Between sleeping with clowns, in a yurt in the middle of the country, or a hobbit hole to live out a fantasy, there is no shortage of unquie and quirky hotels in America.
If you are looking to take your stay up a notch and in search of a hotel that’s unusual, we’ve done the research so you can create your not-so-average bucketlist.
Here’s your guide to the most unique hotel across the country. We’ve found one in every state.
RELATED: 50 in 50: The Best Free Experience In Each State
Luxurious Anonymity: Florence, Alabama
Located in Florence, GunRunner is Alabama’s first boutique hotel. What makes this hotel so unique is its concept of luxurious anonymity.
The hotel operates with a “hands-off” approach to luxury hospitality. When you book, expect the amenities of a luxury hotel experience with the convenience and privacy that comes with a rented apartment. All guests are provided an email confirmation of their four-digit code, allowing them to enter the hotel and their room privately.
There’s no check-in desk, no interruptions by housekeeping, and rooms can only be booked online. There is on-site staff available on the property.
Cottage Hidden In The Mountains: Denali National Park, Alaska
Tucked away in Alaska’s Denali National Park is a Sheldon Chalet. It’s a beautiful cottage in the mountains that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding glaciers and mountains. The only way to get up to the chalet is on a helicopter. A minimum of three nights is required to stay. There’s no better way to see The Northern Lights in Alaska than booking a stay here,
Email the Sheldon Family directly to inquire about this luxurious mountain chalet.
Unique Sky Domes Grand Canyon: Grand Junction, Arizona
This is a one-of-a-kind experience at one of the most popular attractions in the U.S. You now have the chance to stay in nature at the Grand Canyon by staying inside one of these unique skydomes at Clear Sky Resorts.
There’s something for everyone here. It doesn’t matter if you want to spend some time out on an adventure or crave peace and pampering.
This is a true glamping experience that offers luxe private domes with a real connection to the nature around you, including stargazing at night.
Sleep In A Museum: Bentonville, Arkansas
Staying at the 21c Museum Hotel in Bentonville is where you can combine your two passions: traveling and visiting art museums. The hotel is unlike any other accommodation in the country as it’s a part boutique hotel, a contemporary art museum, a cultural center, and home to The Hive restaurant.
The museum portion consists of more than 12,000 square feet of exhibition space seamlessly integrated into all areas of the property. There are opportunities to discover art and artifacts around every corner. The galleries are open every day, and exhibitions rotate.
Even with the artwork displayed throughout the hotel, there’s still a modern and cozy feel.
The Beautiful Madonna Inn: San Luis Obispo, California
The Madonna Inn is one of the country’s most interesting and unique hotels. It is not named after the iconic ’80s singer. It’s actually named after the founders, Alex and Phyllis Madonna.
There are 110 unique rooms on over 1,000 acres of land. Each room is decorated differently to suit many individual tastes, including rock rooms, waterfall showers, rock fireplaces, European fixtures, and fine furnishings, to name a few.
A Yurt At Tennessee Pass: Leadville, Colorado
A traditional yurt is a round tent covered with skins or felt, used as a home by nomads in Central Asia.
Yurts allow you to go glamping in style without sleeping on a hard floor. Colorado’s Tennessee Pass offers beautifully furnished yurts with handcrafted log beds and gorgeous soapstone wood stoves.
When booking a stay in a sleep yurt, keep in mind there are two seasons. The winter season is from November to April, while the summer season lasts from mid-June until the beginning of October.
Luxury Farm Resort: Morris, Connecticut
Escape your everyday hustle and bustle by staying at Winvian Farm. It’s a luxury retreat located within more than 100 acres of farmland and forests.
The resort offers 18 individually designed cottages, an excellent farm-to-table restaurant, and a spa in the fragrant gardens – which is a highlight of your stay here.
The Winvian Farm Spa is a realm of tranquility and pampering. It’s a transformative experience from the moment you step inside.
Pink Perfection Near The Beach: Milford, Delaware
The Towers Bed & Breakfast stands out in Milford’s historic district with its pink, picturesque “steamboat Gothic” architecture. The bed and breakfast looks as if it was taken directly out of the pages of a fairytale.
The Towers were built in 1783, but dramatically remodeled in 1891 in the lavish “steamboat Gothic” style many know it for today. In the early 19th century it was home to Delaware ‘s most famous poet, John Lofland. It was later owned by William Burton, Delaware’s governor during the Civil War.
The Towers is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the North Milford Historic District.
Tiki Suites: Key West, Florida
The most unique stay in Florida is on Airbnb. It’s none other than an iconic Key West Tiki Suite that combines the best parts of boat life with the comforts of a modern home.
Think glamping on the water. There is a cozy hammock, stand-up paddleboards, and snorkel gear.
All Aboard The Vintage Boho Bus: Savannah, Georgia
If you’re visiting Savannah, spend the night in The Boho Bus Vintage Island Retreat ‘61 Streamline. This is a 28-foot camper in a quiet Wilmington Island neighborhood. From here, you can walk to stores, restaurants, and nightlife. It’s also only about 15 minutes to downtown Savannah and Tybee beach.
Inside the RV, you’ll find a mini-fridge, kitchen, and bathroom with sink, shower, and toilet.
Volcano Eco Retreat: Mountain View, Hawai’i
Blending with 4 acres of secluded native Hawaiian ʻōhiʻa tree forest, this adults only tropical nirvana is situated between Hilo and Volcano National Park.
Volcano Eco Retreat has been constructed of the highest quality LEED-certified materials with a Polynesian and bamboo infused style, making it one of the most unique properties on the island.
The Big Idaho Potato Hotel: Eagle, Idaho
The Big Idaho Potato Hotel is the only potato hotel in the world. The 28-foot long, 12-foot wide and 11.5-foot tall potato is firmly planted in an expansive field in South Boise with breathtaking views of the Owyhee Mountains.
The potato’s walls are made of 10-inch thick green expanding foam for optimal heating and cooling efficiencies. Another thing to note is the bathroom is located in a recycled silo just a few steps from the potato. The spa-like loo features a giant whirlpool, a fireplace, luxurious amenities and a glass skylight for night-time star-gazing, according to the hotel’s website.
Be A Kid Again At The Acme Hotel Company: Chicago, Illinois
If you’re for a place to have fun while being close to everything Chicago has to offer, ACME is the perfect choice. Located just a few blocks from the Magnificent Mile in the River North neighborhood, ACME says it’s downtown Chicago’s lifestyle hotel alternative for the tragically hip.
Stunning Historic Architecture At The Crowne Plaza: Indianapolis, Indiana
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Crowne Plaza in Indianaopolis features a convenient downtown location offering upscale modern amenities.
The hotel is situated in the heart of Indianapolis’ shopping, dining and entertainment district and is connected to the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium. The ccommodations promise a comfortable stay in a unique setting.
Martini’s and Bowling: Davenport, Iowa
Since its opening in 1915, the historic Hotel Blackhawk, Autograph Collection has been the luxury hotel of choice for presidents, movie stars and athletes.
Located inside the historic hotel in downtown Davenport is the Blackhawk Bowl and Martini Lounge.
Fun fact: The Blackhawk has been host to several high-profile people including President Barack Obama.
The Perfect Staycation On A Farm: Manhattan, Kansas
The Konza Cabin is a unique lodging and agricultural experience located in the Flint Hills. Enjoy at least 100-acres of farm life by viewing the cows and ranch operations, feed the horses, hike the hills, fish in the pond, and enjoy the wildlife year-round.
This cabin was constructed from reclaimed grain bins connected with an all-glass atrium.
Royal Castle: Versailles, Kentucky
The Kentucky Castle is central Kentucky’s best kept secret.
Situated in between the horse farms of Central Kentucky is a 50 year-old castle on a hill with beauitful views of at least 110 acres of farmland. The Kentucky Castle is truly a unique property that draws many to experience its architectural beauty, mystery and landscape.
It features 10 luxury rooms and suites where you and your friends can live like royalty!
Southern Charm: New Orleans, Louisiana
The Duchess Bed and Breakfast New Orleans is a unique contemporary bed and breakfast with a warm southern ambiance. It’s located in the heart of uptown: one of New Orleans’s most charming and historic neighborhoods.
The unique bed and breakfast is a fully furnished newly constructed 8 bedroom home with all contemporay furnishings.
Tucked Away In A Lighthouse: Rockland, Maine
Maine is famous for its coastline decorated with lighthouses of every size, shape and color but did you know you could sleep in one?
Little River Lighthouse is an “escape from it all” destination situated at the entrance to picturesque Cutler Harbor. Here is where you can witness upclose what locals call one of the true natural “emeralds” of the Bold Coast.
The lighthouse can be booked from June through September.
Explore Morocco On The East Cost: Baltimore, Maryland
Tarus and Yolanda Nelson created the 320-square-foot sustainable tiny house accommodation known as the Moroccan Cottage in 2017.
It’s a stunning tiny-house that will give you all the feels of being in Morocco in a tiny house.
Enjoy Nature In A Silo Cottage: The Berkshires, Massachusetts
There’s an enchanted tiny tower on the Santarella Estate in the Berkshires, Western Massachusetts.
This two-story unique, tiny home offers a charming upstairs bedroom with a 35 ft. high conical ceiling and canopied bed with amazing views of sky and trees all the way out to the lily pond through massive, multi-paned “mill windows.”
Balconies Overlooking Water: Houghton Township, Michigan
Surrounded by the waters of Lake Superior, Isle Royale National Park ranks as Michigan’s most remote island and least-visited national park in the nation as it’s only accessible by boat or seaplane.
Experience the northwoods at remote Isle Royale National Park, located in northwestern Lake Superior. Lake Superior and the island’s inland lakes offer excellent fishing and beauitful photographic moments in the forests and along the Great Lake.
A Sunny Escape: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Hotel Alma is a nod to the European elegance of blending old and new. There are seven unique rooms, each designed to make guests feel like they are staying at a friend’s home. Complimentary beverages and antipasti upon arrival and bakery breakfast are included with every stay.
The seven light and airy guest rooms offer a peaceful city retreat.
Close To The Ocean: Ocean Springs, Mississippi
The Inns of Ocean Springs are a collection of boutique hotels and bed & breakfasts located in the heart of downtown Ocean Springs. These small hotels may only boast a few suites, but they are filled to the brim with luxury amenities and charming aesthetics.
Each has its own story and personality, but all of them are perfect for any vacation, romantic getaway, or celebratory occasion.
A Regal Stay At Ambassador Hotel: Kansas City, Missouri
This downtown boutique hotel in Kansas City is one of the most stunning in Kansas City. It’s housed in a 1920s Neoclassical building. The rooms and suites feature a refined contemporary design with marble bathrooms and designer toiletries.
Stay On A Cattle Ranch: Greenough, Montana
At the crossroads of incomparable luxury and unspoiled wilderness lies The Resort at Paws Up. This Montana Luxury Resort is situated among Montana’s picturesque mountains and nature.
The views are unreal and you can soak them all in from the comforts of your luxurious room or from inside the spa.
Vintage Caboose: Venice Nebraska
You have a chance to sleep in an authentic retired caboose at Two Rivers State Recreation Area, located southwest of Venice.
The cabooses offer a unique lodging experience for park-goers. They sleep six people, with two bunk beds in the rear and two mattresses in the cupola. Each is equipped with a modern bathroom, which includes a tiled shower. A stove, refrigerator, sink, and a few cabinets make up the kitchen. A table, with four chairs and a couch for two, serves as the dining area.
Sleep With Clowns: Tonopa, Nevada
The Clown Motel was named “America’s Scariest Motel” due to its clown theme and proximity to the Old Tonopah Cemetery. Many people are terrified of the Clown Motel.
Pick Your Own Adventure: North Conway, New Hampshire
Adventure Suites is a themed hotel in North Conway with 17 different lodging suites to choose from. There’s psychedelic decor of the 1970s in the Love Shack, the romance furnishings of Ancient Rome, surviving a night in the Jungle, exploring the unknown in the Cave and more.
Let Your Fantasy Play Out At Feather Nest Inn: New Jersey
Let your every fantasy come true at the Feather Nest Inn. Each room in this hotel has a unique theme such as a natural cave, Treasure Island, pagoda, a space odyssey, and more.
Luxury and Grace: Santa Fe, New Mexico
Recognized as one of the best hotels in the world, The Five Graces is situated right in the heart of Santa Fe’s historic district. The traditional adobe-style hotel is furnished with an eclectic mix of East Indian and Tibetan furnishings. From the moment you walk i, you know an extraordinary sensual experience awaits.
Sex and the City: New York City, New York
Hotel on Rivington is an urban oasis with a sleek modern design, stunning skyline views and spacious accommodations that exceed New York City hotel and apartment standards.
It’s known as NYC’s sexiest hotel as it’s located in Lower East Manhattan near SoHo and housed in a 20-story glass tower.
A Hot Stay In A Frying Pan: Charlotte, North Carolina
Formerly a US Coast Guard light station, the Frying Pan Tower is a lighthouse situated about 30 miles from Bald Head Island, North Carolina. It was restored in 2010 to preserve the look and feel of the original 1964 building and is accessible by helicopter or boat only.
An Enchanted Stay: Regent, North Dakota
The Enchanted Castle in Regent is a Medieval tavern with an elegant restaurant that serves everything from King’s Filet Mignon to Court Jester’s Shrimp, the castle provides visitors with a one-of-a-kind experience.
A Mohican Experience: Loudonville, Ohio
Located in Loudonville, this spooky getaway offers murder mystery dinners and other amenities sure to make you feel like the king/queen of the castle. In addition to cottages and other suite options, you can indulge at their restaurant or explore local legend on its purportedly haunted grounds.
Luxury Floating Cabins: Tranquility Point, Oklahoma
The luxury floating vacation cabins at Lake Murray Floating Cabins offer a variety of sizes to meet your needs. Anything from an 18-person lodge down to a one-bedroom pod. Imagine watching the sunrise from your own private balcony or the sunset from your deck.
The Caravan Tiny House Hotel: Portland, Oregon
Tiny Digs Hotel is made up of three cozy tiny homes named Rosebud, Pearl, and Tandem. The common area includes outdoor and covered seating, hammocks, and a BBQ complete with a fire pit.
Vintage RV: Hershey, Pennsylvania
Step into this historic 1975 Airstream trailer for one of the most unique Airbnbs in Pennsylvania.
Located on a farm in Lancaster County, this is a great spot to base yourself while exploring Amish Country, Hershey, Harrisburg, and many more great spots.
A Riverfront View: Newport, Rhode Island
Known as “Newport’s newest waterfront destination,” Forty 1° North is gaining popularity for its gorgeous stylings and trendy atmosphere.
Forty 1° North brings a modern elegance to historic Newport. Marrying a cool and casual luxury with the excitement the beautiful downtown waterfront setting, Forty 1° North offers the best of Newport to guests.
The Trendiest Stay: Charleston, South Carolina
Awarded Top 10 Hotels in the US, Charleston’s Art Hotel is located in the city’s historic French Quarter just steps from world-renowned galleries and boutiques. The hotel features 2-3 rotating exhibits per year, allowing guests to explore and discover art from around the globe.
A Beautifully Restored Victorian Hotel: Deadwood, South Dakota
Take a step back into time to the 1800s in Deadwood’s favorite boutique hotel completely furnished with antiques and period decor.
Historically restored to its 1893 splendor, experience the way Deadwood was in it’s most iconic era. Located in the center of downtown, the Martin Mason Hotel is only steps from everything Deadwood has to offer from the best gaming and dining to worldclass entertainment venues.
Choo-Choo Hotel, Chattanooga, Tennessee
The Chattanooga Choo-Choo Hotel delivers on a theme straight from the song of the same title. Stay in a train-car hotel room restored to the railroad’s heyday in the early 20th century, yet with modern conveniences and queen-sized beds.
Option To Sleep In Train Car: Kingsland, Texas
A Texas Historic Landmark, you can choose to stay in the actual hotel, a cabin overlooking Lake LBJ, or a train car at The Antlers Hotel.
During your stay, you can stroll the spacious lawns, reflective gardens, and shady wooded areas.
A Majestic Yurt: Zion National Park, Utah
This truly breathtaking, glamping Utah yurt rental is ideal for up to four guests to go glamping in Zion National Park.
A stay here means guests will have some jaw-dropping views of the surroundings and each yurt is beautifully crafted and filled with modern yet rustic finishes.
Hobbit Hole, Middletown Springs, Vermont
Take an enchanted mini vacay on the hills where you will find the “Hobbit Hole.” It’s a fantasy architecture on 12 lovely green acres. This unique 1100 sq. ft. home was a design/build project completed by the Airbnb hosts in 2018.
Sandy River Outdoor Adventure Teepees: Rice, Virginia
Sandy River Retreat is just minutes outside of downtown Farmville. In addition to the log cabins available for rent, the business just began renting out their luxury teepees.
Stormking Cabins & Spa: Ashford, Washington
Enjoy private, luxury cabins at Mt. Rainier. This accommodation is an ideal environment for your romantic escape – even if it’s self-care. Each Mt. Rainier rental cabin has its own private hot tub and special, quiet space on the property.
European Elegance: Shepherdstown, West Virginia
Perched on a bluff overlooking the Potomac River, the Bavarian Inn is a romantic country inn that offers European elegance and world-class service.
The Inn’s 72 luxury rooms feature gas fireplaces and whirlpool baths, with many offering stunning views of the Potomac River.
Candlewood Cabins: Richland Center, Wisconsin
The Candlewood Cabins has three glass cabins – all offering expansive views and nature trails on the property.
Candlewood offers on-site nature trails, and there are also five state parks or county recreation areas within an hour’s drive.
Rustic Inn Creekside: Jackson, Wyoming
With amenities and decor that are modern and meticulously maintained, the unique selection of rooms and cabins are sure to appease any taste – whether relaxing after a long day of hiking and sightseeing or taking a day off to rest in comfort and style.
If you have plans to visit Jackson Hole, the nation’s first national park, you will be just a few minutes away.
