Unique Places to Stay in the USA

Over the years we’ve had various vacation accommodations that ranged from a small tent while backpacking into the wilderness in our U.S. National Parks, to a fifth-wheel trailer in State Park campgrounds, to cruise ship cabins while sailing on the high seas.  Each has its own special memory for me.  But my favorite lodgings have something unique about them.  Okay, I’m a bit of a wimp here because I am not talking about extreme lodgings (like an ice hotel somewhere in the Arctic north or an underwater room in an exotic location – although I think it would be fascinating to tour them).  So what am I taking about?  I’m referring to a place that offers an unexpected and unique atmosphere different from the traditional hotel room; yet has the comforts and conveniences for a relaxing stay.

I have perused through my photo file on “Lodgings” and picked some of my favorite unique places to stay.   My number one place will knock your socks off!

10.  The Caboose Inn:

Caboose No. 1

Caboose No. 2

LOCATION: 641 Conger Street, South Haven, Michigan, USA

(269) 637-8480

Website:  Caboose Inn

To stay in a caboose, you need to check-in at the Old Harbor Inn located at 515 Williams Street, South Haven (about two blocks from cabooses).

Since my hubby is a train enthusiast we had to spend the night in a caboose.  Upon our arrival, we were given Caboose No. 2. We parked our car in the designated spot next to the caboose.  Later, we walked about a half block to a Subway for a “to go” order.  We enjoyed eating dinner inside the screened-in porch of our caboose.  

Screen Porch

Inside the caboose was a queen-size bed, a futon, TV, a microwave and coffee maker, and modern bathroom with shower. For additional comfort, this seasonal lodging option also has an air-conditioning unit. We found the inside of the caboose to get very warm without the A/C.

Inside Caboose No. 2

Our night's stay here was enhanced by the occasional whistle of a passing train on the nearby tracks. If you love the romance of trains, you will enjoy a night in the caboose.

  

9.  SEA SUITES:

LOCATION: GPS - 219 North Union Street, Saugatuck, Michigan, USA
(269) 426-0381
Website:  Sea Suites

This unique B&B (Boat & Breakfast) has four staterooms with queen size beds and private baths.   It is permanently docked along side a waterfront pier.  The partially covered Sky Deck offers guests the opportunity to relax and enjoy the view.  However, during our spring visit, the weather was too cold to enjoy the upper deck. What I liked about staying here was the opportunity to experience a night on a private yacht.

Curious about other Boats & Breakfasts? I invite you to view my Blog Post on “Floating B&B’s” by clicking on the following link:

Denice's Blog Post - Floating B&B's

8.  RAMSDELL INN:

 Ramsdell Inn

LOCATION:  399 River Street, Manistee, Michigan (USA)    

Phone:  (231) 398-7901
Website:  Ramsdell Inn

Built in 1891, this Victorian style building was a bank in its former life.   The three floors have been converted into a unique boutique hotel. 

At the corner of the building (on the lower level) is where TJ's Pub is located (you go down a few stairs). We'll have lunch here.

 Lower Level is TJ's Pub

 Inside TJ's Pub

For now, we go up a short flight of marble-looking stairs to the second floor where the Ramsdell Inn's lobby is located.   The Inn’s Gift Shop is cleverly located inside the former bank vault (complete with the heavy locking doors). 

 Up the Stairs to the Lobby

Entrance to Hotel

 Hotel Lobby

Gift Shop in Vault

The two floors above the lobby used to be offices.  They have been converted into the 10 guest rooms (8 rooms and two suites - all with private baths).   Keep in mind this is an old building and there is not an elevator – only stairs. 

Stairs to Upper Floors

We stayed in the TJ Ramsdell Suite on the third floor.  As we walked into the room, a small bathroom is to our right.  Another two steps down is the sleeping area with a king-size bed, two night stands, and a large armoire hiding the flat-screen TV and DVD player. To our left is a doorway leading to a seating area with a loveseat facing a gas fireplace.  At the corner of the room is a curved turret/alcove where a small table and chairs are placed.   The turret has three windows each topped with a small stained glass window.  From here we have a nice view of the downtown and the Manistee River. 

TJ Ramsdell Suite (Third Floor)

Turret Sitting Area

View from Room

The Hollister Room (Second Floor)

I love the preservation and redevelopment of this beautiful historic building from a bank to a hotel.  In other words, it’s a place you can bank on to have a pleasant stay.

7.  HEXAGON HOUSE B&B:

 Hexagon House

Location:  760 6^th Street, Pentwater, Michigan (USA)    

Phone:  (231) 869-4102
Website:  Hexagon House B&B

Built in 1870, this uniquely shaped (six-sided) house is relaxing retreat on three acres in the town of Pentwater.  The first thing we notice is the porch which surrounds the house.  The second level porch includes a spacious deck.  It is a perfect place to enjoy the view, talk, read a book and just relax.  The area below the deck is a beautiful living room/dining room. 

Living Room/Dining Room

Sitting Room

The only bedroom on the main floor is the Cottage Rose Suite.  This Master Suite has two walk-in closets and a private section of the porch with a swing.  This is their most requested room and I can personally recommend it. 

 Cottage Rose Suite

 Bathroom

 Private Porch with Swing

The other four guest rooms are on the second floor.  During our first visit here, we stayed in The Homestead Room.  The second floor guest rooms have private doors that access the second floor porch.  

Second Floor Stairway

The Homestead Room

Second Floor Wrap-Around Porch

What I love about this B&B is its unique shape, outstanding service, and serene location.

If you like B&B’s, I invite you to view my blog post “Michigan B&B’s” by clicking on the following link:
Denice's Blog Post - Michigan B&B's

LIGHTHOUSE B&B's

For me a lighthouse is a mysterious and magical place filled with stories of love and courage … and sometimes mayhem ...  if it’s reputed to be haunted!. What can I say? I am a lighthouse lover. So, I am thrilled to stay overnight at a lighthouse that has been converted into a Bed & Breakfast. Here are some of my favorites:

6.  Big Bay Lighthouse:

Location:  3 Lighthouse Road, Big Bay, Michigan (USA)    

Phone:  (906) 345-9957
Website:  Big Bay Lighthouse B&B

5.  Sand Hills Lighthouse:

LOCATION: 6029 Five Mile Point Road, Allouez, Michigan, USA

(906) 337-1744
Website:  Sand Hills Lighthouse B&B

4.  Two Harbors Lighthouse:

LOCATION: 1 Lighthouse Point, Two Harbors, Minnesota, USA

(888) 832-5606
Website:  Two Harbors Lighthouse B&B

For more details I invite you to view my blog post on Lighthouse B&B's by clicking on the following link:
Denice's Blog Post - Lighthouse B&B's

3.  HENDERSON CASTLE:

Location: 100 Monroe Street, Kalamazoo, Michigan (USA)

(269) 344-1827

Website: Henderson Castle Inn

Built in 1895, this 11,000 square foot, Queen Ann style house is located on a hilltop overlooking downtown Kalamazoo.

The paved driveway goes up the hill to the parking area. On the day we arrived, the late afternoon sun was casting a warm glow on the brick and sandstone exterior. Despite the snow on the ground and the cold temperature, we climb a short set of steps to the gazebo.  

View of Henderson Castle from Gazebo

It's time to check-in. We walk across the tiled floor of the covered porch to the front door.

Front Porch

 One of the first things we notice are the beautiful glass doors. Henderson Castle is filled with antiques, crystal chandeliers, and warm wood accents.

 Front Doors

Lobby

Dining Room/Restaurant

At the stairway landing to the second floor is a beautiful stained glass window.

Stained Glass Window

We stayed here the night of New Years Day.  So, the Castle was still decorated for Christmas.

Our second floor guest room is the Italian Suite.  It was Mr. Henderson's private quarters. Talk about luxury - the green marble floors are heated and the bathroom has a 13-head shower (still in the bathroom but no longer functioning - a Jacuzzi tub has been installed). The tower room has a king-size bed and sitting area.

Italian Suite

We explored the Castle's many rooms including some of the other guest rooms. Each guest room has its own unique design. The French Room has a beautiful ornate fireplace.

French Room

Four of the guest rooms are on the third floor. This area also has the ballroom, a community room with a large sectional sofa and TV, and the spa facilities (steam room and sauna).

Third Floor Ballroom

Next stop, the rooftop! The view from here is great - especially at night when the stars and town lights are twinkling. It's relaxing to sit in the hot tub and watch the view from this hilltop/rooftop vantage point.

Rooftop Hot Tub & View

I may not be able to live like royalty but once in a while I can spend a night in a Castle where I can feel like a queen.  

2.  TORREY SCHOOLHOUSE:

 Torrey Schoolhouse B&B

Location:  150 North Center Street, Torrey, Utah (USA)   
Phone:  (435) 633-4643
Website:  Torrey Schoolhouse B&B

I love going on schoolhouse scavenger hunts.  Finding these old buildings is exciting … especially when someone has taken the time to save them from demolition – like Ty (owner of the Torrey Schoolhouse B&B).   I was excited to stay overnight in a former school.  So, it’s back to school for us and we don’t want to be tardy!

 Entry Gate

Courtyard

The two-story building was built by a Stock Company in 1914.  After negotiations, the building became the Torrey School (1917-1954). The first floor had three class rooms and the second floor was used as an Amusement Room with a stage. 

**

*This picture of the old school was on display in the Grand Room of the B&B.  It shows what the two-story school looked like before its renovation. 

In 2003-04, the schoolhouse was extensively renovated and a third floor was added. They have done a great job remodeling the school into a luxurious B&B.  The main floor is now the Grand Room with a piano, gas fireplace and lots of comfortable seating.   

 Entry & Dining Area

Grand Room

Our first night, we stayed in the spacious third floor Boulder Mountain Room with a queen bed, flat screen TV, and a massage chair.  Our second night stay was in the charming Writing Room located on the second floor.

 Boulder Mountain Room

 Writing Room

On the second floor are guest rooms named “Reading”, “Writing”, and “Arithmetic” and a “Teachers Lounge” which allows guests to use the refrigerator and microwave.  Before we leave the school, we walk around the large yard and garden areas.  Behind the school is a pond with a statue of a little boy fishing. 

Skipped School - Gone Fishin'

This former school is a first-class Bed and Breakfast … and it’s a pleasure to stay after school here!

My Number 1 favorite unique place to stay is …

.

1.  MEQUON COUNTRY INN (a Sybaris Spa)

Entrance Sign

Driveway

Location:  10240 North Cedarburg Road, Mequon, Wisconsin (USA)    

Phone:  (262) 242-8000
Website:  Mequon Country Inn

I wanted to go someplace unique and special to celebrate my husband’s birthday.  So I planned a surprise extended weekend to the Mequon Country Inn (north of Milwaukee).  After reviewing the availability, I opted to “go for it” and booked the ultimate romantic getaway – the Chalet Swimming Pool Suite.  My husband had no idea where we were going.  I gave him the road map in bits and pieces.  Even when we drove in the driveway, he didn’t know what to expect.  I checked us in at the Front Office and got our key for #39.  “Drive down to the end of the street” I directed him.  “Where next?” he asked me.  I pulled the garage door opener out of my purse and pressed the button.  “Inside this garage,” I answered him.  Gee, we have a garage!?

We park the car inside the garage and climb a short flight of stairs to enter our private cottage.  The first thing we see is the pool area.  This lower level has a private 22’ heated swimming pool with a 10’ waterslide; a tropical waterfall, a misting steam room, and a sound system so you can listen to your favorite music while enjoying the pool area.  While there are not any windows in the room, the placement of mirrors and the use of various lights control the mood. 

 Pool Area with Waterslide and Waterfall

 Mirror Reflection

This is a multi-level suite.  So, it’s up another flight of stairs to a small deck area with a couple of chairs and a side table overlooking the pool.  At the end of this deck is where you climb onto the waterslide and yes, it’s a lot of fun! 

We open the door to the loft area and begin to look around the room.  A wall of glass offers an unobstructed view of the pool area from the bedroom loft area.  There is a king-size bed placed on a platform (a smoky mirror above the bed lights up to give the illusion of a night sky with twinkling stars).  There is a cozy gas fireplace, a soothing hot tub, and a relaxing massage chair.  A semi-circular settee and table offer a place to eat.  

 Bedroom Area

 Dining Area

Bathroom Area

A profusion of light switches creates the perfect mood for a romantic evening.  A flat screen TV (including a variety of free movies 24/7) and a sound system for music are available for our listening pleasure.   The room has a microwave, refrigerator and a coffee pot.  A basket filled with “personal” items is placed between the two pedestal sinks. 

A little background on Sybaris:  “Named for an ancient Greek city in Southern Italy dating back to 500 BC, the ancient Sybaris was noted for its wealth and luxury.   Inhabitants of Sybaris were known to be devoted to luxury and sensuous pleasure.  The phrase "a bed of roses" derives from the Sybaritic custom of filling the bed and pillows with rose petals before couples shared moments of intimacy.”

In addition to the Mequon, Wisconsin location there are four other Sybaris locations:  Northbrook, Illinois; Frankfurt, Illinois; Downers Grove, Illinois: and Indianapolis, Indiana. 

As you can tell, I love staying at historic places.  If I could have found my photos from our 2003 stay at the Cripple Creek Hospitality House (600 N B St, Cripple Creek, Colorado USA – 719-689-2513) it would have been included here.   The Teller County Hospital was built in 1901 and has been renovated into a unique lodging with 17 guest rooms furnished in the Victorian style.  Antiques like old wheelchairs, gurneys, and other hospital-type furnishings can be found in the wide hallways.  We stayed in the Physicians Room (Dr Denman’s Office) and met a couple who were staying in the Maternity Ward.  This was one hospital stay we wanted to last longer! 

So, there you have it.  I know there are more unique lodgings out there so I’ll keep looking and updating this post.  In the meantime, if you know of a unique place to stay, please leave a message in the COMMENTS section following this post.