Unique US Hotels

Sure the Holiday Inn and the Best Western are convenient, reasonable and you know what to expect. But if you’re game to try something really different on your next trip, try sleeping in one of these settings. Some of these hotels are a unique addition to a great location, and some of them are unique enough to be the destination.

Make your next trip to Florida memorable with a stay in the Jules Undersea Lodge. Located off the coast of Key Largo, the lodge was actually created as the La Chalupa Research Lab and guests must dive 21 feet beneath the surface of the sea – through a mangrove lagoon to reach the two room hotel. The hotel features all of the amenities of a typical hotel, with the added bonus of a natural aquarium right outside the window. The experience includes plenty of dive time, and guests can earn their PADI or NAUI certification during their stay.

After reading about Kokopelli’s Cave, you may want to change your travel plans to include Farmington, New Mexico. This bed and breakfast may be located in a cave, but there is nothing prehistoric about it. You’ll find a waterfall shower, Jacuzzi, a well-stocked kitchen and plenty of DVDs. The cave was originally created as a unique geologist’s office, but has since been the home of the geologist’s son, and is now operated as a bed and breakfast by the geologist and his wife. Parthenon, Arizona, provides a different take on a cave resort at Beckham Creek Cave Haven. With a great room boasting over 2,000 square feet, this is the perfect place to host a group event. The guest rooms are cozy and comfortable, with all of the necessary amenities, and the surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor activities including spelunking and rock climbing. For a truly spectacular get-away, arrive at this out of the way resort by helicopter.

Get back to nature with a rustic Swiss Family Robinson Style sleepover. The Takilma Treesort in Cave Junction, Oregon, is perfect for family vacations and calm getaways. The resort offers a number of cabins built amongst the trees, some as high as 35 feet above the ground. Adventurous guests will enjoy the suspended bridges, zip line, horseback riding and swimming hole. Looking for something more relaxing? Try the Deva Treetop Spa. Recently opened, this tree house is designed to pamper with facials, body treatments, coaching and all natural products. Or, for a more exotic treetop experience, try the Hana Lani in Hana, Maui. These tree-top rooms are intended for romance, with stunning ocean views, fresh flowers and the warm glow of candles and tiki torches at night (the tree houses have no electricity). Both resorts offer traditional accommodations for those who prefer to remain grounded.

For a truly luxurious treetop experience, the Post Ranch Inn takes full advantage of the stunning views of Big Sur, California. A five-star resort, the Post Ranch Inn has been featured in Travel + Leisure’s Top 500 Hotels, and includes a gourmet restaurant, full-service spa and several unique outdoor activities. These tree house rooms don’t skimp on luxury, but if you prefer something different on the ground try the Butterfly House, whose unique design resembles a butterfly with wings spread.
Dunton Hot Springs, in Delores, Colorado, is a ghost town turned luxury resort complete with natural hot springs and spa. After a soak in the hot springs discovered by Colorado miners, spend the night in a completely restored nineteenth century log cabin. The restaurant uses home-grown vegetables and selections from the on-site vineyard to prepare delicious meals that are shared at the long, antique tables in the dining room. What to do during the day? Your choices range from relaxing at the spa to horseback riding, heli-skiing, fly-fishing and hiking.


Bookworms should take advantage of two hotels dedicated to the written word. The Library Hotel in New York City is conveniently located within walking distance of the New York Public Library, and each of the 10 floors of the hotel honors one of the 10 categories of the Dewey Decimal System. The guest rooms offer a selection of books according to the room’s subject. On the opposite coast, literature buffs will recognize the name of this hotel as one of modern literature’s greatest supporters – the Sylvia Beach Hotel in Newport, Oregon, is dedicated to the first publisher of James Joyce’s Ulysses. Each of the rooms is named after a writer and decorated to evoke his or her life. None of the rooms have a phone or television, but these are hardly missed when guests head downstairs for a unique dinner with the other guests and owner. Be prepared to share at this group event.