Ice hotels are a real thing—and they’re exactly how they sound.
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Men and women who excel at surviving in Arctic and sub-Arctic climates in places like Canada and Scandinavia craft hotels, restaurants, art galleries, and more out of blocks of heavy, solid ice. Most projects are seasonal, meaning they’re at least partly rebuilt every year.
And despite the fact that they are entirely built of ice, you can still expect a comfortable stay at an ice hotel. Some intrepid, Aurora Borealis-loving travelers even make the trip year after year to their favorite ice hotels, paying a premium and forging into the snowy, sleepy north in midwinter. Think of them like exotic winter destinations.
Want to know more about what it’s like to stay in an ice hotel? Let’s dig into the details. Here’s what you need to know about the experience, along with which ice hotels do it the best.
What is it like to stay in an ice hotel? 10 things to know
Entire buildings are really made of ice
We’re starting with the obvious here, but you might be underestimating the scale of ice hotels. They’re sized just like a normal one-floor inn, and crafted from frozen slabs of ice. Most of the blocks you see at an ice hotel were carefully carved from existing ice blocks, then chosen for their size and sturdiness.
Ice hotels are maintained at a low temperature of around 20-25 degrees Fahrenheit. The interiors are delightfully cold, but usually dry, meaning you can warm up and stay warm without too much effort. Expect to stare around in wonder multiple times a day, especially in larger communal areas.
Beds are also made of ice
Yes, even the bed is made of ice at the average ice hotel. So are armchairs, ottomans, and other pieces of furniture. Again, ice hotels have dry air, meaning your tush won’t melt any of the furniture you come into contact with. Beds come in all shapes and sizes, but are normally outfitted with thermal gear and furs that make them comfortable and warm enough to get a good night’s rest.
Bathrooms are in separate, heated facilities
Not all parts of an ice hotel are kept frigidly cold. You can expect to find toilets, showers, saunas, changing areas, and more in air-tight, heated facilities. When you check in, you’ll be shown where to find cold and warm areas, and also given a few tips on how to stay warm. One recommendation is to avoid showering before bed because you want to minimize the amount of moisture on your body in order to stay warm.
Be careful not to drink too much
Here’s the big catch: if you need to get up in the middle of the night and use the bathroom, you need to scuttle through very low temperatures to reach the heated restrooms. Bars (which I’ll discuss below) are a big deal at ice bars, so be mindful about drinking too much alcohol or even tea before bed. You want to avoid those midnight trips to the toilet as much as possible.
Ice hotels use curtains, not doors
How do you make a door out of ice? You don’t. Most ice hotels use thick, heavy curtains as doors, or sheet-like separators. This ensures privacy, but you need to be mindful of noise—and expect a little noise from other guests. Some areas of the hotel might have temporary sliding doors, but these aren’t very common.
Most hotels provide sleeping gear
All ice hotels are different, but they should provide you with at least thermal blankets and gear that you’ll wear. For example, some ice hotels ensure that you pack your own thermal underwear, then provide you with a thermal sleeping bag. Many beds also have furs laid down on them for added warmth. Remember: you can always ask your ice hotel for gear recommendations.
Balaclavas are recommended—and eye masks
You want to keep your nose and mouth out of a scar or balaclava to prevent moisture build-up because it will make it harder for you to get warm. That being said, don’t be afraid to bring a face cover like a balaclava. Others have also recommended eye masks for sleeping, as ice and snow reflect light. While you won’t have a window in your room, the warm lighting can still disrupt sleep.
Expect tons of artwork
Ice hotels are works of art in and of themselves. However, most are covered in works of ice art, from animal sculptures to grand throne-like chairs to hand-carved sconces for lights. Some ice hotels have standalone galleries, while others have pieces inlaid throughout the grounds. You might even be able to pick out a specific room for its sculptures—call ahead to ask if a particular room catches your eye.
And a great bar
Aside from artwork, many ice hotels also have large bars. They’re a major hub for visitors throughout the day, so expect crowds. Usually, the crowds clear out at night, giving you the chance to chat to the bartenders and sip on your (ice-cold) drink in peace.
Go all-in on the excursions
What is it like to stay at an ice hotel? Cold, awesome, and surprisingly artsy. The last thing you should know is that ice hotels usually come with a long, can’t-miss list of activities. You can explore what’s on the calendar by visiting their website. Activities like snow-shoeing, Northern Lights-hunting, and dog-sledding are usually available.
The world’s coolest ice hotels to visit
Hôtel de Glace in Valcartier, Canada
Just outside the town of Valcartier waits North America’s most famous ice hotel, Hôtel de Glace. You can visit to enjoy the artwork and eat at the on-site restaurant, or also book a room to stay the night.
Book a room at Hôtel de Glace.
Lapland Hotel Snow Village in Kittilä, Finland
Grand in scale and dotted with artsy, light-filled installations that will capture your attention, Lapland Hotel Snow Village isn’t just a hotel—it’s a full-scale Arctic experience. If staying the night is too much of an adventure, you can also book a tour to visit the village for the day.
Book a room at Lapland Hotel Snow Village.
ICEHOTEL in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden
Meet the world’s oldest and most famous ice hotel, Sweden’s ICEHOTEL. It’s grand and beautiful enough that people often ask if it’s real. You can book activities like ice sculpture classes, spa treatments, and more. You can also stay in a heated hotel room if the real experience is too much.
Book a room at ICEHOTEL.
Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel in Alta, Norway
Decked out in familiar Norwegian décor and laden with mythological motifs, Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel gives you Scandi-themed fanfare at its finest. Rooms are also somehow cozy despite being made from ice.
Book a room at Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel.
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