European travelers are increasingly seeking unique accommodation experiences, from open-air rooms and sleeping in a crane to even prisons.
Moving beyond traditional notions of luxury, many European hotels are redefining the lodging experience by transforming unconventional locations like old prisons, industrial cranes, or even a wall-less room into one-of-a-kind retreats. This trend caters to travelers who seek something extraordinary or a shareable moment on social media.
Below are some of the most bizarre hotels in Europe, as rated by travel experts.
The Wall-less, Roofless Hotel (Switzerland)
A double bed placed entirely outdoors, with no roof or walls—that’s the idea behind the Zero Real Estate hotel in Switzerland. This place offers a completely open space, leaving guests with just themselves and their personal experience. The open-air “rooms” are scattered across Switzerland, from Gonten and Valais to Safiental.
Guests don’t come here for amenities or a good night’s sleep, but for contemplation. The room only has a bed, a small table, a lamp, and comes with a private butler who serves drinks and breakfast. A public restroom is located nearby. The hotel’s slogan, “The only star is you,” emphasizes that the experience is the focus, not the facilities.
Interestingly, some rooms are set in peaceful meadows, while others are placed next to a gas station—prompting guests to contemplate rising prices and social issues. “When you strip away all the tangible things—the walls, the amenities—you are left with the essentials. And when there is nowhere to hide, every small detail becomes important,” says Daniel Charbonnier, the project’s co-founder.
Zero Real Estate is open from spring to autumn, with a nearby Alpine hut available in case of bad weather. Under a sky full of stars and the serene Swiss landscape, this place offers guests an “intangible luxury”: connection, authenticity, and presence.
Sleeping in a Prison (Switzerland)
Right in the heart of Lucerne’s Old Town, Switzerland, guests can have the unique experience of spending the night in a 135-year-old prison, now transformed into the Barabas Prison Hotel.
Once the city’s central prison until the late 1990s, the building has retained many original architectural details like iron doors, thick walls, and narrow windows. However, the interior has been transformed to provide the comfort and convenience of a modern hotel.
The hotel now has 60 rooms, which were once prison cells. Guests can choose from single, double, or family rooms with private bathrooms, or dorm-style rooms with shared facilities. The hotel’s library is a special spot for detective novel lovers and can even be booked for an overnight stay.
The hotel offers Wi-Fi, a souvenir shop, and a rich breakfast for 12 euros, including regional cheeses, homemade muesli, and coffee. Additionally, guests can enjoy Japanese cuisine within the hotel’s premises.
“The spirit of Barabas is to preserve the old prison atmosphere while providing a comfortable, cozy, and unique experience for guests,” a hotel representative said.
The Hotel Inside a Crane (Netherlands)
Right in the heart of Amsterdam, guests can experience a stay unlike any other—inside a crane on the harbor, built in 1957.
The structure, named YAYS Amsterdam The Crane by Numa Stays, has now been converted into a luxurious apartment with modern interiors designed by Dutch designer Edward van Vliet.
From the lavish bathroom, guests can enjoy a soak while taking in the breathtaking views of the picturesque IJ River. A “time capsule” preserved within the crane also allows guests to discover the historical significance of this structure.
The hotel ensures full amenities such as air conditioning, TV, dishwasher, coffee maker, a private bathroom, and a balcony, combining convenience with cultural value.
The hotel’s concierge service is ready to offer personalized recommendations, from notable attractions to local experiences, helping guests fully enjoy their Amsterdam trip.
According to Euro News
