Original Hotels

The Ace Hotel is one of the most curious hotels in Portland, Oregon, in the United States, and is one of the several hotels of the Ace Hotel chain. This hotel has several different types of rooms with very artful and modern decorations and designs.

All Ace Hotels are boutique hotels, smaller in size than an ordinary hotel, and with more original designs. All hotels in this hotel chain are located in historic buildings, and their interesting decorations have a distinctive bohemian touch in all rooms and other common spaces.

The hotel chain was founded in 1999 by Alex Calderwood and three of his friends in Seattle. The main headquarters of the hotel chain are now in Portland. The location and setting of each hotel also has an important influence over its interior design, so most of the hotels have a very clear yet more modern Northwestern touch.

Ace Hotel Portland is located in the same building which used to belong to the Clyde Hotel, a famous location for shooting films. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places. The hotel also allows guests to bring their pets.

This hotel has 79 eco friendly rooms, and has many decorations, curious vintage furniture and a bohemian atmosphere. The hotel is an environmentally friendly hotel which uses low VOC paints and where almost everything can be recycled.

The hotel has several different types of rooms, and each room has its own distinctive style. Most rooms are double rooms with their own bathroom, and all rooms have flat screen TV sets.

The smallest rooms are the Basic Shared Single and the Basic Shared Triple rooms. They both have a flat screen TV and a washbasin, although they share a bathroom with another room. The former room has a large, queensize bed, while the latter has a queensize bed and a bunk bed. These 18 square metre rooms are the cheapest option, ideal for those travelling on a tight budget or staying with a group of friends during a short stay in the city.

The Standard Front Rooms have a queensize bed and their own bathroom. Some rooms have a walk in shower, while others have a bath tub in their bathrooms. Guests staying at these rooms will be able to enjoy beautiful panoramic views towards the Pearl District. The Standard Back rooms have the same characteristics as the latter, except that they can be found at the back of the hotel, away from the noise of the city and in a more relaxing atmosphere.

The Standard Double Rooms are slightly larger, with more space and two double beds. The decorations are an eclectic mixed, with walls painted as if they were murals. These rooms are ideal for those travelling with family and looking for a relaxed stay.

The Junior Deluxe rooms are some of the largest rooms at the hotel, and there are three different types of these rooms. The first type are larger rooms with a vintage phonograph and a clawed bathtub in the bathroom. These rooms are representative of the true rock’n'roll spirit. The second type of these rooms are located on the corners of the building, and they therefore have more natural light and better views towards several different parts of the city. The third type have an enormous large glass window which covers most of one wall and a bed which stands higher up on a large platform.

The Superior Deluxe Front rooms, the Superior Deluxe Back rooms and the Superior Deluxe Corner rooms are the most spacious rooms at the hotel, with 46 square metres of space. They can be also considered as the most luxurious rooms at the hotel, since they have a large kingsize bed. Apart from a master bedroom, these rooms have enough space to fit in both a working area and a lounge. The room also has a corner with two sofas which can be transformed into two double beds. The bathrooms are also larger, and can either have a big bathtub or a decorated, state of the art shower. In the lounge of the Superior Deluxe rooms guests will not only find a flat screen TV set, but also a vinyl recorder. The Superior Deluxe Back rooms can either have a separate lounge area with another TV set, or have wooden floors and panoramic views towards the city. The Superior Deluxe Corner rooms have panoramic vistas towards two different points of the city, with large windows, more natural light and a vinyl in the lounge.

Price per night varies depending on the type of room. The minimum price for the smallest room is around 53€ per night, while the maximum price for the largest room is around 176€ per night.

This hotel is always full of different coloured ornaments, murals painted on walls and curious yet comfortable furniture. The walls of some of the hotel’s rooms are covered in retro style posters and paintings, while other rooms have vintage decorations or pure rock’n'roll style décor.

Ace Hotel also has several conference halls ideal for hosting important events, with very interesting names such as The Cleaners or Room 101. Both halls have very high ceilings and plenty of natural light.

The Cleaners is a great hall with over 110 square metres of space. This hall is usually used for several important events such as conferences, seminars or weddings, as well as being used as an art gallery or a meeting rooms. The Cleaners has many large windows and plenty of natural light. The room is also well equipped with the latest audiovisual technologies such as large flat screen TV sets, Internet access, a DVD player, several iPod docks and many other details. The maximum capacity of the hall depends on its layout, with around 70 people for a seated event and 160 for a cocktail.

Room 101 is the main meeting and conference room at the hotel, with a large working area, a large table covered in leather which seats up to 15 people and telephone and Internet connections. The hall also has its own water tank, several whiteboards, thick paper and other office stationary provided by the hotel. This meeting space can be rented at around 35€ per hour during weekdays, although the price rises to 53€ during the Saturday and Sunday.

Near this curious hotel guests will be able to visit several bars, coffee shops and restaurants. The Clyde Common is one of the most famous local restaurants, a rather informal restaurant near the hotel’s reception. Nearby, guests will also find Stumptown coffee, a typical local coffee shop. At Kenny&Zuke’s, guests will be able to savour the most delicious main courses and desserts.

This boutique hotel is near Pearl District, and the nearby commercial streets are full of small trendy shops, vintage bookshops and coffee shops. Guests will be able to visit several important landmarks, such as the Tailblazers Stadium, Rose Garden orthe highest point of the city, Council Crest Park, or else attend the Rose Festival.

The Post Hotel&Spa is located near Lake Louise in Banff, Canada, in a quiet location near the Canadian Rocky Mountains, one of the favourite places in Canada for those who enjoy winter sports. This luxurious hotel is known for its comfortable surroundings and pleasant atmosphere, and is frequently visited by skiers from all over the world.

The hotel is located in Banff National Park, one of the most beautiful places in Canada. Both the hotel and its restaurant are award winning places of interest known for their quality. The restaurant has an excellent wine menu and an impressive cellar full of a majestic selection of wines. Only fresh food is served at the restaurant, and all meals are prepared with natural ingredients and have a distinctive haute cuisine touch.

The hotel reminds one of a great mansion located at 1,500 metres above sea level. All rooms have impressive views towards both the national park and the Rocky Mountains. Most of the common spaces have windows facing towards the expansive Banff National Park. This chalet follows the architectural style of the Alpine chalets and is only a couple of minutes away from the skiing slopes.

The hotel has several different types of rooms, ranging from cosy double rooms to luxurious cabins. All rooms have their own en-suite bathrooms with a large hot tub with underwater currents. The most luxurious rooms also have chimneys and jacuzzis. Those rooms closer to the hotel’s entrance have views towards the snowy natural park, while those rooms nearer to the large backyard patio have panoramic views towards the Rocky Mountains.

The Double Rooms are the smallest ones, with an area of 27 square metres. They can either have one double or two twin beds. Some of the Double Rooms have a queensize bed instead and are slightly more spacious.

The hotel also has several Deluxe Rooms, which are larger than the double rooms. Some Deluxe Rooms have a kingsize bed, a bathroom with a Jacuzzi and a balcony with views towards either the park or the mountains. Others, with an area of 32 square metres, have a queensize bed and an individual bed, the most comfortable choice for families.

The Foxtrot Suite is one of the largest suites, with a grand master bedroom and a lounge. The 56 square metre suite has a kingsize bed, two bathrooms, a living room, a chimney and Alpine decorations. Some other suites are slightly larger, with 60 square metres and two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living room and a chimney decorated with ancient stones.

The hotel also has four cabins, and each cabin has its own unique theme. The Fairview and Whitehorn cabins both have a queensize bed, two comfortable armchairs and a TV set, with a lovely stone chimney that creates a traditional and somewhat rustic atmosphere. The walls of these cabins are panelled wood, reminding guests of a traditionally European mountain cabin.

The Temple cabin is larger, with a kingsize bed, a bath tub with currents and a large chimney. The largest cabin is Pinestone, which has two spacious floors. This cabin had a master bedroom, a guest bedroom, a living room and a large bathroom with a hot tub.

This hotel also has another, more exclusive cabin, called Watson House. The 278 metre square cabin stands on a bank of the Pipestone river, very close to Lake Louise. This cabin is larger and can accommodate around 10 people. Watson House has four en-suite rooms, a very large living room, a well equipped kitchen and impressive views. The living room is decorated with a large, stone chimney and has a majestic oval dinner table that sits 10 people. There are several comfortable armchairs and sofas spread around the living room.

Price per night varies greatly depending on the type of room and season. There are fifteen different types of rooms. The lowest price per room during the ski season is around 189€ per night in a double room, although the Watson Cabin is much more expensive and can cost around 2070€ per night.

The hotel also has several rooms and halls for business meetings or conferences. The auditorium has a maximum capacity of around 50 people, and its reception area has enough room for 50 more. There are also several smaller rooms for meetings. These rooms can accommodate up to 30 people, and there are several different types of conference rooms, some with chairs organized in rows and others with a U shaped layout. All conference rooms are well equipped and have Internet access.

In addition, this hotel has an interior swimming pool with a sauna and a jacuzzi. The Post hotel also is well known for its spa which has good facilities ideal for a relaxing massage after a long day skiing. A souvenir shop on the hotel grounds sells all kinds of sports equipment and beauty products.

The hotel is situated in one of the most beautiful locations in the area, near the mountains and the national park. Due to its closeness to the slopes and nature, the hotel is a good choice for those who enjoy winter sports or sports such as trekking. Several ski slopes are available for guests to enjoy. Those who enjoy ecologically and environmentally friendly vacations will be able to enjoy a wide range of sports such as rafting or fishing in the Bow River.

The Kirkenes Snowhotel is a hotel built from snow and ice in Kirkenes, Norway. This hotel is located in the North of the country and is the ideal holiday destination for those who enjoy winter sports.

The Kirkenes Snowhotel is a rather peculiar destination near the Sea of Barents. Since it is located this far up North, guests who stay at this hotel will be able to enjoy the famous polar nights. The polar nights are those nights which are 24 hours long. This phenomenon usually occurs between the end of November and the end of January near the North Pole.

The design of this hotel varies depending on the Scandinavian climate. The hotel is usually built during the colder months and opens during the winter. The great building has many large, open spaces decorated with ice statues.

All the rooms at this hotel are rather spacious, white and have a lot of light. Guests sleep in special adapted sleeping bags at -4ºC. All rooms have a double bed and many other commodities, and all pieces of furniture are surrounded by ice blocks. The bathrooms have a special heating system, so the temperature there is much warmer than in the rooms.

Since the middle of December, the Snowhotel has several Snow Suite rooms. These 20 suites are individual suites with warm sleeping bags, comfortable heated mattresses and incredible ice decorations in each room. Near these suites guests will find the traditional sauna, near the lake, the ideal place where guests can relax and forget about the freezing cold.

The hotel’s restaurant is made of wood, and even has an extra room with extra beds for those who do not enjoy sleeping in the cold. Price per night is usually around 271€ per person, although it is highly recommended to purchase a longer weekend stay that will allow tourists to explore the region, sleep one night at the Snowhotel and another night at a nearby hotel.

This hotel also has a Snow Bar, a typical Ice Bar, a bar made from snow with decorations that mirror those of the hotel. This bar was built with 25 tons of ice. If visitor’s get tired of seeing everything snowy and white, they can always go to the hotel’s restaurant.

The Gabba restaurant is made of wood, and is the only building at this hotel which has no ice or snow in its structure. Here guests can discover the delicious Arctic food, mouthwatering salmon meals, as well as local molter dishes and other Nordic delicacies. Most courses are cooked above an open fire. The restaurant has a maximum capacity of about 40 people, and has inspiring views towards the Arctic nature.

The hotel organizes all kinds of trips and excursions around the area. Groups of tourists can visit the neighbouring regions of Finland or Russia, only a couple of kilometres away from the city. Guests can also practice a wide variety of winter sports, such as riding snowmobiles, or else practising mushing and sled dog racing. Visitors are encouraged to visit the city of Kirkenes and to take long walks near the snow covered woods and fields, where they will be able to catch a glimpse of local animals such as reindeers while learning more about this magical region.

The Queen Mary Hotel is an old cruise liner now docked and converted into a hotel in Long Beach, California, in the United States. The hotel is well known for being one of the eldest cruise ships with the most history in the world.

The hotel has 314 rooms which are spread across all three decks, as well as several luxurious suites. All cabins are decorated with wooden panels, paintings, comfortable furniture and each room also has its own bathroom. The hotel also offers its guests the opportunity to organize events, celebrate large parties or business conferences in its large conference halls.

This hotel also offers its guests the opportunity to enjoy several tours. Visitors can visit the most important parts and rooms of the cruise ship, its several halls and lounges, as well as several decks. Visitors can also enjoy a ghost tour, since according to the legend, several ghosts live, or rather exist, on board this ship. There are also several restaurants and boutiques spread across the cruise ship, so that even the most forgetful tourists will be able to have a comfortable stay. Visitors will also be able to enjoy the cool air from the air conditioners found in each room and all the hallways, as well as 32 inch televisions, Internet connection, iPod docks, and the relaxing Queen Mary Spa.

This hotel has several types of rooms. All rooms have at least a double bed with their own bathroom. The Deluxe Stateroom is a newly renovated room which has managed to maintain the classic feel that characterizes the hotel. It does happen to be more well equipped, with television screens, iPod docks and Internet connection. Each one of these rooms have their own hair dryer, a fridge, their own coffee machine and many other technological comforts.

The Family Stateroom is a much more spacious room with a large double bed and an extra bed. A deluxe version of this room, the Family Stateroom Deluxe, also exists, with even larger and more comfortable beds. All these rooms are decorated in a fresh Art Deco style.

The Standard Stateroom is a room with a double bed, and all these rooms have large round windows towards the sea. The Stateroom is another room ideal room for tourists, since it is small but cosy, with all the necessary furniture and details and no windows. Both types of rooms are decorated with an enormous Art Deco mirror and other charming decorations.

The Royalty Suites are more historic rooms, as well as the place where members of the Royalty stayed during their overseas trips. These suites are exquisitely decorated and have absolutely breathtaking views towards the sea, as well as a small kitchenette and amazing decorations.

All rooms cost between 66 and 285€ per room per night. However, prices can vary according to the type of room, season, or the offers and tours available at the time.

Amongst the guided visits along the cruise ship we can find historical based visits, gourmet visits to the many restaurants of the cruise ship, and a ghost tour. According to the legend, several mysterious water traces and wet footprints tend to appear out of nowhere on the decks, near the rather exclusive swimming pool. Other witnesses affirm that they have seen several women in old fashioned vintage bathing suits swim near a swimming pool that has been closed for more than 30 years. Other tourists claim that they have seen many famous and deceased celebrities walk across the decks.

This cruise ship is full of history, entertainment and ghosts. Guests can organize all kinds of events in its many halls and restaurants, as well as choosing several different rooms for those travelling as part of a group. Visitors can enjoy any of the several tours offered by the cruise ship, as well as the many outdoor activities organized throughout their stay. Visitors can also relax in the well equipped gym and the pampering spa that can be found on one of the decks.

The Controversy Tram Hotel is an original and fun hotel near Amsterdam, the Netherlands. This hotel is made up of several old tramway cars that used to travel along the streets of Amsterdam and some German cities.
The hotel was the idea of Frank and Irma Appel. Both managed to renovate and refurbish the old tramway cars, which are now comfortable guestrooms. This hotel has a total of five rooms, each one of them with a double bed, a bathroom, and a cupboard for food and drink. This bed and breakfast is ideal for those who would like to visit the region and stay in an unusual place.

The bed and breakfast is located on the territory of the Appel’s home, called the “Controversy”. The owners of the hotel live in a house where a classical London double decker bus dominates the living room. The kitchen and the dining area are located in an old french truck. Even the decorations hanging around their house are true to the car and coach theme of the hotel.

Guests can also find an old Mig airplane on the territory of this incredible hotel, and they are allowed to climb into the cabin and enjoy the marvelous and panoramic views of nearby Hoogwuod. This hotel is only one hour from Amsterdam, so guests are encouraged to take a day trip to the city before returning to the peace and quiet of the area.

This hotel has five double rooms. Each room has its own bathroom and is decorated in a different theme. The Italian Room and the French Room are rooms for smokers, while the English Room and the American Room are designed for non smokers. One of the rooms is found in the “family tramway”, a large tramway car divided into two separate rooms, ideal for families with children.

These types of rooms cost 60 € the first night, 50 € the second night, and 40 € per night from the third night onwards. Discounts are available for families or for long term residents. Depending on the type of room one stays at, guests will receive an accordingly themed continental breakfast.

The fifth room is in a separate car. This room is 21 meters long and 2.6 meters wide, and its theme is Mexico. This room has its own Jacuzzi shaped like a traditional mariachi hat. This room can accommodate up to four people, and it has its own living room and a double bed shaped like a ship. Guests who stay at this room can enjoy a three in one TV set with a DVD player and a stereo system, and will have a large collection of 1970’s and 1980’s music. This room, or rather a suite, costs 210 € a night, though there are often discounts, since four people can stay in this room for 250€ a night, breakfast and all taxes included.

At this hotel guests can also find a small UFO stacked with more than 200 movies available to guests. The hotel also organizes sightseeing excursions and trips to the nearby area.

The Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa is very near to Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates. The area is near 225 kilometres of desert and only 45 minutes fom Dubai, and this charming oasis in the desert is the ideal place if one wants to relax in a luxurious hotel that blends in perfectly with nature.

The hotel has several suites, such as the Presidential suite, the Emirates suite, the Royal suite and the Bedouin suite. The presidential suite is a grand, 530 metre squared room, with its own 11×9 swimming pool, a barbecue, handmade furniture, three bedrooms, enormous bathrooms, a giant bath, bedrooms for guests or sevice, two minibars, a fully equipped kitchen, Bvlgari accesories, plasma TV’s, private service, DVD, wifi, a security box and a private parking lot, amongst other things.

The hotel also has two Emirates suites, each one 375 metres squared, with a 14×6 metre pool, handmade furniture, two bedrooms, several bathrooms with a bath and Bvlgari accesories, bedrooms for the service, a garden, a minibar, a security box, wifi, Bluetooth, and many other commodities.

The hotel’s two Royal suites are 175 metres squared. They also have an individual swimming pool, handmade furniture, two bedrooms, a nicely equipped bathroom with Bvlgari accesories, and many other more traditional commodities, such as a security box, a television or internet.

In this hotel we can also find 37 smaller Bedouin suites, each one 75 metres squared. They also have a private swimming pool, handmade furniture, a King sized bed, an enormous bathroom with a shower and a big bath, Bvlgari decorations, minibar, a security box, a television and internet.

The hotel also has a luxurious spa where one can enjoy a relaxing massage, have their hair or nails done, try some new skin treatments or face masks. Furthermore, one can also visit the rather exclusive gym or relax in the thermal baths at the spa. One may also use this opportunity to try some hydrotherapy, go to a sauna or go to the massage centre.

Guests at this hotel have many activities from which to chose from, and some of them are  included in the price, depending on what type of suite one accomodates in. One can observe how hawks are trained, ride a camel, take a guided walk through the dunes, follow a camels path o practice the ancient sport of archery in the desert.One can enjoy a safari in the nearby Hajar mountains and taste a traditional meal, or visit the small traditional 200 year old village of Hatta, or visit the museums and gardens of Al Ain. Furthermore, guests can ride a quad bike or practice sand ski in the dunes.

One by Five is a luxurious and exclusive hotel in Paris, France. This hotel is not only a gem in the world of toursim, but also a curiousity of sorts, since it only has one suite.

The exclusive hotel is located in the Quartier Latin, or Latin Quarter of the city, and the atmosphere surrounding the neighbourhood makes the hotel a perfect place for a romantic getaway. The interior of the hotel is exquisitely decorated and reminds one of a luxury boutique, although it also incorporates the latest tecnologies integrated in the furniture. This hotel does not fail to surprise one with its innovative design.

The suite itself includes an enormous bed which seems to float in the middle of the room, and is covered by satin covers. Its colour and the intensity of the light can be changed every time one wishes to do so, due to the newly incorporated latest technology. The finely decorated foyer is only the start to what is a finely detailed hotel, with its smooth red curtains and graceful furniture. The gigantic bathroom is an enormous room in itself, and has a vapour shower and a modern design. Even the candelabrums have a double function, since they can be used as iPod docks. The hotel also has some surprises in store, such as visual effects and different coloured lights that dance along the walls.

The 45 meter squared suite offers its guests the opportunity to live a romantic weekend for 960€ per night. Furthermore, the hotel is situated in one of the liveliest neighbourhoods of Paris, and one can take a stroll around the city or enjoy one of the many cafes or restaurants in the Quartier Latin.

The Ariaú Amazon Tower is more than just an extraordinary, luxurious  hotel near a jungle. This hotel is considered to be the largest housing complex built in trees in the world.

The Ariaú Amazon Towers Hotel is located on the right bank of Rio Negro, near the city of Manau. Eight large trees accomodate the rooms, scattered over the territory. The treehouses form a rather impressive eight kilometre long complex of wooden planks, serving as bridges, which hover a mere 10 metres above the earth.

Price per night varies between 160€ and 2400€ per person. There are several different types of bedrooms, double rooms, and even a suite. Some rooms tend to be slightly more expensive when they have air conditioning, since the humidity level in this region can be 95%.

Both the treehouses and the complex in general are, of course, made of wood. The hotel offers its guests the opportunity to explore the neighbouring jungle, where they will be able to explore amongst the many trees and plants that nature has to offer. The hotel also organizes other trips and activities, the most notable of which are fishing for piranhas, observing caimans or the possibility of swimming with dolphins.

Since the hotel complex itself is near the river delta, tourists are also invited to see the union between two rivers, Rio Negro and the river Salimoes, where both rivers meet but do not mix. For a total length of 6 kilometres, both rivers run, side by side, without mixing their colours.

If one desires to savour new flavours, one can go to the hotel’s buffet which has a different theme night every day. On the hotel grounds one can also find two large swimming pools and two towers with a panoramic view which will allow one to enjoy the best sights of the jungle.