to eat, we have created a Simona restaurant, which takes care to meet all tastes and desires.
See you!
3 More of the Most Uniquely Strange Hotels in the World (Part 2)
We have already “taken” you to several strange hotels in different parts of the globe – with a virtual “night” in Finland, New Mexico and Japan. In the first part of this curious series, we presented great, but not very traditional sleeping places that we believe you liked. We continue the tour with the help of National Geographic with 3 more similar spaces in which you will “fall in love”.
3 More Hotels in Unusual Places
Manta Resort, Pemba Island, Tanzania
It may be a cliché to want to be on a lonely island, but the island of Pemba (very close to the island of Zanzibar) gives a new meaning to this worn-out phrase with the help of the resort of Manta and the unique beach villas. There you can indulge in sea adventures surrounded by the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean and the colorful fish in the beautiful coral reef. And all this at your fingertips… And at night you can turn on the lights under the windows, which attract fish and octopuses. Do you need anything else ?!
Even if that is enough for you, we have something to add. The hotel has three floors – terrace, dining room and bedroom (underwater). From the first two floors you can admire the great sea view and the sky during the day and night, and the third (bedroom) takes you directly to the water world. Of course, this pleasure is not cheap at all, but we guarantee that it is worth the money.
Dromen Aan Zee, Harlingen, The Netherlands
This is what it is called a non-standard hotel and it is not that far from us – it is in Europe. The hotel offers three unique renovated spaces which are 17 meters above the ground at the port quay in Harlingen, the Netherlands. Just for the record, we will note that the quay was active for landing ships until 1996. To date, however, it has a much more curious purpose.
The port offers three great places to spend the night. The first is created in the middle of a moving crane that you can turn by hand. It also has a great terrace to relax on. The lifeboat provides comfortable accommodation for all who prefer lower spaces. You can also hire a private captain to take on a two-hour trip. The third space, transformed into a sleeping place, is the headlight, which after many years of work is no longer needed with its original purpose.
Hotel Costa Verde, Province of Puntarenas, Costa Rica
And the third offer is an old Boeing 727, which has been transformed into a luxury two-room hotel. In the 1960s, it carried passengers, but now is an attraction in the famous Costa Verde resort of Costa Rica. It is set on 15-meter stone columns to reveal amazing views of the ocean and jungle. There are wooden terraces located on the wings on both sides of the plane to make the adventure greater.
In appearance it is an airplane, but inside the interior has been changed beyond recognition using natural materials – teak, which grows in the area. Each of the bedrooms has a private bathroom. There is also a living room with plasma TV, kitchenette, dining room, terrace, additional exit to the slope, a spiral staircase.
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Well, this is it… If you are looking for an unusual place, you have a choice. In case you prefer a cozy artistic space for sleeping near the center of Sofia at reasonable prices, we are waiting for you at Art Hotel Simona.
3 of the Most Uniquely Strange Hotels in the World (1 Part)
The complex situation we live in probably makes you crave more and more adventures. We will help you to travel more – virtually (with the help of National Geographic). We will visit some of the most unique hotels in the world. Their locations and appearance are not the most traditional, but this is what makes them very interesting spaces.
Golden Crown Levin Iglut, Levi, Finland
Remarkable glass igloos that allow visitors to admire the warmth of the Northern Lights phenomenon in all its glory. They are less than 10 km from the Finnish ski resort of Levi and, along with the captivating view, you also receive some bonuses. They include an outdoor jacuzzi, free parking and Wi-Fi, as well as an individual kitchenette, a bathroom and a double bed with an adjustable backrest for even greater comfort. The windows are well insulated and heated so that they do not freeze, and if you still want a little intimacy, you can use the curtains.
Kokopelli’s Cave, Farmington, New Mexico
In Bulgaria you can find huts in caves, but a whole hotel… There is one in Farmington, New Mexico. In fact, his original idea was to serve geological surveys in the area, but now it is an attractive place for travelers. It is located more than 20 meters below the surface of the rocky plateau. Inside, you enter through an entrance carved into the rock, and although reminiscent of the ruins of the Anasazi tribe, we can not miss the modern additions such as Jacuzzi, shower, bath, carpets, electricity and comfortable furniture.
Book and Bed Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
It never occurred to you that you could sleep in the library, but if you are a fan of reading, you will definitely like the idea. In fact, the place is more like a bookstore where you can sit comfortably and look at the offers. Well, with the difference that in Book and Bed Tokyo you can spend the night. It is a 4-minute walk from JR Ikebukuro Station and has over 3,000 books in English and Japanese. The beds are compact and have individual contact and lighting, as well as a curtain to ensure privacy. The only drawback is the shared bathroom, but this is not such a problem.
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In case you have a job in Sofia and would like to stay in an artistic place, welcome to Art Hotel Simona. In our designer rooms you will satisfy your need for art experiences, and in our cozy Simona Restaurant you will enjoy the culinary art. And, of course, everything is in line with the new requirements for even more impeccable hygiene.
We are expecting you!
The Best Places to Sleep Under the Stars (Part 1 – Africa)
Nature is unique – an incredible combination of colors, captivating views and charming sounds. We will never stop enjoying every opportunity to be as close to the nature as possible, even though modern life is moving us further and further away from this beauty.
And what about one night under the stars?! No, we are not talking about a holiday by the sea or in the mountains in a tent. We mean top luxury ideas – both offering luxury and an escape from urban chaos. Here are some interesting suggestions.
Beds Under the Stars in Africa
Sanctuary Makanyane Safari Lodge, Hotel South Africa
In the middle of the wild nature of the protected reserve Madikve is nestled a very luxurious place – Sanctuary Makanyane. There you can sleep under the captivating starry sky, surrounded by incredible beauty and sounds. The bed is placed on a raised platform, and the lanterns around create additional romance.
Nkwichi Lodge, Hotel Mozambique
Secluded luxury eco complex on the eastern shore of Lake Malawi. There are 6 bungalows and two private houses from which to admire the pristine natural beauty – the total opposite of the hectic world in which we live.
Mukokoteni in the Chalby Desert, Kenya
You will hardly find a person who would not want to wake up in such a place every morning. And the uniquely designed outdoor bed, made of a handmade wooden platform, is the final touch to the details.
Sanctuary Baines ’Camp, Botswana
Another hotel for connoisseurs – 5-star luxury and design rooms, as well as the opportunity to spend the night under the open African sky. Especially for those wishing to enjoy the night outside, the hotel team offers to move the beds to private wooden terraces overlooking the glistening waters of the Boro River.
Bonus: Bangkok Tree House, Thailand
And an additional offer from Asia. Guests at this hotel have the option to book a room view. And what they will get is a stylish bamboo platform about 7 meters high. They will feel like in fairy tales, and to complete the picture there is a terrace nearby for romantic evenings.
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The fact is that most of these stunning places are in Africa, but there are similar ones in Europe and soon we will present some of them. Expect another “portion” of virtual trips, and in the meantime if you have to stay in Sofia, we are waiting for you at Art Hotel Simona. Here we will take care of your unforgettable stay, because satisfied customers are what make us happiest.
Practical Tips for Choosing the Right Hotel for You
As with everything else, we choose the hotel according to our capabilities and needs. However, in order to feel as comfortable as possible, it is not the lowest price that should be our guide, but our overall sense of the place. So first answer a few very important questions, and when you do, we believe that it will be much easier for you to choose the most suitable option for you.
Important Questions Before Each Trip
What is the Most Important to You?
We are aware that you may not know exactly what you want from the hotel to make the right choice. That’s why we come to the rescue with a little advice. Before you start your search, make a quick list of things you need for a more enjoyable night. For example, free breakfast, personal attitude, modern interior, delicious food…
At What Price Should the Night at the Hotel be?
And in the beginning it is good to set a budget within which you can fit. Or be aware of what you are willing to compromise on.
What Amenities Do You Want?
Internet, TV, free parking, free breakfast?! Or do you want to pamper yourself with a spa and pool or take care of your good shape in the hotel gym?! It is good to know that in some hotels the extras are included in the price per night, but in others they are paid extra. So it’s not bad to check.
How Big Should Be the Hotel?
People are different – some feel comfortable in cozy small hotels, others prefer the anonymity and most of the capabilities of large hotels. So do not ignore this question, because it is essential for your pleasant stay in the chosen place.
How Many Beds Do You Need?
Where and how we will sleep is not an insignificant issue at all, so be sure to provide beds for children if you travel with them. The quality of sleep has no way not to affect your overall feeling during rest.
Tips for Choosing the Right Hotel:
- Browse the hotel’s website, as well as its presentation on social networks;
- Pay attention to the photos and videos to get a better idea of the place;
- Check the location if it will be convenient for you;
- Review guest ratings, especially those from the last year;
- Also read the negative reviews;
- Call the selected hotel to inquire about the facilities and get an idea of the staff.
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And if you have a trip to Sofia, do not wonder where to spend the night! Welcome to one of the design rooms of Art Hotel Simona! Here we pay special attention to all the important details for you to make sure that your stay with us will be unforgettable.
