Going beyond typical luxury, many European hotels are redefining the travel experience. They're transforming unconventional spaces like former prisons, industrial cranes, and even open-air rooms into unique accommodations. This trend caters to travelers looking for novelty and shareable moments for social media.

Here are some of Europe's most unusual hotels, according to travel experts.

Zero Real Estate: Switzerland's open-air hotel

Imagine a double bed placed entirely outdoors, with no roof or walls. This is the concept behind Switzerland's Zero Real Estate hotel. It provides a completely open space, leaving guests with only themselves and their personal experiences. These open-air "rooms" are scattered throughout Switzerland, from Gonten and Valais to Safiental.

An open-air room next to a gas station. Photo: Null Stern Hotel

One of Zero Real Estate's open-air rooms. Photo: Null Stern Hotel

An open-air "room" at Zero Real Estate. Photo: Null Stern Hotel

Guests don't come here for amenities or a good night's sleep, but for contemplation. Each "room" includes a bed, a small table, a lamp, and a dedicated butler who serves drinks and breakfast. Public restrooms are located nearby. The hotel's slogan, "The only star is you," emphasizes the experience over material comforts.

Some rooms are nestled in peaceful meadows, while others are situated next to gas stations, prompting guests to reflect on rising costs and social issues.

"When you remove all the tangible things – the walls, the amenities – you are left with the essentials. And when there is nowhere to hide, every little detail becomes important," said Daniel Charbonnier, co-founder of the project.

Zero Real Estate is open from spring to autumn, with a nearby Alpine cabin available in case of inclement weather. Under clear starry skies and surrounded by scenic Swiss landscapes, it offers guests "invisible luxury": connection, authenticity, and presence.

Barabas Prison: Spending the night in a Swiss jail

In the heart of Lucerne's Old Town, Switzerland, guests can experience a unique overnight stay in a 135-year-old prison, now transformed into the Barabas Prison hotel.

Serving as the city's central jail until the late 1990s, the building retains many original architectural features such as iron doors, thick walls, and narrow windows. However, the interior has been redesigned to provide the comfort and convenience of a modern hotel.

Former prison cells converted into guest accommodations at Barabas Prison hotel. Photo: Euro News

The hotel now has 60 rooms, each converted from former cells. Guests can choose from single, double, and family rooms with private bathrooms, or dormitory-style rooms with shared facilities. The hotel library, a special destination for mystery novel enthusiasts, can even be booked for overnight stays.

The hotel offers Wi-Fi, a gift shop, and a generous breakfast for 12 euros, which includes regional cheese, homemade muesli, and coffee. Guests can also enjoy Japanese cuisine on-site.

"The spirit of Barabas is to preserve the atmosphere of the old prison while offering a comfortable, cozy, and unique experience," a hotel representative said.

YAYS Amsterdam The Crane: A hotel in a crane

In the heart of Amsterdam, travelers can experience a night like no other – inside a crane on a harbor built in 1957.

Known as YAYS Amsterdam The Crane by Numa Stays, the structure has been transformed into a luxurious apartment with modern interiors by Dutch designer Edward van Vliet.

Bedroom inside YAYS Amsterdam The Crane. Photo: Numa Stays

Kitchen and dining area in the hotel. Photo: Numa Stays

View from YAYS Amsterdam The Crane. Photo: Numa Stays

From the luxurious bathroom, guests can soak while enjoying panoramic views of the picturesque IJ River. A "time capsule" preserved within the crane allows guests to explore the structure's history.

The hotel provides amenities such as air conditioning, a TV, a dishwasher, a coffee maker, a private bathroom, and a balcony, blending convenience with cultural preservation.

The hotel's concierge service offers personalized recommendations, from top attractions to local experiences, ensuring guests enjoy a complete Amsterdam experience.

Anh Minh (Euro News)