If you’ve never stayed in an ice hotel, what are you waiting for?
Would you be willing to sleep in a room where the temperature doesn’t exceed -5 Celsius (23F)?
Specialized sleeping bags and mattresses await, no worries. Revamped yearly, these spectacular architectural works of art can be found worldwide.
You’ll get a few different suits to choose from, some exciting activities and attractions to fill your days, and lovely views to enjoy.
Here are two of them - choose wisely.
Hotel de Glace in Canada is perfect for first-time goers
Located at Village Vacances Valcartier, just 20 minutes outside Québec, this icy marvel is the only one in North America.
Constructed and designed from the ground up every year, many local artists gather to decorate the walls and igloos made out of 500 tons of ice. It’s usually open for business from January to March, welcoming newcomers and regulars alike.
There are over 40 rooms, including thematic suits, and all come with a fireplace, saunas, and hot baths to prepare your body for the cold night ahead. And guess what — you can get a room for as little as $150 a day!
No need to worry about the luggage; you can leave it in the nearby Hôtel Valcartier. Hotel de Glace provides sleeping equipment alongside instructions.
Experience the full potential of this magnificent place by indulging in:
- A drink at the ice bar: Fantastic cocktails served in a glass made of ice while enjoying yourself by a fireplace? Yes, please!
- Architecture sightseeing tour: The Grand Hall and Chapel, alongside a giant slide and art on the ice blocks and ceilings, really are stunning. If you plan on visiting it more than once, you’ll get to witness its ever-changing designs.
- An immersive tour: You can learn many intriguing details about the hotel on a sneak peek of the building process weekend tour, and you might even get a chance to make your own ice glass! The Village offers lots of entertaining activities, such as an indoor waterpark, 35 snow slides, and roads for ice skating.
Icehotel in Sweden welcomes you year-round
Moving on to Europe, a tiny village Jukkasjärvi has been home to this fantastic hotel complex since the 90s. A combination of ice from the river Torne, snow, and a special material known as snice is used every year to build the hotel and almost all of its utilities.
In 2016 a solar-powered process was introduced to the complex, helping it keep low temperatures during the summer months. Room temperature goes to -8 degrees Celsius (17,6F), and during your sleep on the ice beds, you’ll be protected by a mattress, reindeer hide, and a thick polar sleeping bag.
Prices vary depending on the month but can be as low as $100 for a one-night stay. From stunning architecture, top-notch service, and activities, here’s what to expect:
- Art suits: Amazing sculptures and decore are very well incorporated in these rooms that you can book or just tour, but we recommend you stay in them if possible. We are talking carved wall designs, uniquely shaped beds and sitting areas, sculptures of everyday items, you name it.
- Wilderness dinner: Take a minivan to a wilderness camp where you’ll be greeted with a three-course meal prepared to honor the winter season. You need to book your date online and be ready to spend at least $290.
- Nourish your body: Sauna treatment that follows a beloved Jukkasjärvi sauna ritual is a must, alongside the body and face massages that will 100% rejuvenate you.
- Ice and snow activities: Take advantage of the Swedish scenery and nature surrounding the hotel to try new and exciting things, including ice sculpting and fishing, snowmobile rides, and even dog sledding.
It’s never too early to plan your ice hotel vacation, don’t you agree?
Originally published at https://bookaweb.com.
