5 of the quirkiest hotels around Australia
<p>When it comes to travelling, I think you’ll agree that when you’re on an adventure you want to experience a bit of everything. That goes for where you choose to rest your head at night, too. All too often hotels can be stock standard, however, we compiled a list of the quirkiest hotels around Australia that you’ll want check-in at. From a luxury dessert-themed cityscape in Melbourne to a crocodile-shaped property in the Northern Territory, these are truly once-in-a-lifetime experiences.</p>
<p><strong>1. <a href="http://www.adelphi.com.au" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Adelphi, Melbourne</span></a><a href="http://www.adelphi.com.au%29/"><br /></a></strong></p>
<p>If you have a bit of penchant for sweet treats, then the Adelphi – a dessert-themed hotel on Flinders Lane in Melbourne – is for you. As you step inside the boutique hotel, however, don’t expect to see something from a Willy Wonka movie. Yes, you’ll immediately spot sweet treats in the lobby – like Liquorice Allsorts-shaped stools, a mini lolly bar (that you can help yourself to) at the front desk and cherry-shaped lighting – but the interiors are tasteful and stylish. If you want to get into the spirit and have your cake and eat it too, you’ll be pleased to hear that the hotel’s ground-floor restaurant, Om Nom, offers a completely dessert-themed menu and each creation looks like a work of art in its own right. With just 34 generous-sized rooms, a rooftop space and the mix of Deco and dessert stylings, this one is too sweet not to try. Pardon the pun.</p>
<p><strong>2. <a href="http://www.jenolancaves.org.au/accommodation/caves-house/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Jenolan Caves, Blue Mountains</span></a></strong><a href="http://www.jenolancaves.org.au/accommodation/caves-house/)"><br /></a></p>
<p>Nestled in a valley just a very short walk from the Jenolan Caves, the World Heritage-listed, Caves House, is a step back in time to the late-Victorian or early-Edwardian eras. With no telephones or televisions in the rooms, you can really immerse yourself in the alpine feel at this “Federation, Arts and Crafts” style spot that NSW Government Architect, <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walter_Liberty_Vernon" target="_blank">Walter Liberty Vernon</a></strong></span>, designed and built in 1897. With a windy car journey down to the isolated property, it’s a little bit eerie but fabulous to sleep so close to one of the most spectacular and oldest cave systems in the world. </p>
<p><strong>3. <a href="https://www.yha.com.au/hostels/wa/perth-surrounds/fremantle-backpackers-hostel/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Fremantle Prison YHA, Fremantle</span></a></strong></p>
<p>It might not be for everybody, but you can sleep amongst history at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed, Fremantle Prison YHA. Built by convicts in the 1850s, it has since been converted to include 200 beds. Housing inmates up until 1991, during the building’s 150-year history as a prison a total of 43 people also died here. Guests can sleep either in the former prison warden’s cottages, or if you’re really up for something different, you can also sleep in the cells.</p>
<p><strong>4. <a href="http://www.mercure.com/gb/hotel-9616-mercure-kakadu-crocodile-hotel/index.shtml" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel, Kakadu</span></a></strong><a href="http://www.mercure.com/gb/hotel-9616-mercure-kakadu-crocodile-hotel/index.shtml)"><br /></a></p>
<p>An ideal spot to rest your head as you explore Kakadu National Park, the Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel was design by a Darwin architect (who was close to the local Aboriginal people) in the shape of a 250m crocodile. And there’s more. The swimming pool at the hotel represents the croc’s heart, the entrance is his jaws and the courtyard replicates a billabong. Now, that’s Australia for you!</p>
<p><strong>5. <a href="http://www.desertcave.com.au" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Desert Cave Hotel, SA</span></a></strong><a href="http://www.desertcave.com.au%29/"><br /></a></p>
<p>You’ll have the chance to really get back to nature at the Desert Cave hotel. If you haven’t already guessed, you’ll be sleeping underground in the dug-out style living of local inhabitants. There are above-ground rooms available, too, but the quiet, dark and airy underground rooms are well worth a try.</p>
