Icy Stays for the Ultimate Winter Getaway
As the days grow shorter and temperatures continue to drop, don't run for the sun, embrace the cold this winter and treat yourself to an icy getaway in a super cool igloo or ice hotel. 43% of global travelers say they plan to stay at least once in a property type that they've never experienced before in 2019. With 60% also saying that they plan to prioritize spending money on experiences over material items when traveling next year*, why not opt for a wintery accommodation that's literally carved out of ice - that's an experience in and of itself! Bundle up, pack your flannel PJs and get cozy under the covers in one of these truly unique stays created completely out of ice.
Snow Hotel - Kemi, Finland
The Snow Hotel is located in the Lapland region of Finland and offers ‘cool’ rooms made entirely out of ice and snow. If wondering how you are going to stay warm in a room that has an average temperature of -5°C (23 degrees Fahrenheit), beds are covered with warm lamb skin and sleeping bags with cozy fleece interiors. The Snow Hotel also features unique wintery features and facilities such as a Snow Castle, a Snow Chapel for weddings, several sculptures with light effects, a Gemstone Gallery and a weekly program that offers different activities and additional experiences for guests to choose from.
Icehotel - Jukkasjärvi, Sweden
Tucked away among the various lakes and hills of northern Sweden, more than 100 miles north of the Arctic Circle, the Icehotel is rebuilt every winter entirely from snow and ice from the nearby Torne River. Holding a temperature between -5 to -8°C (17 to 23 degrees Fahrenheit), each of the individually-themed rooms has hand-carved ice furnishings made by artists from all around the world. After a refreshing sleep in thermal sleeping bags on beds covered in reindeer hides, guests can start their day with a rich and hearty breakfast before spending time in the sauna, wood-burning hot tub or the ice bath. The area around Jukkasjärvi is popular for outdoor winter activities such as dog sledding, reindeer sled excursions and snowmobile tours.
Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel - Alta, Norway
Located along the Alta River 20 km from Alta’s town center, the Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel is an impressive 2,000 square meter structure made entirely from snow and ice every winter. With a consistent room temperature between a chilling -4 and -7 °C (19 to 24 degrees Fahrenheit), you are encouraged to bring your own thermal undergarments to stay warm, although reindeer leather sleeping pads and ultra-warm sleeping bags are provided in every room. For those who like art, don’t miss the artistic ice sculptures on display throughout the property. For those seeking a little outdoor adventure, the friendly hotel staff will gladly assist with booking a snowmobile safari to explore the surrounding winter wonderland.
Hotel de Glace - Saint-Gabriel-De-Valcartier, Canada
With three thematic ice bars, an indoor ice slide and an ice chapel that seats 70 guests, the Hotel de Glace in Saint-Gabriel-De-Valcartier, Quebec is a landmark on its own, as it’s the only hotel of its kind in North America. The warm hotel staff welcomes you with a cocktail in an ice glass before taking you to your cool room with a temperature between -3 and -5°C (23 to 26 degrees Fahrenheit). In case you want to escape the cold for a while, this ice hotel also offers a heated indoor water park as well as a Nordic relaxation area with outdoor spas and sauna.
Blacksheep village Igloo La Plagne - La Plagne, France
The Blacksheep village Igloo La Plagne is a great choice for travelers who want to combine an igloo stay with an amazing ski trip. Set in La Plagne, near the Belle Plagne and Bergerie Ski Lifts, you can experience a variety of fun and exciting outdoor activities such as bobsleigh and luge before enjoying a delicious cheese fondue. If sleeping in a snow cave is not for you, book a stay at the Hot Igloo and enjoy the cozy heat of a wood stove.
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*Research commissioned by Booking.com and independently conducted among a sample of adults who have taken a trip in the last 12 months/plan to take a trip in the next 12 months. In total 21,500 respondents were polled (including 1,000 each from Australia, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, China, Brazil, India, US, UK, Russia, Indonesia, Colombia and South Korea; and 500 each from Japan, New Zealand, Thailand, Argentina, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Hong Kong, Croatia, Taiwan, Mexico, Netherlands, Sweden, Singapore and Israel). Respondents completed an online survey between 10th August and30th August 2018.