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Jun / Jul 2011
Unusual European Hotels

Writer: Karim Munib / Illustration: Gina Abou Hamad

Karim Munib looks into some really strange hotels in Europe.

 

1. Propeller Island City Lodge 

This is by far the most insane hotel in the world. Associated with the record producer and song-writing studio, Propeller Island GmbH, it occupies three high-ceilinged floors of an old-fashioned apartment building, originally built in the 1880s. Flying beds and upside down rooms are amongst some of the craziness created by German artist Lars Stroschen. Themes vary from the tame to the insane so you’re most unlikely to have a dull night and are assured out-of-whack stories to share with your friends.

Prices: from 145 USD per night. Location: Berlin, Germany, www.propeller-island.com

2. Torre Prendiparte 

An Italian businessman turned his former home - the second highest of Bologna's famous medieval towers - into a romantic one-bedroom ‘Bed & Breakfast’. A word of warning: the tower, which dates back to the 12th century, is 60m high, and the wooden stairs that lead to the rooftop terrace, with breathtaking views over the Old Town, are vertiginously steep. This haven isn’t for those who are scared of heights. Luckily, the bedroom and living areas are on the 2nd floor and a self-service kitchen is only a floor above.

Prices: from 360 USD per night. Location: Bologna, Italy, www.prendiparte.it

3. Airplane Suite

Once the transport for the top brass of the German government, this 1960 Ilyushin 18 was flown to Holland and then converted into a single luxury suite for two. At 40-metres in length, the designers have found room for a king-sized bedroom, a living room, a fully stocked pantry and a bathroom that features a Jacuzzi, shower and an infrared sauna. Best of all, the cockpit has been left intact so even though you won’t get very far you can still make believe...

Prices: from 500 USD per night. Location: Teuge airport, Holland, www.hotelsuites.nl

4. Sala Silvermine

The world’s deepest bedroom is 155-metres underground in a beautifully preserved, former silver mine in Sala, Sweden. Sounds bizarre? Perhaps, but even sceptics will find the setting sensationally remote. For the price, you get a guided tour of 20-kilometres of dark winding galleries, vast caverns and magic lakes. There’s even an intercom to call on a dedicated, above-ground member of staff should you need anything. (Don’t forget there’s no mobile reception at these kind of depths.)

Prices: from 600 USD per night. Location: Sala, Sweden, www.salasilvergruva.se

5. Euromast Tower

The Euromast Television Tower has been a regular tourist attraction, as well as a feature of Rotterdam’s skyline, ever since its construction was completed in 1960. Many may know of its restaurant that serves a sumptuous brunch, but few are familiar with its two exclusive suites - Heaven and Stars - perched 112-metres above the city. While you have all night to enjoy the city views from the balcony, be warned that they are shared so consider shutting the curtains if your pyjamas aren't suitable for external viewing.

Prices: from 560 USD per night. Location: Rotterdam, Holland, www.euromast.nl

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