5 Bizarre and Quirky Hotels in Europe That Are Actually Amazing for Your City Break
- Charlotte
- Jan 5
- 4 min read
We have all stayed in a beige hotel room that we forgot the moment we checked out. But for your next holiday why not book something that will be the main talking point of your trip? Europe is packed with eccentric hoteliers who have turned everything from bakeries to construction cranes into luxury accommodation.
We trawled through Expedia to find five of the weirdest and most wonderful places to stay. These aren't just novelties but genuinely comfortable hotels that offer a unique twist on the standard city break. Before you book your strange night away make sure to check out the city guides to plan the rest of your adventure.
1. Crane Hotel Faralda, Amsterdam
Sleeping in a construction crane might sound like a dare but the Crane Hotel Faralda is the height of industrial luxury. Located in the hip NDSM shipyard area this hotel features just three suites stacked at the top of a 50-metre high monumental crane. The wind moves the crane slightly so you will wake up with a different view of the IJ river every morning.
The decor is delightfully over-the-top with plush velvet walls, gold chandeliers and freestanding baths. There isn't a traditional restaurant on-site but they offer a Prosecco breakfast in bed that is worth waking up for. You can also book a private dining experience or head to the top deck for the heated spa pool which overlooks the entire city.
Average Price: From £700 per night
Quirk Level: 10/10 (It is literally a crane)
City Guide: Plan your trip with the City Guide Amsterdam.
2. Seven Hotel, Paris
If you grew up wanting to be a secret agent or an astronaut then Seven Hotel in the Latin Quarter is your dream come true. This boutique hotel is famous for its "Levitation" rooms where the bed appears to float magically above the ground. The lighting is neon and futuristic and fiber optic stars twinkle on the ceiling to create a space-age romance.
The 007 suite goes even further with golden toilets and a mirrored lounge that feels straight out of a Bond villain's lair. For dining they have a chic wine cellar that serves decadent French snacks and champagne. Breakfast costs around €22 and includes high-quality pastries and artisan coffee served in the stylish lounge.
Average Price: From £180 per night
Quirk Level: 8/10 (Floating furniture is a mind-bender)
City Guide: Discover more romance in the City Guide Paris.
3. Hotel Praktik Bakery, Barcelona
Waking up to the smell of fresh bread is one thing but sleeping inside the bakery is another level entirely. Hotel Praktik Bakery in the Eixample district is exactly what it says on the tin. The lobby is a fully functioning traditional bakery where you can watch the bakers kneading dough and pulling loaves from the oven before you even check in.
The rooms are modern and minimalist which provides a calm contrast to the bustling bakery downstairs. The star of the show is the breakfast which is surprisingly affordable at around €12.50. You get to enjoy an unlimited buffet of their famous pastries, breads and local jams in a beautiful industrial-chic cafeteria filled with plants.
Average Price: From £90 per night
Quirk Level: 6/10 (Deliciously unusual)
City Guide: Find the best tapas spots in the City Guide Barcelona.
4. Hüttenpalast, Berlin
Berlin is known for being cool and alternative but Hüttenpalast takes it to a new level. Instead of standard rooms you sleep in retro caravans and wooden mountain cabins that have been parked inside a former vacuum cleaner factory. It gives you all the fun of camping without the rain or the mud.
Each caravan has been lovingly restored with vintage wallpaper and kitsch accessories. There is a communal garden area inside the factory hall where guests hang out on mismatched furniture. While there is no formal restaurant they serve a fantastic organic breakfast buffet. The hotel is located in the trendy Neukölln district so you are surrounded by some of the best budget eats in the city.
Average Price: From £85 per night
Quirk Level: 9/10 (Indoor camping is genius)
City Guide: Explore the capital with the City Guide Berlin.
5. Karma Sanctum Soho, London
For those who want to live like a rock star Karma Sanctum Soho is the ultimate crash pad. This hotel is owned by Iron Maiden legends and features a 24-hour bar and a rooftop hot tub that is hidden away from the prying eyes of the paparazzi. The decor is dark and moody with crushed velvet, leather handles on the doors and rotating artwork from rock history.
The on-site restaurant is the Wild Heart Bar & Shokudo which serves a Japanese-inspired menu by three-time Michelin star chef Garry Hollihead. You can feast on wagyu beef sliders and rock shrimp tempura with dishes starting from around £15. It is loud, unapologetic and perfect for a wild weekend in the capital.
Average Price: From £220 per night
Quirk Level: 7/10 (Pure rock 'n' roll excess)
City Guide: See the sights with the City Guide London.
Stay Somewhere Strange
Life is too short for boring hotels. Whether you choose to float in a levitating bed in Paris or hide away in a caravan in Berlin these hotels prove that accommodation can be an adventure in itself. They offer stories you will be telling for years to come.
When you are ready to book your quirky escape head over to eurocitybreak.com. Our city guides are packed with local secrets to help you find the coolest bars and restaurants to match your unique hotel choice. Happy travels!
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