Travel writer and photographer Lola Akinmade rounds up some exciting lodging options for hobbyists.
These days, bedding down on sterile white cotton sheets in a typical hotel room doesn't seem to cut it anymore. Our insatiable need for peculiar lodging alternatives that cater to specific hobbies and personal interests means more fanatical and themed hotels keep popping up across the country. From "Choo choo" trains to pirate-themed digs and "Wild Wild West" villas, here are some of the most fanatical hotels from around the country.
Adobe Grand Villas, Sedona, Arizona
Travel back in time to the Wild Wild West with a stay at the Adobe Grand Villas. This boutique bed & breakfast resort offers a "Wagon Wheel Villa" with elaborate beds built out of wooden wagons and white canopy covers complete with wheels. Other themes include a "Cactus Flower Villa" and a "Silver Spur Villa."
Vision Quest Ranch, Salinas, California
Welcome to the jungle...literally, at this safari-style bed and breakfast. You'll share the grounds with real lions and tigers and giraffes along with a host of other wild animals. Apparently, daily continental breakfasts are delivered to your bungalow by elephants.
The Vick, Los Alamos, California
This Victorian Mansion Bed & Breakfast offers you six different themes--a 1950s Cadillac; an Egyptian room complete with a chariot; Pirate, French, Roman rooms; and a special Gypsy-themed room that sports a repurposed caravan for a bed.
Wigwam Village, Cave City, Kentucky
Have you ever wanted to sleep in an authentic wigwam? Now you can. This village has actually been around for awhile, since 1937, and has been designated a historic landmark. It is also located close to Mammoth Cave National Park. Though usually open year round, the village will shut down on November 15 and is scheduled to reopen on February 25, 2010.
These days, bedding down on sterile white cotton sheets in a typical hotel room doesn't seem to cut it anymore. Our insatiable need for peculiar lodging alternatives that cater to specific hobbies and personal interests means more fanatical and themed hotels keep popping up across the country. From "Choo choo" trains to pirate-themed digs and "Wild Wild West" villas, here are some of the most fanatical hotels from around the country.Adobe Grand Villas, Sedona, Arizona
Travel back in time to the Wild Wild West with a stay at the Adobe Grand Villas. This boutique bed & breakfast resort offers a "Wagon Wheel Villa" with elaborate beds built out of wooden wagons and white canopy covers complete with wheels. Other themes include a "Cactus Flower Villa" and a "Silver Spur Villa."
Vision Quest Ranch, Salinas, California
Welcome to the jungle...literally, at this safari-style bed and breakfast. You'll share the grounds with real lions and tigers and giraffes along with a host of other wild animals. Apparently, daily continental breakfasts are delivered to your bungalow by elephants.
The Vick, Los Alamos, California
This Victorian Mansion Bed & Breakfast offers you six different themes--a 1950s Cadillac; an Egyptian room complete with a chariot; Pirate, French, Roman rooms; and a special Gypsy-themed room that sports a repurposed caravan for a bed.
Wigwam Village, Cave City, Kentucky
Have you ever wanted to sleep in an authentic wigwam? Now you can. This village has actually been around for awhile, since 1937, and has been designated a historic landmark. It is also located close to Mammoth Cave National Park. Though usually open year round, the village will shut down on November 15 and is scheduled to reopen on February 25, 2010.
Chattanooga Choo Choo, Chattanooga, Tennessee This Holiday Day Inn takes its name, that's right, from the choo choo trains of our childhoods. Railroad enthusiasts can stay in one of 48 rooms refurbished from original Victorian train cars. Featuring authentic railroad tracks dating back to 1909, the hotel is set to celebrate its 100th birthday this December.
The Aurora Express, Fairbanks, Alaska
Still looking for more railroad attractions? Check out the Aurora Express B&B, repurposed from authentic Alaska Railroad cars. The coaches sit on 700 feet of railroad track that overlooks the city of Fairbanks and the Tanana Valley.
Inn at Christmas Place, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Who says you can't celebrate Christmas every day? Located in the Smoky Mountains, this three-year old hotel guarantees you Santa Claus sightings all year long, complete with mistletoe, Christmas ornaments, red-and-green seasonal décor, and some sweet-sounding carols.
Tree Bones Resort, Big Sur, California (pictured)
Enjoy Big Sur's magnificent views, sleep beneath the stars, and get back to nature while spending the night in a yurt. Built in the 1960s, the resort features tent-like circular structures held up by wood lattice frames, a type of lodging long utilized by Mongolian nomads.
Silverton Casino Lodge, Las Vegas, Nevada
While lots hotels are connected to specific airport terminals or convention centers, the lodge-themed Silverton Casino attaches itself to Bass Pro Shops, one of the largest outdoor sporting goods stores in the country. Now you can cater to both your inner outdoorsman and inner gambler at the same time.
Pirate Haus Inn, St. Augustine, Florida
Head on over to the nation's oldest city and check into (you guessed it!) the pirate-themed, family-friendly Pirate Haus Inn. Gorge yourself on their All-You-Can-Eat Pirate pancake breakfast, and partake in other nautical activities.
The Best Western Space Age Lodge, Gila Bend, Arizona
For our UFO fanatics way out there, we've got you covered. The Best Western Space Age Lodge is decorated with intergalactic murals and sports a flying saucer perched atop its roof. The lodge boasts tons of NASA and military photos plus an outdoor pool shaped like a UFO.
Photo: Adobe Grand Villas and Treebones Resort
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What about the Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo, CA? That hotel sets the bar for 'quirky'.
I remember Wigwam Village from my childhood days before I-65 connected Nashville and Louisville. The wigwams were a memorable landmark every year as we drove north for Thanksgiving dinner. I always wondered whether guests hit their heads on the sloped ceilings. I'm glad to know they're still around.
Well we could use some of that attitude here in Croatia. I mean, the nature is great here but accommodations are plain bore. If only more people from my country see this, maybe someone would do something more interesting.
Don't get me wrong, you really don't want to spend much time indoors anyway when you can go to beautiful beaches or visit ancient ruins, but interior design lags far behind.
Helio, Croatia Holidays team
Nice Blog…..found it informative somewhat….
These are some interesting hotels. I'd love to stay in the "Wagon Wheel Villa". It made me think of the "Little House on the Prairie".
Hi,
I really appreciate the idea of the hotel "Wagon Wheel Villa".. This is the creation which everyone wants..
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