In today’s travel landscape, the concept of accommodation is being redefined by some of the most innovative and captivating designs around the globe. Floating hotels in the world offer a unique blend of luxury, sustainability, and immersive natural experiences that set them apart as one of the best places to travel. Whether you’re seeking a honeymoon destination that exudes romance and adventure, or a getaway that promises a fusion of nature and modernity, these hotels offer more than just a stay—they provide an experience that transforms travel into an unforgettable journey. In this blog, we take a deep dive into the best floating hotels in the world, showcasing the top floating hotels in the world—from underwater marvels that let you sleep alongside vibrant marine life to eco-friendly retreats that harmonize with their natural surrounding
Best Floating Hotels In The World
Manta Resort Underwater Room – Tanzania:
Located on Pemba Island in Tanzania, Manta Resort Underwater Room is a three-level floating villa that culminates in an extraordinary underwater bedroom offering panoramic views of vibrant coral reefs and exotic marine life. This property is celebrated as one of the floating hotels in the world that redefines luxury with its unique underwater experience, making it one of the best floating hotels in the world. Guests can enjoy private rooftop dining overlooking the Indian Ocean, along with activities such as snorkeling, diving, and sunset cruises.
Location: Pemba Island, Tanzania
Best Time to Visit: June to October (when water clarity and marine biodiversity are at their peak)
Pricing: Approximately $800–$1,500 per night
Arctic Bath – Sweden:
Situated on the Lule River in Harads, Sweden, Arctic Bath is a futuristic spa retreat that features a unique circular design and an open-air ice bath. Recognized among the top floating hotels in the world, its minimalist, eco-friendly architecture blends seamlessly with the wintry landscape, offering guests an immersive Nordic experience. From indulging in spa treatments to enjoying dog sledding and ice fishing, Arctic Bath stands as one of the best floating hotels in the world for those seeking a magical winter or summer escape.
Location: Harads, Sweden
Best Time to Visit: December to March for a winter wonderland and Northern Lights, or June to August for the Midnight Sun
Pricing: Approximately $500–$1,000 per night
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island – Maldives:
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, home to the iconic Muraka overwater villa, is renowned for its underwater bedroom that offers floor-to-ceiling views of marine life. This resort is consistently ranked among the floating hotels in the world that offer unmatched luxury, making it one of the best floating hotels in the world for travelers who seek a blend of modern elegance and traditional Maldivian charm. Guests enjoy world-class dining, personalized butler service, infinity pools, and exceptional diving and snorkeling opportunities.
Location: Maldives
Best Time to Visit: November to April (during the dry season with calm seas)
Pricing: Approximately $1,200–$5,000 per night
The Float House River Kwai – Thailand:
Nestled along the scenic River Kwai in Kanchanaburi, Thailand, The Float House offers eco-friendly floating villas built from sustainable, locally sourced materials. This retreat is celebrated among the top floating hotels in the world for its seamless integration of indoor-outdoor living and cultural immersion. Guests savor traditional Thai cuisine on private decks, explore historical landmarks such as the Bridge on the River Kwai, and enjoy jungle trekking and river rafting—earning its reputation as one of the best floating hotels in the world for adventurous travelers.
Location: Kanchanaburi, Thailand
Best Time to Visit: November to February (when the weather is mild and the surroundings are lush)
Pricing: Approximately $300–$800 per night
Punta Caracol Acqua Lodge – Panama:
Located in Bocas del Toro, Panama, Punta Caracol Acqua Lodge features charming overwater bungalows built with sustainable materials and powered by solar energy. This resort stands out among the floating hotels in the world with its relaxed Caribbean vibe, and is widely regarded as one of the best floating hotels in the world for eco-conscious travelers. Guests delight in farm-to-table dining, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and dolphin-watching, all set against the backdrop of vibrant island life.
Location: Bocas del Toro, Panama
Best Time to Visit: January to April (dry season with ideal weather conditions)
Pricing: Approximately $150–$400 per night
OFF Paris Seine – France:
Moored along the iconic River Seine in Paris, OFF Paris Seine is the city’s only floating hotel, offering sleek, modern accommodations with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame stunning views of famous Parisian landmarks. As one of the floating hotels in the world that blend urban charm with innovative design, it is recognized as one of the best floating hotels in the world for those seeking a chic, culturally immersive experience. Guests enjoy a rooftop pool, a stylish bar, and riverboat dinner cruises in the heart of the City of Light.
Location: Paris, France
Best Time to Visit: May to September (ideal for outdoor dining and sightseeing)
Pricing: Approximately $200–$600 per night
Zambezi Queen – Namibia & Botswana:
Cruising along the Chobe River in Africa, Zambezi Queen offers a luxury floating safari lodge experience with expansive balconies that provide uninterrupted wildlife viewing. This unique property is celebrated among the floating hotels in the world for its integration of traditional African motifs and eco-friendly design, earning it a spot among the best floating hotels in the world for nature enthusiasts. Guests can indulge in gourmet dining, guided safaris, and cultural visits to local villages while enjoying breathtaking views of Africa’s rich wildlife.
Location: Chobe River (Namibia & Botswana)
Best Time to Visit: May to October (dry season for prime wildlife sightings)
Pricing: Approximately $400–$1,000 per night
Salt & Sill – Sweden:
Located in Klädesholmen, Sweden, Salt & Sill is the country’s first floating hotel and is renowned for its modern minimalist design and stunning views of the surrounding fjords. As one of the floating hotels in the world that offer a distinctive Nordic experience, it is considered among the best floating hotels in the world for culinary enthusiasts and those seeking relaxation. Guests can enjoy fresh seafood at its renowned restaurant, floating sauna sessions, and scenic boat rides through the archipelago.
Location: Klädesholmen, Sweden
Best Time to Visit: June to August (when long daylight hours and warm weather enhance the experience)
Pricing: Approximately $200–$500 per night
Koh Andet Eco Resort – Cambodia:
Floating along the Tatai River in Cambodia, Koh Andet Eco Resort offers rustic, eco-friendly bungalows that immerse guests in the tranquility of the jungle. This property is one of the floating hotels in the world that emphasizes sustainable travel, making it a favorite among those seeking the best floating hotels in the world for a nature-centric retreat. Guests enjoy locally inspired cuisine, kayaking through mangroves, exploring waterfalls, and visiting traditional markets for an authentic Cambodian experience.
Location: Tatai River, Cambodia
Best Time to Visit: November to April (dry season for clear skies and calm waters)
Pricing: Approximately $100–$300 per night
River Kwai Jungle Rafts – Thailand:
Set amidst the lush landscapes of Kanchanaburi, Thailand, River Kwai Jungle Rafts offer a rustic experience with bamboo lodges floating on the river. Emphasizing a complete digital detox, these lodges are among the floating hotels in the world that provide an authentic taste of local heritage and natural simplicity, making them one of the best floating hotels in the world for those seeking to reconnect with nature. Candlelit dinners, trekking to hidden waterfalls, and cultural performances by the local Mon tribe add to the charm of this unique retreat.
Location: Kanchanaburi, Thailand
Best Time to Visit: November to February (when the weather is cool and crisp)
Pricing: Approximately $150 per night
Catamaran Apartments – Serbia:
Floating on the Danube River in Belgrade, Serbia, Catamaran Apartments offer modern luxury in a unique urban setting. With sleek, minimalist interiors and expansive windows that provide panoramic views of the historic city skyline, this property is one of the floating hotels in the world that redefines contemporary urban living and ranks among the best floating hotels in the world for its blend of comfort and cultural accessibility. Guests enjoy fully equipped kitchens, private balconies, and concierge-arranged river tours and cultural excursions.
Location: Belgrade, Serbia
Best Time to Visit: April to September (the perfect season for outdoor events and river activities)
Pricing: Approximately $100–$300 per night
Queen Mary Long Beach – USA:
Housed aboard a retired ocean liner in Long Beach, California, Queen Mary Long Beach offers a distinctive blend of historic maritime charm and modern luxury. This floating hotel is celebrated as one of the floating hotels in the world that provides an immersive cultural experience, and is often ranked among the best floating hotels in the world for history enthusiasts. Guests can participate in guided historical tours, enjoy elegant dining experiences, and even join ghost tours that explore the mysterious past of this iconic vessel.
Location: Long Beach, California, USA
Best Time to Visit: Year-round (with special seasonal events enhancing the experience)
Pricing: Approximately $200–$500 per night
Gili Lankanfushi – Maldives:
Set in the idyllic Maldives, Gili Lankanfushi features secluded overwater villas that epitomize romance and luxury. As one of the floating hotels in the world offering an intimate and eco-friendly escape, it is widely recognized as one of the best floating hotels in the world for couples and those seeking a private retreat. Constructed with sustainable materials, the villas offer private decks, direct lagoon access, and personalized butler service, alongside exceptional diving, snorkeling, and intimate beach dinners.
Location: Maldives
Best Time to Visit: November to April (during the dry season with calm, clear seas)
Pricing: Approximately $1,000–$4,000 per night
Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle – Thailand:
Nestled in the lush jungles of Chiang Rai, Thailand, the Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle offers a luxurious yet rustic floating camp experience near an ethical elephant sanctuary. This camp is among the floating hotels in the world that combines adventure with conservation, making it one of the best floating hotels in the world for eco-adventurers. Guests stay in lavish tents and floating pavilions that blend modern comforts with natural surroundings, and enjoy gourmet dining, ethical elephant encounters, and guided jungle treks in an immersive setting.
Location: Chiang Rai, Thailand
Best Time to Visit: November to February (cooler temperatures and lush landscapes)
Pricing: Approximately $800–$1,500 per night
Aqua Expeditions – Peru & Amazon River:
Aqua Expeditions offers a luxury river cruise hotel experience along the Amazon River in Peru, where modern elegance meets the raw beauty of the rainforest. This unique property is one of the floating hotels in the world that provides a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, earning it a place among the best floating hotels in the world for wildlife and nature enthusiasts. Vessels feature expansive windows and open-air decks for unparalleled rainforest views, while guests enjoy gourmet dining and guided jungle excursions that reveal the hidden wonders of the Amazon.
Location: Amazon River, Peru
Best Time to Visit: May to September (when the river is calm and wildlife is abundant)
Pricing: Approximately $500–$1,200 per night (or per cruise package)
Conclusion:
As we wrap up our exploration of these extraordinary floating hotels, it’s clear that the future of travel lies in innovation and a profound connection with nature. The best floating hotels in the world not only redefine luxury but also offer unparalleled experiences that combine adventure, sustainability, and cultural immersion. Whether you’re dreaming of a secluded honeymoon destination, a romantic escape, or simply the best place to travel for a unique getaway, these top floating hotels in the world invite you to embark on a journey that transcends traditional travel. They are not merely accommodations; they are destinations that craft memories, inspire wonder, and redefine what it means to travel in style.
