What Are Themed Hotels?

Imagine waking up in a jungle treehouse one morning and spending the next night in a 1920s speakeasy-style suite. That’s the magic of themed hotels—where your accommodation becomes part of the adventure.

Whether you’re a fan of fantasy, history, pop culture, or sheer quirkiness, themed hotels offer an immersive experience far beyond a standard room. But what exactly are they, and what kinds of themed hotels are out there? Let’s dive into this colorful corner of the travel world.

🌟 What Are Themed Hotels?

A themed hotel is a lodging experience designed around a particular concept, story, aesthetic, or atmosphere. Every element—from room design and furniture to staff uniforms and background music—is curated to align with the theme.

Unlike conventional hotels, themed hotels aim to immerse guests in a specific narrative or mood, making the stay itself a memorable part of the trip, not just a place to sleep.

🏨 Types of Themed Hotels

1. Fantasy & Fairytale Hotels

Think castles, dragons, secret doors, and enchanted forests. These hotels transport guests to a storybook world where imagination rules.

Examples:
The Castle Hotel in Dalian, China (luxury fairytale design)
Treehotel in Sweden (including rooms shaped like UFOs or bird nests)

2. Pop Culture & Movie-Themed Hotels

Inspired by beloved films, series, comics, or characters, these hotels are a dream for superfans.

Examples:
The Harry Potter-themed Georgian House Hotel in London
Legoland Hotels in Denmark, the US, and Malaysia (with pirate, castle, and adventure-themed rooms)

3. Historical & Time Period Hotels

Step back in time to ancient Rome, the roaring ‘20s, or the Victorian era with hotels that recreate historical settings down to the tiniest details.

Examples:
Hotel del Coronado in California (Victorian grandeur)
Les Haras Hotel in Strasbourg (former royal horse stables)

4. Art & Design Hotels

These are a playground for creatives and aesthetes. Each room might be designed by a different artist or follow avant-garde architectural themes.

Examples:
21c Museum Hotels across the U.S. (blending hotel and art museum)
Icehotel in Sweden (rooms sculpted entirely from ice and snow each winter)

5. Nature & Eco-Themed Hotels

Here, the focus is on harmony with the environment. Often featuring organic materials and breathtaking natural settings, these hotels bring guests close to nature.

Examples:
Whitepod Eco-Luxury Hotel in Switzerland (geodesic pods with mountain views)
Green Magic Tree Resort in Kerala, India (treehouses in the rainforest)

6. Adventure & Extreme Hotels

For thrill-seekers, these hotels provide the wow factor by being located in wild or unusual places.

Examples:
Skylodge Adventure Suites in Peru (glass pods clinging to a cliffside)
Giraffe Manor in Kenya (where giraffes poke their heads into your breakfast)

7. Romantic & Love-Themed Hotels

Tailored for couples and honeymooners, these hotels are designed for passion, privacy, and indulgence.

Examples:
Hotel Pelirocco in Brighton, UK (risqué rock-and-roll themed rooms)
Love Hotel chains in Japan (with everything from fantasy rooms to ultra-modern couples suites)

✨ Why Stay in a Themed Hotel?

  • It’s Instagram-worthy – Every corner is photo-ready.
  • It adds to the destination – The hotel is part of the story.
  • It’s great for families or special occasions – Birthdays, anniversaries, or just because.
  • It breaks the mold – No two stays are ever alike.