5 cool ice hotels

If winter in the UK just doesn't cut it for all the snow lovers out there, a holiday in an ice hotel may be just the thing for you.

Different to winters at home where two layers will suffice, these sub zero hotels will transport you to a magical ice kingdom for a truly memorable experience.

Snow suits and warming blankets keep you snug in the frosty surroundings, while fur-lined mittens keep your hands warm as you sip drinks from frozen glasses in the hotels' ice bars.

So pack your ear muffs and head off to one of these stunning ice hotels this winter.

Transylvania's Ice Hotel, Romania

Every year, this Romanian ice hotel is built using ice from the nearby Balea Lake; its design changes every year and this season's theme is zodiac. You reach the snowy summit by cable car from Balea Cascada. One night in a double ice room costs 440 Lei (around �100) an Igloo room will set you back around 660 Lei per night (around �150). During your stay you must indulge in dinner on ice - a four-course meal at the world's first and only Ice Restaurant complete with ice plates, frozen tables and fur-lined chairs. You can also enjoy drinks in their Sub Zero Ice Bar.

Flights: Indirect flights to the hotel's nearest airport - Sibiu International - are available from many UK airports. Or you could fly direct to Bucharest, which is 191 miles away, and drive the rest.

When: The hotel officially opens on Christmas Day each year and closes at the end of April.

Icehotel Jukkasj�rvi, Sweden

The world's first hotel made of snow and ice celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, so what better time to hop on a flight to Swedish Lapland? This year's icy accommodation features designs by global artists and includes 23 ice rooms, 18 Northern Lights rooms, 16 art suites and two luxury suites. There's also an ice bar on site, as well as a heated restaurant and a chapel made of ice. The hotel is situated just 20 minutes from Kiruna Airport, and if you want to make the trip extra memorable, why not take a dog sled to the hotel's reception?

Flights: You can fly to Kiruna from a number of different UK airports and discovertheworld.co.uk offer direct flights from Heathrow.

When: It's open from mid-December to mid-April but some construction may be ongoing until the end of January.

Snow Hotel in Kirkenes, Norway

Located in northern Norway, this beautiful hotel is redesigned and built from scratch every year. This season you can choose from more than 40 rooms and enjoy the onsite bar and chapel - all made from ice and snow. Rooms are adorned with beautiful snow decorations and stunning ice sculptures are on display throughout the hotel. During your stay you can ask for Northern Lights wake up calls and enjoy a traditional Arctic meal. There are plenty of activities on offer including Sami (Norway's indigenous people) experiences, dog sledging, and snowmobile and Northern Lights safaris.

Flights: We found direct flights from London Stansted to Oslo, in December, for £60. Then you'll need an internal flight from Oslo to Kirkenes - available daily from SAS and Norwegian.

When: Open from 20th December to 20th April.

H�tel de Glace, Qu�bec

Celebrating its 15th anniversary in January, this stunning hotel definitely has the cool factor. Situated just 10 minutes from downtown Qu�bec City, this magical environment has something for everyone. Those staying overnight can take advantage of the Nordic relaxation area with outdoor spas and sauna - ultimate relaxation under the stars! H�tel de Glace has 44 rooms and themed suites on offer and if you're looking for a romantic break in the New Year, we recommend snuggling up in a premium suite complete with a fireplace.

Flights: Available from a number of UK airports.

When: From 5th January to 22nd March 2015.