Tripadvisor just named a crane hotel in Amsterdam one of the world’s best - it has three rooms and a hot tub 164ft up
If there’s one place we’re always going to check for legit reviews and recommendations on places to stay and things to do before travelling, it’s Tripadvisor.
The travel platform just revealed the winners of its 2026 Travellers’ Choice Awards and when we spotted this unique stay among the hotel winners, we had to share it.
The Faralda Crane Hotel in Amsterdam has been named the world’s best ‘one of a kind’ hotel and we can definitely see why.
From the outside, you could be forgiven for thinking you’ve accidentally turned up at a construction site. However, it’s exactly this industrial look that has made the Faralda Crane Hotel one of the most talked-about places to stay in Europe.
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Yep, you can actually book a night to stay inside a giant crane.
Best one-of-a-kind hotel: Faralda Crane Hotel, Amsterdam
Towering above Amsterdam’s waterfront, the hotel offers incredible 360-degree views across the Dutch capital. Tripadvisor even describes it as ‘the most romantic and inspiring place to stay’.
We’ll admit that wasn’t the first thing that came to mind when we saw a giant crane had made the list. One look inside, though, and it’s easy to understand the appeal.
The hotel contains three luxury suites, making it one of the most exclusive stays in the city. Each room has its own unique and distinctive design, featuring bold colours, plush furniture and quirky décor that couldn’t be more different from the industrial exterior.
The rooms are designed for two guests and are laid out like mini apartments than traditional hotel rooms. Each suite spans two levels, with separate living and sleeping spaces, as well as a freestanding bath for anyone looking to relax in style.
As impressive as the rooms are, it’s what sits at the very top of the Faralda Crane Hotel that really steals the show.
Guests can soak in a rooftop hot tub perched 164ft above the ground while taking in panoramic views across Amsterdam. It’s not every day you get to enjoy a hot tub experience while suspended high above one of Europe’s most popular cities.
The Faralda Crane Hotel is located in Amsterdam's trendy NDSM district, a former shipyard area that has become known for its creative spaces, street art and buzzing nightlife. The unusual location and graffiti decorated exterior only adds to the hotel's appeal, helping it stand out from more traditional luxury stays.
Best hotel overall: G.H Universal Hotel, Indonesia
Not every winner on Tripadvisor’s list is quite as unusual as a crane converted into a boutique hotel.
The top prize of the world’s best hotel in 2026 went to G.H. Universal Hotel in Bandung, Indonesia.
It topped Tripadvisor’s list after impressing guests with its grand architecture, elegant interiors and impressive facilities.
While you might assume a hotel named the best in the world would come with a sky-high price tag, that’s actually not the case with the G.H. Universal.
Rooms can often be booked for around £40 a night, making it surprisingly affordable. The hotel looks more like a place than somewhere you’d expect to find at such a price.
The hotel features spacious rooms, multiple restaurants, swimming pools and sweeping views of the surrounding mountains. No wonder it rakes in the five-star reviews from other travellers.
The awards weren't just focused on hotels, either.
Tripadvisor also revealed its best destinations in the world for 2026, with Bali taking the number one spot.
The Indonesian island is famous for its stunning beaches, lush landscapes, luxury resorts and vibrant culture, making it an easy choice for travellers looking for everything from relaxation to adventure.
But perhaps the biggest surprise for UK travellers was seeing London claim second place on the global destinations list.
London named second best destination in the world 2026
The capital finished ahead of iconic cities like Paris and New York, cementing its status as one of the most popular cities on the planet.
Whether it's iconic landmarks such as Buckingham Palace and Tower Bridge, world-class museums, West End shows, or an ever-growing food scene, London continues to attract visitors from all over the planet.
It's a reminder that some of the world's best travel experiences don't necessarily require a long-haul flight and one of the globe's most highly-rated cities is right here in the UK.
Topics: Travel
Rosie Floyd