There's nothing wrong with a good hotel stay. Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt… you name it, I've stayed there. But sometimes, you want a new experience – something beyond the patterned carpet and branded stationery on the desk. Of course, in most cases, you can't redeem or earn credit cards rewards at hotel alternatives, but it's good to mix it up every now and then. So when you get sick of staying in an ordinary, sometimes boring hotel, here areseven alternatives you could sleep at instead.

Stay in a Bubble

One of the most interesting places to stay might be in a bubble. In fact, they're so neat, bubble hotels keep popping up all around the world!

Bubble accommodations are exactly what you'd expect, and then some. These climate-controlled domes offer comfortable sleeping arrangements, a 360-degree view, and some even offer bathrooms and showers! You'll enjoy perfect temperatures year-round while watching the night sky from your plush bed.

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Staying at a bubble is an alternative to a hotel stay.

Some bubble rooms, such as the 5 Million Star Hotel in Iceland, allow you to see more than just the stars – here, you have a chance at watching the Northern Lights from your warm bed! The hotel even offers a package experience, ensuring you not only have the best chance of viewing the spectacular light show, but also experience the area's hot springs and national park.

Others, like the Attrap'Rêves in France, give you options to choose from. The chain has five locations throughout France, each offering unique themes and amenities. Some bubbles are entirely transparent, giving you a stunning experience underneath the stars. Other bubbles are partially-transparent, allowing for both a unique stay and the level of privacy with which you're comfortable.

There are a number of other bubble hotels in countries across the world, each with their own unique views and personalities.

Stay in a Silo

If you happen to be in New Zealand and want to stay somewhere you've definitely never stayed before, check out SiloStay. There, you can enjoy a full-service visit in one of their converted silo apartments.

This unique property allows you to stay in one of their many silos, which include a kitchenette, stove, and even a glass shower. The interior design is modern and aesthetic, blending an industrial feel with all of the comforts of home – just in a "round"-about way.

Sleep in a Treehouse

Part-childhood nostalgia, part-outdoorsy excitement, the treehouse lodging concept offers guests the chance to reconnect with nature.

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Staying in an actual treehouse can be an adventure.

Retreats like Treehouse Point in Fall City, Washington have a number of stand-alone treehouses available for your overnight stay. You can enjoy being one with nature, or shut the windows and enjoy your elevated stay without worry of bugs. The hotel offers homemade breakfast and WiFi, too… what more could you need?

Stay in the Sky

If you aren't scared of heights and want a killer view that's unparalleled, the Skylodge Adventure Suites in Sacred Valley, Peru can give you just that.

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Not for those scared of heights.

The hotel offers sleeping quarters that could make even the biggest adventurers' hearts race: clear, polycarbonate-and-aluminum pods. Each of these pods is secured to the side of a mountain above the Urubamba Valley with steel cables, giving you a view of the night sky above and the steep terrain below.

The pods are 24x8 feet and also include private bathrooms (and curtains, if you want more privacy). They're powered by solar panels, so you can enjoy modern luxuries, even whilst suspended 400m off the ground.

Dream Underwater

Now, here's something you've definitely never done before: sleep underwater.

At the Manta Resort in Tanzania, you can stay in the Underwater Room. This hut in the middle of the water has three levels. The main floor, just above the water line, has both a lounge area and a private bathroom. Climb up the ladder onto the roof, and you can spend your days sunbathing and your evenings stargazing.

The real experience, though, is when you go below to the third level, or your bedroom. There, you'll find a luxurious double bed, surrounded on all sides by panes of glass and clear, turquoise water. During the day, you can watch unique species of fish float by. At night, underwater spotlights illuminate the area around your room, allowing you to see the more shy creatures – such as an octopus or squid.

Sleep in Ice

You may have visited an ice bar once or twice, but chances are that you've never stayed in an ice hotel room. Well, thanks to IceHotel 365, you now can.

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Looks cold!

This Swedish hotel was founded in 1989 and has been creating new and exciting ice exhibits each winter ever since. Now, however, the hotel – only 200km north of the Arctic Circle– has introduced IceHotel 365, a year-round experience that allows guests to stay in an all-ice luxury suite, even in the middle of summer.

The IceHotel offers both hot and cold rooms, and even the ice suite has a heated lounge area. They also offer a year-round ice bar and ice gallery, for visitors who may not want to opt for such chilly overnight accommodations.

Dream in a Sphere

Another unique North American option is the Free Spirit Spheres, located on Canada's Vancouver Island. These cedar, spruce, and fiberglass tree houses lie nestled in the middle of the rainforest.

They aren't large – Eve, the original sphere, is only 9' in diameter – but are perfect for a solo traveler or couple looking for a romantic getaway. The spheres offer small electric heaters, a small kitchen area, and even a hardwired speaker system.

Stay Somewhere New

The next time you're thinking about traveling, hold off on using those hotel rewards points. With accommodations like a rainforest tree house, Northern Lights-viewing bubble, and mountainside capsule, why would you ever settle for a boring ol' hotel chain?

Read the full article at Forbes.com