Romania might bring unusual experiences for many expats and travelers, even when they don't necessarily seek them. These six  hotels in Romania are however sure-fire ways of finding the unusual in a country of contrasts.  (pictures at the end of the article)

• The Ice Hotel

The Ice Hotel at Balea Lake is a unique attraction in Romania and Eastern Europe. Although the winter is over, the hotel is still open and it might be a good choice for winter fans.

Located in the Fagaras Mountains,  the hotel is built every year from huge blocks of ice and snow.

The 2014/2015 season started on December 20. There are still rooms available at the hotel, you can check the availability here. It features 12 rooms,  named after the 12 signs of the zodiac, and three separate igloos.

The price for a normal room is RON 440 a night (some EUR 100) while an Igloo room costs RON 660 (some EUR 140). There is a discount of 50% for children aged between 6 and 15, while those aged under 6 can stay there for free. However, the prices don’t include breakfast.

• The train-hotel Carpatia Express

Carpatia Express offers an unique experience to visitors and might be the perfect accommodation place for train enthusiasts. The train is located next to the CFF railway station in Viseu de Sus, Northern Romania.

There are 20 sleeping cabins with 2 beds each, which can accommodate a total of 40 guests. It also features a dining car which is also open for guests without accommodation in the hotel train. A free car parking is also available on site.

The price for a cabin varies between RON 43 (some EUR 10) and RON 64 (some EUR 14) per person, including breakfast, but there are also special packages. More information here.

• La Butoaie Guesthouse

This guesthouse located in Pietroasele town, about 35 km from Buzau, is one unique place in Romania. It looks like a camping except that the usual cottages were replaced with big barrels (butoaie in Romanian - this is where the guesthouse’s name comes from). So if you want to spend your holiday sleeping in a barrel, here’s your chance. The price is RON 60 (some EUR 13) to stay in a barrel per night. The guesthouse also offers double rooms for RON 110 (EUR 22) per night.

This might an interesting place for wine lovers, as a small winery is also located nearby. More information here.

• Harmonie Complex – tree houses and villas

The Harmonie Complex is a property that features unique tree houses and cottages with spectacular mountain views, focusing on the return to nature. The complex addresses to both families and couples who want privacy, romance and some quiet time in the nature.

It is located on the Trei Brazi street in Predeal mountain resort. All units are uniquely decorated. The complex does not address those seeking hotel services. The tree houses and villas are rented under real estate and leisure conditions, on short and long term. More information here.

• Arsenal Park

This might be a great place for military fans or people who enjoy a different kind of holiday, filled with adrenaline.

Arsenal Park is a tourist complex in the Transylvania region, based on a military concept which can provide accommodation for 230 guests. You can choose from different types of rooms, such as the Officer Room, the Cannon Room, the Soldier Room, the Colonel Apartment or the General Villa.

While you’re there, you should also try some of the activities organized inside the complex: military training, airsoft & paintball, firearms shooting, archery or mini golf. There are also multifunctional sports fields, game rooms, fitness, pool and even a museum. More about accommodation prices, facilities and activities here.

• Club Safari Danube Delta - Enisala Safari Village

Enisala Safari Village is a holiday village located in Romania’s wild Danube Delta. It is open for tourists with reservation by email or phone.

The Enisala Safari Village offers accommodation for EUR 55 (plus 9% VAT for accommodation only) per day per person, three meals included.  Tourists can stay in one of the two cottages - Casa Lavanda and Casa Atticum – which comprise a total 16 rooms.

Most of the ingredients used in the menu come from the hotel’s own farm.

It might be the perfect place for nature enthusiasts as several outdoor activities are organized there, including fishing, birds watching and nature walking. Find out more about it on the official website here.

Irina Popescu, irina.popescu@romania-insider.com