Traveling is all about creating memories, and what better way to do so than by staying in a hotel that’s out of the ordinary? From giant beagles to cave lodges, America’s landscape has unique accommodations that promise more than a place to sleep. These hotels offer experiences that are as diverse and vibrant as the country itself. Here are some of the strangest hotels in America that you need to know about.
The 10 Strangest Hotels in America
1. Wigwam Village, Holbrook, Arizona
The Wigwam Motel in Holbrook, Arizona, is a nostalgic trip back to mid-century Americana. Situated along Historic Route 66, this motel is part of the iconic Wigwam Motel chain. Guests can stay in one of the 15 “wigwams,” which, despite their teepee appearance, provide typical motel comforts such as hot showers and cable TV. The atmosphere is completed with classic cars adorning the parking lot and neon signs welcoming travelers.
2. Dog Bark Park Inn, Cottonwood, Idaho
The Dog Bark Park Inn is a must-visit for a quirky prairie escape. Known as the “largest beagle in the world,” this bed and breakfast is shaped like a giant dog. Dog-themed designs and carved canine figures create a charming and cozy ambiance. Despite its unusual appearance, the inn offers a comfortable stay and a unique experience.
3. Beckham Creek Cave Lodge, Parthenon, Arkansas
Living like the Flintstones becomes a reality at Beckham Creek Cave Lodge in the Arkansas Ozarks. This hotel boasts renovated cave bedrooms with natural rock walls and a central waterfall. The lodge features a kitchen, a main room, five full bedrooms, and a recreation room designed to offer a luxurious yet nature-immersed experience.
4. The Liberty Hotel, Boston, Massachusetts
The Liberty Hotel in Boston, once the Charles Street Jail, offers a unique blend of history and luxury. Former inmates include Malcolm X and James Curley, but today, the hotel boasts high-end amenities and cheekily named restaurants like Clink and Alibi. With services such as complimentary shoeshine and en suite bars, the Liberty Hotel provides a refined stay with a nod to its past.
5. Winvian, Litchfield Hills, Connecticut
Winvian in Connecticut offers 18 uniquely themed cottages, each providing a different experience. Guests can choose from various imaginative accommodations, from the “Beaver Lodge” resembling a beaver’s habitat to the “Helicopter” cottage with a restored Sikorsky helicopter. The “Artist” cottage even includes a studio stocked with canvases and paints.
6. Aurora Express Bed & Breakfast, Fairbanks, Alaska
For those who cherish nostalgia, the Aurora Express Bed & Breakfast offers a chance to sleep in beautifully refurbished train carriages. Each carriage has been themed to reflect Alaskan history with names like “Bordello” and “Gold Mine.” Despite being stationary, the interiors are luxurious and authentic, making it a unique lodging experience.
7. The Shady Dell Vintage Trailer Court, Bisbee, Arizona
Step back into the 1950s at The Shady Dell Vintage Trailer Court. This collection of 11 restored mid-century trailers is adorned with vintage decor, including martini glasses and record players. Even the entertainment stays true to the era, with radios playing old programs and televisions broadcasting in black and white.
8. McMenamins Kennedy School, Portland, Oregon
A former elementary school turned hotel, McMenamins Kennedy School in Portland offers a unique stay. Guests sleep in former classrooms, dine in the converted cafeteria, and watch movies in the old auditorium. The hotel’s pub is housed in the old girl’s room, and the Detention Bar serves locally brewed beer.
9. Kokopelli’s Cave Bed & Breakfast, Farmington, New Mexico
Kokopelli’s Cave Bed & Breakfast offers a unique underground stay. Guests sleep in a fully furnished room carved into a cliff face of ancient sandstone. Despite its cave setting, the room has modern amenities, providing a comfortable yet private retreat with fascinating geological features.
10. Madonna Inn, San Luis Obispo, California
The Madonna Inn in California offers 110 uniquely themed rooms, each decorated with its own style. From faux-Swiss Alps exteriors to rock showers and waterfalls, every room provides a visually striking experience. Along with the eclectic decor, the inn offers a variety of amenities, including a pool, spa, and bakery, ensuring a memorable stay for all guests.
