Have an Ice Stay! Take a Look at Ice Hotels, the Coolest Hotels in the World.
Image credit: ICEHOTEL
By Jack Beck (CAS ’21, SHA minor)
With record-low temperatures hitting us this month, it’s pretty clear that Boston’s frigid winter is finally back. As temperatures dip below freezing and snow starts to appear in the forecast, it can be tough to not look back on summer sun and miss how warm it used to be. But for guest’s at IceHotel in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden, the cold is all part of the appeal. It’s one of many ice hotels, a remarkable niche of the hotel industry found only in the chilliest parts of the globe.
Ice hotels, as they’re commonly called, can be found in many of the world’s coldest countries, and they’re sure to please any adventurous traveler looking for something a little bit different. Found in Scandinavia, the Alps, Canada, and even Japan, these hotels often are made entirely of snow and ice. The rooms are kept at below-freezing temperatures, and most properties offer amenities such as special reindeer hide or deerskin robes to keep guests warm, fine-dining culinary experiences tailor-made to taste great in the cold, and unique art from world-renowned ice sculptures, all to ensure every guest has a great, if not chilly, stay. Here’s a peek some of what are undoubtedly the coolest hotels in the world.
Jukkasjärvi, Sweden
ICEHOTEL was the world’s first frozen hotel when it opened in 1990. Located in rural Sweden, guests will find world-class ice sculptures and special ice-cold drinks from the frozen ICEBAR.
Alta, Finland
Sorrisniva is one of the largest ice hotels in Europe, featuring 30 rooms, a frozen bar, outdoor hot tubs, and even a chapel made entirely of ice.
Shimukappu, Japan
Japan’s only ice hotel, Alpha Resort is open year-round as an ordinary ski resort but creates special frozen rooms every winter.
Cârțișoara, Romania
Accessible via cable car, this hotel is located deep in the Alps and features a frozen on-site restaurant, bar, and church.
Quebec, Canada
Located just a short drive from Old Town Quebec, this location is the largest ice hotel in North America, made entirely of ice blocks.
Interested in a stay at one of these frozen palaces? Definitely check the links above to look into rates and more information, but keep in mind that, unfortunately, booking a room at an ice hotel over summer break isn’t an option. Come spring, the hotel literally melts, only to be rebuilt again once temperatures dip below freezing again.