The United States offers an abundance of places to stay, and some of them are truly remarkable. From hotels housed in former prisons and on mountaintops to those that have wholeheartedly committed to a theme, there are plenty of unique places to bed down for the night (or longer).
Click through this gallery to discover a unique place to stay in every US state...
Alabama's first boutique hotel, the GunRunner, is located in the heart of Florence, a riverside city bursting with Southern charm. With a unique concept of luxurious anonymity, there's no check-in desk and rooms can only be booked online. Named after the pawn shop that occupied the building years ago, the hotel has 10 distinct suites that are all individually appointed and named after a person or a place significant to the area.
As the name suggests, this place is all about the view. The first hotel to be built on Navajo Tribal Park land, it’s owned by the Navajo people and was designed to blend in with its sacred setting. There’ll be no squabbling over rooms at The View: every bedroom has a private balcony with jaw-dropping views of Monument Valley’s vivid sandstone rock formations, known as the Mittens.
As the name suggests, this property in Bentonville is part hotel, part museum, with 104 rooms and over 12,000 square feet (1,115sqm) of exhibition space under one roof. Guests can admire thought-provoking art throughout the space, before enjoying refined country cuisine at the on-site restaurant The Hive, which features a menu designed to showcase Arkansas' unique culinary identity.
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Forget tranquil, subtle and peaceful: for an over-the-top escape, head to California’s Madonna Inn, which is almost entirely Barbie-pink. Featuring themed rooms with names such as the Madonna Suite and the Love Nest, pink tennis courts and a colorful gift shop, this is a place to escape the mundane and embrace the quirky.
A 5-star resort in Aspen, The Little Nell boasts a swimming pool and hot tub in its courtyard, the perfect spot for resting aching legs after a day on the slopes. In fact, the apres-ski options are extensive – with ski-to-door access, an on-site spa, restaurant and wine bar. Ideal.
Comprising the original farmhouse built in 1775, a 19th-century addition and a further 21st-century extension, Winvian Farm is a luxury retreat set within 113 acres of sprawling woods. With 18 individually designed cottages, an excellent farm-to-table restaurant and a spa set in the fragrant gardens, a stay here is truly relaxing. Just two hours away from New York or Boston, the unique retreat promises restorative nature walks and cozy evenings snuggled up by the fireplace.
For a slice of American history, stay at The Brick Hotel in Georgetown. Known as the Union Hotel during the Civil War era, when it was a popular hangout for soldiers, the building is now one of the last from the era still standing in Delaware. Lovingly restored with plenty of original features, including the 19th-century staircase, staying at this charming guesthouse is like stepping back in time.
A stroll through the opulent Faena Hotel Miami Beach is not unlike a visit to an art gallery. The lobby, nicknamed The Cathedral, has palatial gold and velvet furniture, impressive murals and columns adorned with gold leaf. Art aficionados should head straight for the hotel's pool and beach area, where Damien Hirst’s striking sculpture Gone But Not Forgotten – a 3,000-year-old gilded wooly mammoth skeleton – casually overlooks vacationers.
Sitting on a small island off the coast of Georgia, this stunning hotel is where Southern hospitality meets Mediterranean-style design. Guests can enjoy a fine-dining experience in the Georgian Room restaurant, feasting on delicacies such as grilled octopus and truffle soup, before relaxing in the Georgian Room lounge in front of a roaring fire with a glass of vintage port in hand – the hotel has an extensive list to choose from.
Many who travel to Hawaii come to visit the otherworldly Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and nowhere is closer to the action than Volcano House, situated almost right on the rim of Kilauea. Guests can enjoy stunning views of the caldera, amazing Hawaiian food and exhilarating hikes through a rainforest to the volcano.
The Destinations Inn in Idaho Falls transports guests around the world, with each of its 14 suites featuring a theme inspired by a famous destination. Whether you opt for Athens, New York City, Thailand (pictured) or England, you can guarantee you’ll not stay in a room quite like any of these anywhere else.
This opulent Chicago landmark was built by business magnate Potter Palmer as a wedding gift for his bride Bertha Honore in 1871. The original building burned down 13 days later during the Great Chicago Fire, but Palmer rebuilt it and reopened the hotel in 1873. Today, it's one of Chicago's most charming spots and it's worth stopping by the elegant lobby, adorned with ceiling frescoes and gold Tiffany chandeliers, even if you're not staying the night.
For a chain hotel, this Crowne Plaza in Indianapolis is surprisingly unique. Located within a former train station, it has rooms in old train carriages still positioned on the tracks, while the station's Grand Hall has been converted into a stunning venue space often used for weddings and events. Built in 1888, the 100-year-old building has gone through two renovations that have preserved as much of the original features as possible.
The incredible history of Hotel Julien Dubuque can be traced as far back as 1839, when the first lodging house opened on this site. The current hotel building was completed in 1915 and allegedly served as a hiding place for notorious mobster Al Capone when things got complicated in Chicago. The hotel has retained its historic charm which is now combined with modern and luxurious amenities.
There really isn't much the Midland Railroad Hotel hasn't seen in its time. Opened in 1899, it was a popular stop along the Union Pacific Railroad between Kansas City and Denver; during the Great Depression the hotel's third floor was turned into a chicken coop in order to serve dinner guests; and although it continued operating over the next few decades, it closed in 1978. The historic building fell into disrepair until it was bought by the Wilson Foundation in 1997, who restored it to its former glory.
Located in the aptly named Versailles, The Kentucky Castle features 10 luxury rooms and suites where guests can really live like royalty. The on-site farm-to-table restaurant features elevated Kentucky cuisine, while the spa offers romantic honeymoon or anniversary packages. If you're happy to splurge, the Presidential Suite is located in a spacious corner turret with a sitting room and private terrace.
Choosing just one unique hotel in Louisiana, especially in New Orleans, is no mean feat – but it's the French Quarter's iconic Hotel Monteleone in the Bourbon Street area that takes the top spot. Opened by Sicilian immigrant Antonio Monteleone in 1886, the hotel is still owned by the family today. Writers like Capote and Hemingway used to hide out here while writing, taking an occasional break (or two) at the legendary Carousel Bar which is, as the name implies, a carousel.
The Westin Portland Harborview was the largest hotel in New England when it opened in 1927 as the 369-room Eastland Park Hotel. It has gone down in history as the place that didn't let Eleanor Roosevelt stay with her dog, and later made headlines again when Ozzy Osbourne tossed pool furniture off the rooftop. The hotel fell into disrepair until 2011, when it underwent a $50 million renovation project.
On a cobbled street corner in Fell's Point, once a major shipbuilding area and Baltimore's oldest waterfront community, the Admiral Fell Inn is made up of seven adjoining buildings. One was once a boarding house for sailors before it expanded into a Seaman’s YMCA in the late 1920s, then eventually closed in the 1970s. The hotel began to resemble its current shape in 1985, when the building was opened once more, and a 38-room inn was created. Finally, in 1996, upgrades transformed the space into a beautiful boutique hotel.
It's a lavish hotel today, but in its former incarnation The Liberty was known as The Charles Street Jail and was home to some of Boston’s most notorious criminals. Previous inmates include Boston's ex-mayor James Michael Curley, imprisoned in 1904 for fraud, and activist Malcolm X. Today, you’re more likely to spot showbiz stars in the corridors – Meg Ryan and Eva Mendes are both said to have stayed at The Liberty.
At 727 feet (221m), the Detroit Marriott is one of the tallest hotels in the USA and has more than 1,300 rooms across 73 floors with fabulous views of the Detroit River. When not admiring the view from your room, head to the patio for a cocktail or, if you’re keen to see the city from a slightly lower vantage point, the hotel’s downtown location makes it easy to explore on foot.
The Hewing Hotel is all about style – think recycled wood floors, custom-made furniture and trendy accessories. Located in Minneapolis' hip North Loop with its boutique stores, cocktail bars, independent restaurants and craft breweries, the hotel has a unique feature in the form of giant raindrops hanging in the central atrium. Although most are silver, you'll be able to spot a few purple ones in tribute to Prince, who was born in Minneapolis.
Not a nod to the presidential home but to its founder's name, White House Hotel was established by Cora White, wife of Gulf Coast lawyer and judge Walter White, when she started accepting boarders at their Biloxi home in the 1890s. Business was so good that the Whites bought the house next door too, and combined the two to create a lobby, dining room and ballroom in 1910. Now restored thanks to the two White sons, the hotel has regained its former glory, and a stay here does feel quite presidential.
The dramatic proportions of the lobby at the St. Louis Union Station Hotel are awe-inspiring, and the gold leaf detailing, sweeping archways and impossibly high ceilings come to life each night, when the hotel hosts a 3D light show. It features animations including flying birds and an aquarium scene projected across the historic lobby, along with photos of the former station and its passengers.
Set within the grounds of an expansive working ranch, The Resort at Paws Up gives guests a choice between two accommodation options – luxe glamping tents complete with en suite bathrooms and wooden floors, or comfortable private vacation homes. You can explore the rolling hills of Blackfoot Valley on foot or on horseback, and with more than 100 miles (161km) of trails, you're unlikely to run out of ground to explore.
It may be part of a small chain, but Magnolia Hotel in Omaha is still a seriously classy joint with plenty of character. Built in 1923, the hotel is modeled on the Bargello Palace in Florence, Italy, and has a stunning interior courtyard which earned the building a slot on the National Register of Historic Places. If you can manage to drag yourself away from its charm, you’ll find plenty to do in the historic Old Market neighborhood just steps from the hotel.
A list of unusual hotels wouldn't be complete without an outlandish place to stay in Sin City. As well as circus performances, the aptly named Circus Circus has an indoor theme park: the Adventuredome. Here you'll find the Canyon Blaster, the only indoor double-loop, double-corkscrew roller coaster in the world.
Adventure Suites in North Conway is home to 18 fabulously kitsch suites with themes including a haunted castle and Roman mansion. The Love Shack, meanwhile, is a 1970s-style suite complete with a two-person hot tub and a disco ball, while film buffs can book themselves into a room that doubles as a private movie theater.
A sleek and modern hotel, EnVue's best feature is definitely its location. Book one of the riverside rooms and you'll be treated to a panoramic view of midtown Manhattan as you enjoy your chic quarters. The hotel's monochrome color palette and minimalist decor makes it feel ultra-luxe.
Recognized as one of the best hotels in the world, The Inn of 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 and all rooms and suites have traditional kiva fireplaces. Some also feature private balconies or secluded patios, while the private two-bedroom Luminaria Villa is a chance to live like royalty.
Like something out of a fairy tale, the Mohonk Mountain House sits on the shore of the picturesque Lake Mohonk in upstate New York. Surrounded by expansive woodlands, the castle-like hotel offers guided hikes as well as a changing roster of activities that include tours of the greenhouse and gardens, meditation and yoga sessions, and rock climbing.
When George Vanderbilt designed his stunning Asheville estate in 1889, he wanted to open an inn that would overlook the splendor of the grounds. But it wasn't until 2001, long after his death, that The Inn On Biltmore Estate was opened, alongside the moderately priced Village Hotel and the Cottage – the only lodging here that dates back to Vanderbilt's time.
Throughout its history, Hotel Donaldson has been a beacon of change in Fargo. After a fire ravaged most of the city, the hotel was one of the first buildings to reopen in 1893. Then, after decades of disrepair, its restoration began the revitalization of the then-neglected downtown. Now the boutique hotel, with each of its 17 rooms designed by a local artist, is a destination in itself.
The oldest continuously run business in the state of Ohio, the Golden Lamb is a presidential favorite, having housed 12 former US presidents. It began life as a simple tavern in 1803, providing a resting spot for travelers on their way from Cincinnati to the old National Road (now US-40). It offered simple rooms and stiff drinks, a tradition that hasn't changed much since then.
Not many hotels have been blamed for losing a basketball game, but the Skirvin is one of them. Both the New York Knicks and Chicago Bulls have blamed the hotel for their losses, citing – wait for it – being haunted while staying there as the reason. Other guests have corroborated the spooky claims, reporting objects randomly moving, doors slamming shut and hearing strange sounds. Don't believe them? Why not stay and find out for yourself...
If Timberline Lodge seems familiar, it's probably because Stanley Kubrick used it for exterior shots of the notorious Overlook Hotel in his movie The Shining. Built on Mount Hood, the hotel's ski-to-door access makes it a popular spot with skiers and snowboarders, while the cozy cabin-like rooms are the perfect place to relax after a day on the slopes.
Housed in the former Girard Bank, the dramatic architecture of The Ritz-Carlton definitely makes it a unique setting for a night's sleep in Pennsylvania. The marble walls and columns are complemented by a neutral color scheme and the interior oozes old-world glam – think bronze elevators, gilt chandeliers and wrought-iron railings.
The charming New England town of Watch Hill served as the Hamptons of its day, and this Grand Victorian house hotel was brought thoroughly up to date in 2014 following a change of ownership, while retaining original features such as the stone fireplace and reception desk. With a sprawling lawn, expansive sea views and a vintage feel, Ocean House offers a tranquil escape from day-to-day life.
It's no surprise the elegant French Quarter Inn was named the best hotel in the US in 2019. Tucked away in a quieter and calmer area of Charleston's City Market, the hotel's guests have specifically praised the Deluxe Corner Terrace King room that boasts views of the St Philip's Church steeple.
Deadwood was an infamous vice and gambling town after the 1870s Gold Rush, when the likes of Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane roamed the streets. The Martin Mason Hotel, with its antique furnishings and lavish 1898 ballroom, recreates the atmosphere of the town in its 19th-century heyday. Get into the spirit with a flutter in the Wooden Nickel Casino on the ground floor of the hotel.
A true Southern classic, The Peabody first opened its doors in 1869, but was moved to a newer building at its present location in 1925. Although the hotel itself is luxurious and stunning, it's a unique tradition started in the 1930s that draws in visitors. The hotel is home to a small team of ducks that arrive at the hotel's lobby fountain via a red carpet for a splash around each day. The Duck March, as it's known, is well worth seeing if you're ever in Tennessee.
While Texas likes everything bigger and better, Kimber Modern is the total opposite. The contemporary hotel looks more like a private home from outside while on the inside it's all clean lines, modern furnishings, neutral colors and chic accessories. Built under a canopy of oak trees, it feels like a true escape from the busy city, and the seven guest rooms are all beautifully decorated, with floor-to-ceiling windows letting in plenty of natural light.
Surrounded by the Mars-like environment of Utah, the Amangiri offers extreme luxury in a spectacular and secluded setting. Thousands of square miles of untouched scenery stretch around the resort, and inside you can expect seriously high-spec suites, a spa with desert views and an aquamarine pool that curves around a towering rock escarpment.
Once home to the Nobel Prize-winning novelist Sinclair Lewis, today Twin Farms is an all-inclusive countryside retreat tucked away in the trees on 300 forested acres. City dwellers can recharge their batteries at one of the 10 cottages at this 5-star property, enjoy the daily changing tasting menu in the 18th-century farmhouse that has been transformed into a candle-lit restaurant, or make the most of the surrounding wilderness with a personalized Champagne picnic experience in the meadows.
This 12,000-acre escape in southern Virginia is where to go when you want to disconnect from the world. Immerse yourself in nature by staying in one of the adults-only treehouses or opt for a two-story cabin with floor-to-ceiling windows. During the day there's a part of the Old Appalachian Trail to hike or a golf course to enjoy, and once the sun sets, head to the on-site observatory dome for stargazing.
Although the Salish Lodge and Spa is only a 30-minute drive from Seattle, it feels like a world away. The resort benefits from a totally unique location at the top of the breathtaking Snoqualmie Falls, surrounded by beautiful evergreen forests and hiking trails. The resort offers 86 guest rooms that all feature fireplaces and oversized spa tubs for a relaxing break.
The Greenbrier has been welcoming guests since 1778 and is a popular destination for luxury travelers looking to take to the natural hot springs. Located in a scenic mountain setting in southern West Virginia, the accommodation ranges from guest rooms to signature suites and state homes for private events. You won't want to miss the afternoon tea here – complimentary tea, sweet treats and cookies are served at 4:15pm precisely, as they have been for more than 200 years.
A much-loved Milwaukee legend, walking into Hotel Metro is like stepping into a time machine. The Art Moderne-inspired hotel imitates the 1930s style so impeccably, you won't believe it was opened in 1998 (although the building itself was built and designed at the start of the 20th century). All 63 suites feature luxurious amenities like deep soaking or whirlpool tubs and plush beds.
Get a taste of the old Wild West at the iconic Irma Hotel in Cody. This place was built by none other than Buffalo Bill in 1902 who named it after his daughter. You can stay in his personal suite, but the highlight of the hotel is the gorgeous cherrywood bar, which was a gift from Queen Victoria. Today, it is famous for its prime rib buffet.