Funky hotels, #1

The hospitality industry has a long history. As long as there have been cities and travelers, there have been hotels. In these modern times, hotel markets are well-structured and long-established but, like ourselves, there are plenty of places where innovation and fresh ideas win out over the familiar.

Here's a great case in point (via Hotel Blogs). Das Parkhotel in Schloss, Germany, uses recycled concrete tubes in the center of a green space. That's what you sleep in. Check it out:


All services are in existing buildings in the immediate area. Rates go by the "pay as you will" model, which makes Das Parkhotel a cool option for backpackers. It looks a little more secure than a hostel and you can't beat what you see when you walk out of your room: green grass. And, what a great use of existing materials. Leave it to those clever Germans!