Mar 23 2009
Unique Accommodation: Igloo Hotels
I have to start the series on Unique Accommodations with a unique hotel that I’ve stayed in myself—an igloo. Some people think it’s crazy to choose to stay in a hotel made of ice, but if you’re looking for an adventure, you’ll find it if you choose to stay in an igloo hotel.
Igloo hotels are available in several countries and in various comfort levels ranging from sleeping bags on blocks of ice to more luxurious mattresses. Here are three available options:
Igloo Villages in Germany, Switzerland, and Andorra
High atop the Alps, the igloo has a dining room, sleeping rooms (most are shared), and a shared bathroom. An evening in the igloo village offers a variety of activities including a hike to watch the sunset, board games, snowshoeing, and soaking in an outdoor whirlpool. Breakfast and dinner are also included: dinner consists of fondue or spaghetti for the children, while breakfast is cold cuts, rolls, and fruit.
Rates vary based on room choice (some offer suites), the age of the guest, and the day of the week. For the 2008/2009 season, prices start at 99 Euro for each adult. Reservations can be made on-line.
Hotel de Glace in Quebec, Canada
With a total surface area of more than 32,000 square feet (3,000 square meters), it’s no surprise that this ice hotel is grand and has 36 rooms, suites (one has a fireplace!), a bar, and a chapel. Various packages are available and can include massages, buffet breakfasts, dog sledding, and luxurious dinners. The hotel has won awards including “Best Recreational Tourism Enterprise.”
Again, rates vary based on your package choice but start at 324.50 Canadian dollars (approximately $260). Special promotions are available, however, including a family promotion that costs 379 Canadian dollars for 2 adults and 3 children under 12. Reservations can be made on-line.
IceHotel in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden
In addition to often being credited as the first ice hotel, this hotel also prides itself on its unique art collection available in its various rooms, including an Art Suite decorated with intricate ice sculptures. The restaurant isn’t made of ice, but several dishes are served on specially made ice plates. Activities include making your own ice sculpture, dog sledding, fishing, and snowmobiling. It’s also been named the “Best Experience in Sweden” by a collection of tour operators.
Rates here vary on room choice and date, so giving a price isn’t really possible, but breakfast is always included. Reservations can also be made on-line.
Some tips for staying in an ice hotel:
- You will have to dress warm—each hotel offers special information guides with tips on what to wear and what to bring; read it closely!
- Check the dates—since they’re made of snow, opening dates depend on the weather. So be flexible and try to plan ahead.
- You can just visit—almost all the ice hotels offer a chance to visit without spending the night and deals for special events like weddings and meetings.
This is the first post in a series on Unique Accommodations. Find out more unique hotel choices.
Photo Chapelle de Glace by Etolane, http://www.flickr.com/photos/etolane/, Ice Hotel Entrance by marmit, www.sxc.hu
great article on some very interesting places to stay. Another to add to the list is Kimberley, British Columbia, nestled between the Canadian Rockies and the Purcell Range. This mountain town, actually the highest city in Canada, boasts lots of recreation and one of the best family ski areas in Canada, Kimberley Alpine Resort. Nearby you can stay overnight in an Igloo! or there is a great offering of an evening dinner with friends in an Igloo. Really incredible experienc.
check out
http://www.skircr.com/matts-blog for more info on the region
@powderskier–Thanks for the info on the igloo choice in British Columbia. How fun!
@New Modern World–Thanks! Stay tuned for more to come in the next two weeks–I have some very unique accommodation choices lined up to share!
@Romancing Italy–To be honest, the igloo that I stayed in was relatively rustic and didn’t have the fireplace–or a shower. The bathroom was made of ice, but there was a porta-potty type toilet in there (I don’t remember the sewage, though?!?) and we stayed just the one night, so showered at home. I’m guessing the fireplace is gas and super-insulated? Here’s an article I wrote about my experience: http://www.tangodiva.com/index.php?page=features&j=1&cat=2&story_id=629
Yes, i stayed there myself. One night was enough!