From Treehouses to UFOs: The Coolest Places to Stay in the USA
Why settle for a bland hotel when you could spend the night in a luxury treehouse, a retro UFO, or even a giant potato? Across the U.S., creative hosts and boutique hoteliers are redefining what it means to “check in.” Whether you’re chasing childhood dreams or just want something different, these unforgettable stays will turn your vacation into an adventure.
🌳 1. Treehouse Utopia – Utopia, Texas
Perched high in the Texas Hill Country, these beautifully crafted treehouses combine luxury and nature. With names like Biblioteque and Carousel, each unit features a unique theme, custom decor, and a peaceful view of the Sabinal River. It’s adults-only, making it the perfect quiet getaway.
🛸 2. Area 55 UFO – Joshua Tree, California
Stay in a silver flying saucer in the desert! This Airbnb is a kitschy, alien-themed pod nestled among boulders and Joshua Trees. Complete with glowing lights, retro space decor, and total privacy, it’s a sci-fi fan’s dream come true.
🐶 3. Dog Bark Park Inn – Cottonwood, Idaho
Shaped like a giant beagle (really), this roadside B&B is known as “Sweet Willy.” Inside, the dog-themed decor continues, with dog-shaped headboards and pillows. It’s quirky, charming, and surprisingly comfortable.
🥔 4. Big Idaho Potato Hotel – Boise, Idaho
A six-ton potato that once toured the U.S. is now a stylish one-room Airbnb. Located on a scenic farm, it features a chic interior and a silo-turned-spa-bathroom. It’s the perfect combination of weird and wonderful.
🚀 5. The TWA Hotel – JFK Airport, New York
Step into the Jet Age with this restored 1960s airline terminal turned boutique hotel. With Eero Saarinen’s iconic architecture, a rooftop pool facing the runway, and vintage flight-themed rooms, it’s a retro-futurist’s paradise.
🛌 6. The Roxbury Motel – Catskills, New York
Each room in this wildly imaginative hotel has a fantasy theme—from The Wizard of Oz to Star Trek. There’s even a private cottage that looks like it belongs in a fairytale. It’s bold, kitschy, and full of character.
🔭 7. Stardome Desert Retreat – Sedona, Arizona
Glamp under the stars in a luxury geodome with panoramic desert views. The dome includes a skylight for stargazing, cozy beds, and thoughtful amenities. It’s both futuristic and grounded in nature.
🚌 8. The Schoolhouse Bus – Asheville, North Carolina
This upcycled school bus-turned-home is parked in a forest near Asheville and offers an eco-friendly, offbeat stay. With hardwood floors, a full bed, kitchen, and fire pit, it’s a rolling retreat that doesn’t skimp on comfort.
🧙 9. Hobbiton House – Ramona, California
Inspired by The Lord of the Rings, this hobbit-style dwelling includes a round door, mossy roof, stone walls, and cozy furniture that transports you straight to Middle-earth. Magical and secluded.
🚂 10. Red Caboose Motel – Strasburg, Pennsylvania
Sleep inside an authentic train caboose! Each one is uniquely decorated and parked beside the historic Strasburg Rail Road. Great for families or train enthusiasts looking for a nostalgic experience.
✨ Why Stay Ordinary?
These places offer more than just a place to rest—they give you a story. Whether you want to live out a childhood fantasy, connect with nature, or sleep in a spaceship, there’s a stay out there that fits the dream.