Travel to USA through the years, we’ve stayed in many different kinds of vacation lodgings—from a compact tent pitched while hiking in U.S. National Parks, to a fifth-wheel camper parked in State Park campgrounds, to cozy cabins on cruise ships while sailing across the ocean. Each one carries its own special memory for me. But the places that stand out most in my mind always have a touch of the unusual.

Now, I’ll admit, I’m not talking about anything extreme—no ice hotels in the far north or underwater suites in faraway destinations (although I’d love to tour them someday). What I mean are accommodations that bring a fresh and unexpected character, offering a break from the standard hotel room—while still providing comfort and convenience for a restful stay.

In this case, the two upper floors above the lobby were once offices, but have been transformed into ten guest rooms (eight standard rooms and two suites, each with a private bath). Since the building is historic, there’s no elevator—only stairways.

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We stayed in the TJ Ramsdell Suite on the third floor. When we stepped inside, a compact bathroom was immediately to the right. Just a couple of steps farther down opened into the bedroom, furnished with a king-size bed, matching nightstands, and a tall armoire concealing the flat-screen TV and DVD player. To the left, a doorway led into a cozy sitting space with a loveseat positioned before a gas fireplace.

At the far corner was a rounded turret alcove with a small table and chairs. The turret held three windows, each accented with a panel of stained glass at the top. From this vantage point, Travel to USA, we enjoyed a pleasant view overlooking downtown and the Manistee River.

 I really appreciate the restoration and repurposing of this charming historic building from a bank into a hotel. In other words, it’s a place you can rely on for an enjoyable stay. Constructed in 1870, this distinctively six-sided house sits on three acres in the town of Pentwater and serves as a peaceful getaway. The first thing that catches your eye is the wraparound porch. The upper-level porch features a large deck, making it an ideal spot to take in the view, chat, read, or simply unwind. Beneath the deck is a lovely living and dining area. The only bedroom on the ground floor is the Cottage Rose Suite, which includes two walk-in closets and a private portion of the porch with a swing. This is their most popular room, and I can personally vouch for it. The remaining four guest rooms are located on the second floor. During our initial visit, we stayed in The Homestead Room. Each second-floor guest room has its own door leading directly to the upper porch.

Built in 1895, this 11,000-square-foot Queen Anne-style home sits atop a hill with a view over downtown Kalamazoo. The paved driveway leads up the hill to the parking area. On the day we arrived, the late afternoon sun cast a warm glow on the brick and sandstone exterior. Despite the snowy ground and chilly weather, we climbed a short set of steps to reach the gazebo. One of the first things we noticed was the beautiful glass doors. Henderson Castle is adorned with antiques, sparkling crystal chandeliers, and rich wood details.  We spent the night here on New Year’s Day, so the Castle still retained its festive Christmas decorations.

Our guest room on the second floor is called the Italian Suite. These were Mr. Henderson’s private chambers. Talk about opulence Travel to USA—the heated green marble floors and the bathroom (originally featuring a 13-head shower, now replaced by a Jacuzzi tub) are truly luxurious. The tower room includes a king-sized bed and a cozy sitting area. We wandered through the Castle’s numerous rooms, including other guest chambers, each uniquely decorated. The French Room, for instance, boasts an exquisite ornate fireplace.

Four guest rooms are located on the third floor, along with the ballroom, a communal lounge with a large sectional sofa and television, and spa facilities including a steam room and sauna.

Next, we visited the rooftop! The view is stunning—particularly at night, when stars and town lights shimmer. It’s incredibly relaxing to soak in the hot tub while enjoying this hilltop perspective. I may not live like royalty, but occasionally I can spend a night in a Castle and feel like a queen.

I love going on historic schoolhouse scavenger hunts. Discovering these old structures is thrilling Travel to USA—especially when someone has made the effort to preserve them from being torn down, like Ty, the owner of the Torrey Schoolhouse B&B. I was thrilled to spend a night in a former school building. So, it’s back to school for us, and we’re determined not to be late!

The two-story structure was originally constructed by a Stock Company in 1914. After some negotiations, it became the Torrey School (1917–1954). The first floor contained three classrooms, while the second floor served as an Amusement Room featuring a stage. This photo of the old school, displayed in the Grand Room of the B&B, shows what the building looked like prior to its renovation.

Between 2003 and 2004, the schoolhouse underwent major renovations, including the addition of a third floor. The team did an excellent job transforming the school into a luxurious bed and breakfast. The main floor is now the Grand Room, complete with a piano, a gas fireplace, and plenty of cozy seating. On our first night, we stayed in the spacious Boulder Mountain Room on the third floor, which featured a queen bed, a flat-screen TV, and a massage chair. Our second night was spent in the delightful Writing Room on the second floor.

On the second floor, there are guest rooms labeled “Reading,” “Writing,” and “Arithmetic,” along with a “Teachers’ Lounge” where visitors can access a refrigerator and microwave. Before leaving the property, we strolled through the expansive yard and garden areas. Behind the building lies a pond featuring a statue of a young boy fishing. This former school has been transformed into a top-notch Bed and Breakfast, making it a delightful place to stay after school!

I wanted to do something unique and special for my husband’s birthday, so I arranged a surprise extended weekend at the Mequon Country Inn, located north of Milwaukee. After checking availability, I decided to go all out and reserved the ultimate romantic retreat – the Chalet Swimming Pool Suite. My husband had no clue where we were headed. I handed him pieces of the road map little by little. Even when we pulled into the driveway, he had no idea what awaited us.

At the Front Office, I checked us in and collected our key for room #39. “Drive to the end of the street,” I instructed. “Then what?” he asked. Travel to USA I pulled a garage door opener from my purse and pressed it. “Right in here,” I replied. “We have a garage?” he exclaimed. We parked the car inside and climbed a short staircase to reach our private cottage.

The first thing Travel to USA we noticed was the pool area. The lower level features a private 22-foot heated pool with a 10-foot waterslide, a tropical waterfall, a misting steam room, and a sound system so you can enjoy your favorite music while swimming. Although there are no windows in the room, strategically placed mirrors and lighting allow for adjustable moods.

The suite has multiple levels. Upstairs, there is a small deck with a couple of chairs and a side table overlooking the pool. At the end of this deck, you can climb onto the waterslide – and it’s incredibly fun!

When we entered the loft area, Travel to USA we began exploring the space. A glass wall provides a full view of the pool from the bedroom loft. The king-size bed sits on a platform, and a smoky mirror above it illuminates like a starry night sky. There’s a cozy gas fireplace, a soothing hot tub, and a comfortable massage chair. A semi-circular settee with a table offers a spot to enjoy a meal or relax.

A multitude of light switches sets the ideal ambiance for a romantic night. A flat-screen TV (offering a selection of free movies around the clock) and a sound system for music provide entertainment for our enjoyment. The room also includes a microwave, a refrigerator, and a coffee maker. A basket stocked with “personal” items sits between the two pedestal sinks.

A bit of background on Sybaris: “Named after an ancient Greek city in southern Italy dating back to 500 BC, the original Sybaris was famous for its opulence and indulgence. Its residents were renowned for their love of luxury and sensory pleasures. The expression ‘a bed of roses’ originates from the Sybaritic tradition of filling beds and pillows with rose petals before couples shared intimate moments.”

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

As you can see, I have a fondness for historic accommodations. If I had been able to locate my photos from our 2003 visit to the Cripple Creek Hospitality House (600 N B St, Cripple Creek, Colorado USA – 719-689-2513), they would have been included here. The Teller County Hospital, constructed in 1901, has been transformed into a distinctive lodging with 17 guest rooms decorated in Victorian style. Antiques such as vintage wheelchairs, gurneys, and other hospital-related furnishings line the spacious hallways. We stayed in the Physicians Room (Dr. Denman’s Office) and encountered a couple lodging in the Maternity Ward. This was one hospital stay we wished could have lasted longer!

So, that’s the story. I know there are other unusual places to stay, so I will continue to search and update this post. In the meantime, if you know of a unique lodging, please share it in the COMMENTS section below.