Unforgettable Unique Lodging Experiences in the USA
We all know that lodging can make or break a vacation, but staying somewhere truly unique – like a tipi, a giant bird’s nest, or even underwater – can elevate a regular trip into an unforgettable experience.
The USA’s entrepreneurial spirit knows no bounds, frequently expressed in one-of-a-kind lodging scenarios. For those wishing to escape the confines of hotel chains, consider these exceptional accommodations, which range from cozy country bed and breakfasts to options resembling aquariums.
Get Cozy in the Great Outdoors
America’s only ‘Human Nest’ for rent is at Treebones Resort in Big Sur, California. Designed for two by eco-artist Jayson Fann, the Nest offers breathtaking views of the Pacific and tends to get booked several months in advance. While the nest is completely open to the elements, featuring just an outdoor mattress, it provides a unique experience under the stars that many guests return for year after year. The popularity of the Human Nest inspired the addition of the Twig Hut, a two-story ‘twigitecture’ structure. Visitors must bring their own sleeping bags and pillows, and a backup tent is recommended in case of rain.
If you prefer a more comfortable yet rustic experience, visit Falls Brook Yurts in Minerva, New York. Hidden in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains, yurting is ideal for outdoor lovers not wishing to haul camping gear. Inside the fully furnished yurt, you’ll find a kitchenette, tables, chairs, a sofa, and bunk beds for six. An outhouse is just a short stroll away, and while there’s no running water, you can carry bottled water from the road or collect it from the nearby brook.
Find a Piece of Middle Earth in Middle Tennessee
For a unique nature connection, consider booking ‘hobbit huts’ nestled in the hills just off the famed Natchez Trace Parkway. Located on the grounds of Forest Gully Farms, these three tiny houses—known as Gully huts—can accommodate up to eight guests in a rustic yet inviting environment surrounded by a sustainable ‘food forest.’ Owners Jon and Mandy Giffin aimed to create a visually unobtrusive getaway within their thriving ecosystem.
Have Your Pizza Delivered Underwater
Dive 21 feet below the surface at Jules’ Undersea Lodge in Key Largo, Florida, one of the world’s few operating underwater hotels. Perfect for scuba diving, visitors can sleep, eat, and watch marine life swim by their windows. While prior experience in scuba diving is beneficial, beginners can take a short introductory course provided by the lodge. Your luggage is delivered via a watertight container, and if hunger strikes, you can order pizza delivered in a similar manner. Owner Ian Koblick humorously notes that the marine life is often just as intrigued by the guests.
Step Back in Time
Route 66 stretches over 2,400 miles between Chicago and Los Angeles, with quirky stops like the Wigwam Village Motel in Holbrook, Arizona. A time capsule and on the National Register of Historic Places, this motel features 15 one- and two-bedroom wigwams or tipis. Each wigwam is furnished with handmade hickory furniture, a sink, toilet, and shower, evoking mid-century charm.
Experience Traditional Farm Life
Explore another era at Hillside Homestead in Suttons Bay, Michigan. This fully restored farmhouse from 1910 allows guests to immerse themselves in history, with period furniture and appliances. The proprietor, Susan Odom, provides meals made using Victorian recipes and local ingredients, including produce from her own orchard, creating a truly authentic experience.
Love Animals? So Do Your Hosts
At Dog Bark Park Inn on Highway 95 in Cottonwood, Idaho, chainsaw artist Dennis Sullivan and his wife Frances Conklin constructed a unique hotel shaped like a giant beagle named ‘Sweet Willy.’ Open from April to October, this delightful stop allows you to unplug and enjoy a charming stay with breakfast featuring homemade recipes. The gift shop also offers quirky souvenirs in the shape of the famous beagle and his friends.
Experience Taos’ Artisan Offerings
In Taos, New Mexico, Richard Spera transformed his hen house into Casa Gallina, a collection of casitas offering spectacular views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Ideal for visitors seeking local experiences, the casitas feature kitchens and are decorated by local artists. Spera often treats his guests to delicious home-cooked meals, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere perfect for relaxation.
This article was originally published in 2014 and updated in December 2017.
