6 WEIRD AND WONDERFUL PLACES TO LAY YOUR HEAD
Neemrana Fort Palace, India:
BUILT in 1464, it was rescued from total decay in 1986 in a redevelopment mixing its cultural past with creature comforts of the modern age. Located near Delhi, it is one of India’s grandest heritage properties comprising a complex of seven palace wings spread across 12 hilltop tiers. Set against magnificent hanging gardens, it offers two pools and the country’s first zip wires as part of the package. Doubles from €60.
Hüttenpalast, Berlin:
IF retro caravanning is your thing, this unique accommodation in the Neukölln district is unusually located inside a massive former vacuum-cleaner factory. Guests book into dinky caravans or wooden cabins, pictured above, surrounded by a ‘great outdoors’ theme of potted trees and picnic tables. Protected from all weathers within the vast structure, it offers an outside lifestyle indoors. €65 a night for two.
Hotel Parchi del Garda, Lake Garda:
THIS resort on the shores of the famous Italian lake is heavily eccentric, with a fair dollop of Hollywood. Four ‘animatronic’ theme rooms feature a variety of animation effects, including chattering parrots and a talking wall with mouth and eyes. Close to the Gardaland theme park, this is a guaranteed hit with the kids. Doubles from €210 a night.
Featherbed Railroad, California:
IF a night on the rails is to your liking, these nine antique railroad cabooses in northern California’s Lake County have something for everybody. Decorated in a variety of themes from a Viva Las Vegas style La Loose Caboose, to an art deco Orient Express. The Easy Rider carriage even offers a double jacuzzi for two. €130 a night.
Mira Mira, Victoria:
LOCATED 160km from Melbourne, this fantasy retreat, pictured right, designed around specific artistic legends offers guests a choice of the Cave, the Japanese Zen Retreat or the Gaudí-influenced Tanglewood, each built ‘to let the imagination run wild’. Double beds suspended in mid-air and bathrooms in a cave are just some of the unusual delights. €150 for two.
The Boatel, Cork:
CORK will soon be able to offer accommodation well outside the standard guidelines. A three-deck river cruiser, with 96 cabins and accommodation for 156 people, will berth at Penrose Quay early next year. ‘It’s not just about floating bars, and restaurants,’ says Sam Corbett, the man behind the venture. ‘The River Lee has great tourist potential.’ The Boatel – Ireland’s first floating hotel – will be shipped in from Holland.