Weird & Wonderful Hotels - a new TV travel show that visits the craziest places to stay

Jumbo Hostel, Sweden

If you’re thinking about staying in a Swedish hostel, we’re pretty sure this next accommodation will take your fancy. Unless, of course, the last place you want to stay in after a long flight is another aeroplane... (Read more)

Tongabezi Lodge, Zambia

Situated close to the Victoria Falls, on the banks of Africa’s Zambezi River, lies the Tongabezi Lodge. As close to paradise as Weird & Wonderful Hotels will get! The unique Tongabezi open huts give guests the... (Read more)

Marqués de Riscal, Spain

The Marqués de Riscal gives its customers the best of both worlds, it's weird from the outside and wonderful on the inside. The exterior of the hotel is adorned with waves of red, gold and silver titanium, giving... (Read more)

Hotel de Nesle, France

Located in the classy Saint Germaine quarters, the Hotel de Nesle (pronounced ‘Nell’) offers the chance to experience a truly bohemian Paris! With its 20 themed rooms, you have the chance to enter the world of... (Read more)

Carti Homestay, Panama

If you want to experience desert island life without rubbing shoulders with amorous honeymooners, then the Carti Homestay could be just what you're looking for! Just don't expect chilled champagne on arrival or... (Read more)

Crane Hotel, Netherlands

Got your builder’s head on? Great! Then let’s get over to the Netherlands and enjoy Harlingden’s Crane Hotel. Yes, Crane Hotel! A mini-hotel in a real crane! Situated some 17 feet above the pier, this is a real... (Read more)

Wigwam Motel, USA

The Wigwam Motel is a legendary pit-stop on America's Route 66. So much so, that it inspired Disney Pixar to feature it's own 'Cozy Cone Motel' in the movie 'Cars'. Built within the city limits of San Bernardino in 1949, the motel's... (Read more)

Hotel Pelirocco, UK

With room names such as Knickers, The Pin Up Parlour and the Nookii Room, you might be able to guess why the Hotel Pelirocco has been described as “Brighton’s sauciest stopover”. The “dirty weekend” isn’t the... (Read more)

Museumotel, France

If you described someone you knew as “bubbly” you probably mean to say they are annoying! But, by describing Eastern France’s Museumotel in such terms, you are simply being honest, as its nine buildings... (Read more)

The Hobbit Motel, New Zealand

Don’t worry if you’re not 3 foot tall with hairy feet, everyone is welcome at the Hobbit Motel. From the outside, the two self-contained, underground ‘Hobbits’ look like they have come straight from Tolkien’s Middle-earth... (Read more)

Kasbah Tamadot, Morocco

During a ballooning expedition in 1998, Richard Branson was so impressed by the Kasbah Tamadot that he bought it! And, if it’s good enough for a billionaire, then it’s good enough for Weird & Wonderful Hotels... (Read more)

De Vrouwe Van Stavoren Hotel, Netherlands

We’re all familiar with the contents of a wine cask, but what’s it like to be inside one? Well, we’re off to the Netherlands to find out! The small town of Stavoren is where we find our hideaways. Behind these beautiful... (Read more)

Napa Valley Railway Inn, USA

Take a step back in time to experience the opulent era of the railroad barons, at Napa Valley Railway Inn. Still resting on their original tracks, these 100-year-old train cars have now been converted into beautiful guest... (Read more)

The Boot Bed and Breakfast, New Zealand

I guess you will have heard of the old lady who lived in the shoe… well, the good news is, she and all her kids have moved on! The place is now vacant and ready to receive visitors! But only two at a time, mind... (Read more)

Hostel Celica, Slovenia

Ever thought about what it would be like doing time? Yes? Well, think again! The Hostel Celica is a prison with a difference – you come and go as you please! Situated in the Slovenian capital, Ljubljana, the... (Read more)

Das Park Hotel, Austria

Ever spent much time wondering what goes on inside a sewer pipe? Probably not! But, if you did, I bet you wouldn’t imagine this – people fast asleep! In Austria’s Ottensheim region, you will find Das Park Hotel... (Read more)

Hang Nga Guesthouse, Vietnam

There is a reason why the Hang Nga Guesthouse is better known as Vietnam’s “Crazy House”. Can you guess what it is? This extraordinary building resembles a large, spooky tree, its rooms and corridors take unexpected... (Read more)

CSS Skywalker, Bigelow Aerospace

When it’s completed, this hotel is going to be out of this world… literally. Because Bigelow Aerospace is developing the CCS Skywalker, which is set to become the first hotel in space! The man behind the plan... (Read more)

Coober Pedys Desert Cave, Australia

Underground or above ground, the choice is yours at Coober Pedy’s Desert Cave Hotel! The superb sandstone surroundings of Coober Pedy give you the opportunity to eat at outstanding restaurants... (Read more)

Post Ranch Inn, USA

For the last word in dramatic views, look no further than Post Ranch Inn. This luxury hideaway is nestled high on the cliffs of Big Sur, California, giving guests a unique position from which to enjoy the breathtaking coastline... (Read more)

Bulungula Lodge, South Africa

In a remote but beautiful area of South Africa you will find the Bulungula Lodge. Perfect for backpackers, the lodge is part-owned and run by the locals. Guests can either stay in one of the 12 available mud huts or even... (Read more)

Helga’s Folly, Sri Lanka

Behold the world of Sri Lanka’s Helga’s Folly. As unconventional as it is memorable, it was the inspiration behind the Stereophonics’ hit, ‘Madame Helga’. Suitable for single travellers, couples or families, the quirky décor and... (Read more)

Treebones Resort, USA

A human-sized bird’s nest might sound like a flight of fancy, but at Treebones Resort it’s actually a reality – we kid you not! Visitors can reserve a night’s stay in the giant wooden nest, to experience the ultimate... (Read more)

Eco Camp Canyon, Slovenia

If you really want to get away from it all, without leaving an enormous carbon footprint behind you, then why not pack your bags and head off to Slovenia’s Eco Camp Canyon. Nestled deep in the heart of the breathtaking... (Read more)

Hoopoe Yurt Hotel, Spain

Set amidst three hectares of Andalucian olive groves and magnificent cork oak forest, the Hoopoe Yurt Hotel is truly a dream come true. Staying in a yurt combines the luxury of a well-appointed hotel suite with the... (Read more)

Null Stern Hotel, Switzerland

Not many hotel names sum up what they’re all about better than Switzerland’s Null Stern Hotel. Literally meaning “Zero Star”, this concept hotel offers guests the chance to spend a night with just the bare essentials... (Read more)

Woodpecker Hotel, Sweden

In the Swedish city of Västerås, the city’s central park is the home of a surprising secret. Look up and you will find the Woodpecker Hotel - a one-room hotel, situated in the branches of a 130-year-old oak tree... (Read more)

The Waitanic, New Zealand

You know that feeling? When you just want to get away from it all and stay on a grounded World War II New Zealand patrol boat? You don’t? Well, you soon will! Finishing off Woodlyn Park’s transport-themed motels is the... (Read more)

Hotel Costa Verde, Costa Rica

Love planes? A fan of TV’s ‘Lost’? If you answered “yes” to both questions, then pack your bags and get yourself over to the Hotel Costa Verde’s two-bedroom, Boeing 727, fuselage suite! Carefully placed on a... (Read more)

Rendez Vous, USA

The Rendez Vous hotel in sunny Palm Springs, California, sure is a blast from the past! Its 1950s theme will have you rocking and rolling throughout your stay. Its themed rooms include the James Dean-inspired ‘Rebel... (Read more)

The Tea Factory, Sri Lanka

If you’re a self-confessed tea-aholic, then where better to stay than in a genuine Tea Factory? This Colonial themed hotel is nestled amongst acres of lush tea plantations and offers guests the chance to experience... (Read more)

The Plane Motel, New Zealand

Another fascinating site at New Zealand’s Woodlyn Park is its specially converted plane, that’s right an actual plane! This 1950's Bristol Freighter Plane was one of the last allied planes out of Vietnam and is now a... (Read more)

Soneva Fushi, Maldives

The Soneva Fushi resort lives by the rule “no news, no shoes” and, at this resort, there are no newsagents or Jimmy Choos in sight! What you can see, however, are the beautiful beaches, luxurious villas and... (Read more)

Lifeboat Hotel, Netherlands

Fancy a cruise, but don’t really want be set adrift the ocean? Well, Harlingen’s Lifeboat Hotel could be just what you’re looking for! Situated in the northern Netherlands, Harlingen is a town built on fishing and shipping... (Read more)

Kilindi, Tanzania

For the owners of Kilindi, creating an ecological hotel was such an obvious thing to do, that they coined the phrase ‘logically-eco’. Whatever way you describe it, there’s no doubt that this is a very special place... (Read more)

Karosta Prison, Latvia

Right sonny, you’re nicked! It’s prison for you, make no mistake! Although it‘s a very unusual prison: you come here of your own free will. Welcome to the Karosta Prison. Now a hotel and museum, but formerly a... (Read more)

Marmara Antalya, Turkey

Flit effortlessly between two worlds at Turkey’s Marmara Antalya Hotel, a futuristic design hotel near the ancient city of Antalya. Situated on the Mediterranean coast, the imposing building also features a stunning ‘Revolving... (Read more)

Boatel, Australia

The recipient of Australia’s first 5-star houseboat rating, Adelaide’s magnificent Boatel is awash with luxury. Whether conducting business from the vessel’s private mooring, or drifting serenely down the River Murray with... (Read more)

Baumhaus Hotel, Germany

Guten tag! Welcome to Germany’s Baumhaus Hotel. Satisfy the ape-man in you and live among the treetops! At any of Baumhaus’ off-beat locations, you can say goodbye to the formal and hello to the fun! Cook yourself... (Read more)

Jules Undersea Lodge, USA

Become The Man From Atlantis in Jules Undersea Lodge! Situated beneath the waves of Key Largo, this is the first ever chance to stay in an authentic underwater research habitat. The lodge is accessed from a 21 feet... (Read more)

Soneva Gili, Maldives

Live the life of a castaway at Soneva Gili, where you can experience desert island living without missing out on life's little luxuries! Here you can check in to one of seven 'Crusoe Residences' which stand alone... (Read more)

Kolarbyn, Sweden

If you go down to the woods today you’re in for a big surprise! Well, as long as it’s the woods near the Swedish village of Skinnskatteberg, and you haven’t already heard about the Kolarbyn Eco-lodge! The Kolarbyn is... (Read more)

Canopy Tower, Panama

Start your day with the sound of birdcalls at Canopy Tower, in the heart of Panama’s Soberanía National Park. You may be on your holidays, but, for the wildlife that surrounds you, it’s business as usual! The birds sing... (Read more)

Kokopelli’s Cave, USA

Building this bed and breakfast must have been a blast… literally. That’s because, back in 1980, Kokopelli’s Cave in New Mexico was blasted out of sandstone. In 1996, the cave was ready for its first paying guest... (Read more)

Lighthouse Hotel, Netherlands

In the heart of the Dutch city of Harlingen, lies a very weird and wonderful hotel indeed. Situated in the city’s historical docks, the Harlingen Lighthouse spent 75 years illuminating the area. However, in 1998, its... (Read more)

Semiramis Hotel, Greece

What do you get if you combine accommodation with art, and throw a little Athenian magic into the mix? The answer is the Semiramis Hotel, the brainchild of industrial designer, Karim Rashid. If you’re not a fan of pastel... (Read more)

Karrels’ Double K Ranch, USA

Escape to the rails by visiting Karrels' Double K Ranch, the perfect retreat for train enthusiasts and nature lovers. Here Ken and Mary Karrels will welcome you to their comfortable homestead, where you can stay in... (Read more)

Utter Inn, Sweden

Just below the surface of Sweden’s Lake Mälaren, there is something waiting for you! It’s not a scary mutant fish, though. In fact, it’s a one-room underwater hotel. Another creation from Swedish artist, Mikael Genberg... (Read more)

The Waitomo Express, New Zealand

Most people who fall asleep on a train end up somewhere they didn’t want to go. But on the the Waitomo Express train you’ll fall asleep and wake up exactly where you want to be, providing where you want to be is... (Read more)

Daddy Long Legs, South Africa

The Daddy Long Legs Hotels offer a double dose of the weird and wonderful in Cape Town. Rooms at the Art Hotel have each been designed by a different artist utilizing a variety of imaginative themes. Guests can... (Read more)

Controversy Farm, Netherlands

Ever fancied spending the night in a converted tram run by two enthusiastic, Dutch, Prince fans? Yes? Then get yourself packed and make your way over to Frank and Irma Appel’s Controversy Farm. Named after... (Read more)

Free Spirit Spheres, Canada

Let’s head off to the west coast rainforest of Vancouver Island and let our spirits go free! In the wonderful world of Free Spirit Spheres, your treetop home ensures there’s something for every adult. From relaxing to... (Read more)

Elkep Evi, Turkey

Nestled in the rocky terrain of Turkey’s Cappadocia region, lies the Elkep Evi hideaway. A complex of three 7-room bed and breakfast suites and one 2-bedroom suite have been chiselled out of the rock face... (Read more)

Chole Mjini, Tanzania

Chole Mjini is located 100 Km south of Zanzibar on the tiny island of Mafia. But don’t worry, you won’t be sleeping with the fishes here or waking up with a horses head in your bed. Instead you’ll be roosting in one of seven... (Read more)

Riverside Capsule Hotel, Japan

If you're planning a far eastern adventure, then be sure to include a visit to one of Tokyo's many capsule hotels - one of our favourites is the Riverside Capsule Hotel in Asakusa district. A uniquely Japanese experience... (Read more)

Shady Dell, USA

Mid-century modernism is alive and well at Shady Dell, where you can experience 1950s Americana in full Technicolor! Here you can stay in one of eleven vintage Airstream trailers, which have been lovingly restored... (Read more)

Dog Bark Park Inn, USA

Calling all dog-lovers! You’ve just got to check this out… At Cottonwood, Idaho, they’ve got the world’s biggest dog and, what’s more, you can stay inside it! Say hello to Sweet Willy and his 12-feet tall puppy friend... (Read more)

Hope Springs, USA

Retreat to the tranquil oasis of Hope Springs where you can enjoy the beautiful Californian climate without getting caught up in the Hollywood rat race. This retro-styled hotel is built around a natural hot spring... (Read more)

Blow Up Hall 5050, Poland

Prepare to be blown away by Poland’s art hotel, Blow Up Hall 5050! Blow Up Hall is situated in Poznań, one of Poland’s oldest cities, yet is one of the most avant-garde experiments in interactive art ever attempted... (Read more)

Nevada City Hotel, USA

Saddle up partner and take a ride out to the Nevada City Hotel, where you can experience life as a rootin’ tootin’ cowboy in America’s Old West. Originally a stage stop in the 1860s, the hotel now offers an authentic slice of... (Read more)

Rough Luxe, UK

Even the Rough Luxe Hotel itself isn’t sure what it is. Is it a luxurious flea pit, or a rough-looking high-end hotel. Either way, it’s a great place to stay if you’re looking for something a little more interesting in... (Read more)

Giraffe Manor, Kenya

A few miles down the road from Nairobi is Kenya’s Giraffe Manor, which (as you may have guessed by the name) is a manor house surrounded by giraffes! Bought by Jack and Betty Melville in 1974, the couple... (Read more)

Hotel Puerta América, Spain

Whilst some of the hotels we’ve seen have been created by famous artists and architects, the Hotel Puerta América goes the extra mile by commissioning not one, or even two, but 12 different designers to give the hotel... (Read more)

Benesse House, Japan

In Kagawa, Japan, you will find the superb Benesse House. The ultimate in minimalism, it allows you to free your mind of the clutter of everyday life and immerse yourself in all that’s tranquil. Art and architecture go... (Read more)

Hakone Ginyu, Japan

Chapel Christmas, Japan

Are you one of those people who wished it could be Christmas every day? Do you start counting down the days to the holiday season in June? Well wait no more, because Hotel Chapel Christmas offers the full festive... (Read more)

The Pavilion, UK

When former fashion model, Danny Karne, became bored with the hotels in which he was staying, he got together with his sister, Noshi, and created his own. Now this hotel is anything but boring! The Pavilion might... (Read more)

Three Camel Lodge, Mongolia

Situated in Mongolia, next to the Gobi Gurransaikhan National Park and within driving distance of the provincial capital, the Three Camel Lodge is one of the Gobi desert’s premier attractions.This environmentally... (Read more)

Corteza Amarilla Lodge, Costa Rica

Dionne Warwick famously asked “Do you know the way to San José?” and we assume she must have been looking for the Corteza Amarilla Lodge. Located just 12 minutes from downtown San José, this eclectic hacienda... (Read more)

Rangali Island, Maldives

Rangali Island puts the “wonderful” into Weird & Wonderful Hotels. Those lucky enough to stay here, never want to leave, which is probably why it was twice voted the “Best Hotel in the World”! After flying over... (Read more)

Madonna Inn, USA

If you’re heading for the coast of California, why not stay a night at the Madonna Inn, arguably one of the most memorable hotels in the world. With its 110 newly-refurbished rooms, all individually styled...(Read more)

Propeller Island, Germany

When German artist, Lars Stroschen, needed to earn some money to carry on with his work, he opened the Propellor Island City Lodge. But what started as a money-making scheme soon turned into a work of art itself... (Read more)

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We’re On Nat Geo Adventure!

Fantastic news! National Geographic Channels International (NGCI) has today announced...

We’re Attending NATPE

Viva Las Vegas! Weird & Wonderful Hotels it’s heading to Sin City to attend...

We’ve Had A Facelift

With season one of Weird & Wonderful Hotels in the can, we’ve given our...

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Season One Preview

With season one of Weird & Wonderful Hotels now complete, we couldn’t...

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Introducing Walter

It’s officially crunch time! The team at Chief Productions are working round...

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Featured Hotels

Carti Homestay, Panama

Image courtesy of noam_fein If you want to experience desert island life without rubbing shoulders with amorous honeymooners, then the Carti Homestay could be just what you’re looking for! Just don’t expect chilled champagne on arrival or 24 hour room service here, because the Carti Homestay is all about giving you an authentic rustic experience. Located... [Read more of this review]

Riverside Capsule Hotel, Japan

Image courtesy of Liz Bartlett If you’re planning a far eastern adventure, then be sure to include a visit to one of Tokyo’s many capsule hotels – one of our favourites is the Riverside Capsule Hotel in Asakusa district. A uniquely Japanese experience, capsule hotels are inspired by the pursuit of efficiency of space and functional... [Read more of this review]

Wigwam Motel, USA

The Wigwam Motel is a legendary pit-stop on America’s Route 66. So much so, that it inspired Disney Pixar to feature it’s own ‘Cozy Cone Motel’ in the movie ‘Cars‘. Built within the city limits of San Bernardino in 1949, the motel’s 19 wigwams make up their own mini village which welcome weary road trippers... [Read more of this review]

Chapel Christmas, Japan

Image courtesy of jpellgen Are you one of those people who wished it could be Christmas every day? Do you start counting down the days to the holiday season in June? Well wait no more, because Hotel Chapel Christmas offers the full festive experience 365 days a year! Definitely one of the weirdest hotels we’ve seen, this Tokyo ‘love hotel’... [Read more of this review]

Hakone Ginyu, Japan

Nestled deep within the Hakone Mountains of Japan lies Hakone Ginyu, a traditional Ryokan guesthouse where you are encouraged to “take your ease in the bosom of nature”. Mountainous bosoms aside, the hotel has adopted the philosophy that “nature is the best physician”. And since each room offers such eye-popping views of the... [Read more of this review]

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Welcome

Weird & Wonderful Hotels is an intrepid new television series from Sleepydog in conjunction with Chief Productions. In each episode we venture off the beaten track to unearth the craziest, most unusual places in which to spend a night. A travel show like nothing you've seen before, Weird & Wonderful Hotels delivers eye-popping entertainment that the whole family will enjoy. (Read more)
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Jumbo Hostel, Sweden

Tongabezi Lodge, Zambia

Marqués de Riscal, Spain

Hotel de Nesle, France

Carti Homestay, Panama

Crane Hotel, Netherlands

Wigwam Motel, USA

Hotel Pelirocco, UK

Museumotel, France

The Hobbit Motel, New Zealand

Kasbah Tamadot, Morocco

De Vrouwe Van Stavoren Hotel, Netherlands

Napa Valley Railway Inn, USA

The Boot Bed and Breakfast, New Zealand

Hostel Celica, Slovenia

Das Park Hotel, Austria

Hang Nga Guesthouse, Vietnam

CSS Skywalker, Bigelow Aerospace

Coober Pedys Desert Cave, Australia

Post Ranch Inn, USA

Bulungula Lodge, South Africa

Helga’s Folly, Sri Lanka

Treebones Resort, USA

Eco Camp Canyon, Slovenia

Hoopoe Yurt Hotel, Spain

Null Stern Hotel, Switzerland

Woodpecker Hotel, Sweden

The Waitanic, New Zealand

Hotel Costa Verde, Costa Rica

Rendez Vous, USA

The Tea Factory, Sri Lanka

The Plane Motel, New Zealand

Soneva Fushi, Maldives

Lifeboat Hotel, Netherlands

Kilindi, Tanzania

Karosta Prison, Latvia

Marmara Antalya, Turkey

Boatel, Australia

Baumhaus Hotel, Germany

Jules Undersea Lodge, USA

Soneva Gili, Maldives

Kolarbyn, Sweden

Canopy Tower, Panama

Kokopelli’s Cave, USA

Lighthouse Hotel, Netherlands

Semiramis Hotel, Greece

Karrels’ Double K Ranch, USA

Utter Inn, Sweden

The Waitomo Express, New Zealand

Daddy Long Legs, South Africa

Controversy Farm, Netherlands

Free Spirit Spheres, Canada

Elkep Evi, Turkey

Chole Mjini, Tanzania

Riverside Capsule Hotel, Japan

Shady Dell, USA

Dog Bark Park Inn, USA

Hope Springs, USA

Blow Up Hall 5050, Poland

Nevada City Hotel, USA

Rough Luxe, UK

Giraffe Manor, Kenya

Hotel Puerta América, Spain

Benesse House, Japan

Hakone Ginyu, Japan

Chapel Christmas, Japan

The Pavilion, UK

Three Camel Lodge, Mongolia

Corteza Amarilla Lodge, Costa Rica

Rangali Island, Maldives

Madonna Inn, USA

Propeller Island, Germany

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Production Diary

Featured Hotels

Welcome

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