When it comes to where you rest your head, how adventurous are you?

It takes more than 15,000 tons of snow and 5,000ICE HOTEL tons of ice to build Canada's Ice Hotel (Quebec). The Swedish ICE HOTEL in Lapland requires a colossal 30,000 tons of snow and 10,000 tons of ice.

Every year both need to be completely rebuilt. An exercise in stupidity or a constantly evolving masterpiece?

Ice Hotel Quebec

More beautiful than a scene from the "Tales of Narnia," Canada's Ice Hotel first opened its doors in 2000, and more than 17,000 people have slept there since then - though curious gawkers come by the hundreds of thousands.

Ice HotelIf you're brave enough to stay the night, expect dinner and breakfast at nearby Auberge Duchesnay (where you can also have a "Warm Night" experience), access to the nordic-style hot tubs and sauna, an arctic sleeping bag, blanket and pillow. You can choose between a room with a fireplace or one without, but you can't have a door - curtains provide privacy. Room rates start at $350US per person per night.

ICE HOTEL Jukkasjarvi

Every year since 1990, each room has been hand-sculpted. The feeling here is ultra-chic with an emphasis on adventure. Safaris, a track for spinning a brand-new Saab on the ice and even a wilderness camp with glass-roofed cabins. Lapland is known for its proximity to the Northern Lights, so enjoy!

ICE HOTELThe hotel is more than 100 miles inside the Arctic Circle. Although temperatures outside can be downright frigid, inside it's rarely below 23F (-5C). The hotel recommends several nights in the Scandinavian designed "Warm Hotel" around one or two cold nights. Your reservation fee includes your room, sleeping gear, a hot beverage and breakfast in the morning and access to the sauna. Room rates start at $500US per person per night.

Do you have the nerve to sleep on a slab of ice for a whole night? If you go, remember...

• Both hotels allow tourists inside (for a fee) but nighttime guests take over after dark.
• You'll need to store your luggage in the "Warm Hotel." If you take it to your room, it will freeze.
• There are no doors - just curtains - except for the luxury suites at ICE HOTEL Jukkasjarvi.
• Bathroom facilities are in an adjacent warm building.
• Although sleeping bags are provided, dressing in layers will help your body adapt to the cold during the day.
• Children are welcomed and encouraged at Ice Hotel Quebec, but not at ICE HOTEL Jukkasjarvi.

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