There’s no better way to beat the cold weather blues than by planning a little vacay or staycay. Besides deciding on the perfect destination, part of the fun is in landing just the right accommodations and who doesn’t love places with a little more jeuje? We asked Community Managers across the US and Canada for their top-tier picks, spots that are so quirky and cool, you may not even want to leave the property. Rest assured — or maybe you want to stay up all night and enjoy a haunting? — there’s offerings for all budgets and inclinations.
Hotel de Glace. Photo on Yelp by Sadie M.
Hotel De Glace (Quebec City, Canada)
“So creative and artistic, fantastic incorporation of lights into all the decor… ice hotel room…
There’s no better way to beat the cold weather blues than by planning a little vacay or staycay. Besides deciding on the perfect destination, part of the fun is in landing just the right accommodations and who doesn’t love places with a little more jeuje? We asked Community Managers across the US and Canada for their top-tier picks, spots that are so quirky and cool, you may not even want to leave the property. Rest assured — or maybe you want to stay up all night and enjoy a haunting? — there’s offerings for all budgets and inclinations.
Hotel de Glace. Photo on Yelp by Sadie M.
Hotel De Glace (Quebec City, Canada)
“So creative and artistic, fantastic incorporation of lights into all the decor… ice hotel room was forest-themed, with trees carved up the walls and overhead, and animals everywhere…” — Mark Y
**What’s giving that unique glow: **The entire hotel is an ice and snow sculpture with rooms and beds carved into it, rebuilt every winter with a new theme.
What makes it destination-worthy: Onsite restaurant/bar and spa. Tours are available of the entire winter masterpiece.
**Nearby: **Skiing, indoor waterpark and affiliate hotel should the weather be too cold to stay at the ice hotel.
The Vintages Trailer Resort (Dayton, OR)
“The charm of the location is undeniable; it’s a place that truly captures the heart… We enjoyed a fantastic barbecue together, creating lasting memories amidst the beautiful setting.” — Krissy H
What’s giving that unique glow: Stay in vintage Airstream trailers.
What makes it destination-worthy: Firepits, bikes, pool, scenic vibes and each trailer comes equipped with a propane grill.
Nearby: Wineries galore.
Park Winters. Photo on Yelp by the business.
Park Winters (Winters, CA)
“Off the beaten path down a rural stretch of Winters, CA, you’ll find the beautiful Park Winters property – an absolute, albeit, hidden treasure.” — Cristina V
**What’s giving that unique glow: **The ultra-luxe Tower Suite was originally a windmill water tower that offers swoon-worthy views of the countryside and on a clear day, you may be able to get a glimpse of the Sierra Nevada.
**What makes it destination-worthy: **Farm and garden tours, nifty shops, pick-your-own-flower packages and a plethora of crafty workshops.
**Nearby: **The picturesque small town of Winters, local wineries and beautiful parks.
Aloha Surf Hostel (Paia, HI)
“Literally the best place with the best people. I’m 37 and brand new to hostel life and to solo-traveling, and I feel like I hit the jackpot with getting to experience Aloha Surf Hostel.” — Angela C
**What’s giving that unique glow: A **surf-themed hostel that fosters community amongst travelers and is extremely budget-friendly.
**What makes it destination-worthy: **Free tours around Maui, yoga classes on the beach. The common areas are clutch with a fire pit and hot tub available to guests.
**Nearby: **The charming town of Paia, hiking trails, short walk to the beach.
Sou’wester Lodge & Vintage Travel Trailer Resort (Seaview, WA)
“We have stayed in a different trailer each time, and each time offers a uniquely different experience. We’ve also stayed in the lodge rooms as well, which is also fun. The upper balcony is a beautiful spot to sit and have a cuppa coffee.” — Trisha L
**What’s giving that unique glow: **Vintage vibes in droves from cabins to trailers to the lodge and campsites.
**What makes it destination-worthy: **Beautiful grounds with firepits, outdoor spa, thrifting trailer, market with locally-made treats. Vinyl and VHS library, bikes. Their restaurant is a favorite amongst Yelpers.
**Nearby: **Beaches, brewery and easy drive to places on the Peninsula.
Hotel Valley Ho. Photo on Yelp by the business.
Hotel Valley Ho (Scottsdale, AZ)
“If you go to the second floor above the lobby, there’s a wall of historic photos featuring the hotel. You can see photos of when Zsa Zsa Gabor stayed here in the 1960s. There is also a photo of Natalie Wood and Robert Wagner, who stayed here in 1957 when they were married in Scottsdale.” — Stuart B
What’s giving that unique glow: Impeccably restored Mid-Century Modern hotel that was established as the epicenter of cool in 1956. Ultra mod amenities.
**What makes it destination-worthy: **Rooms with different vibes and features like soaking tubs in the middle of the room. Thriving pool-scene. Rooftop lounge offers incredible views of Camelback Mountain.
**Nearby: **Old Town Scottsdale’s galleries, shops and nightlife.
Miss Molly’s Hotel (Fort Worth, TX)
“When you enter you walk up a flight of stairs and step back in time. From framed wanted posters of outlaws to a cast iron stove and many other relics, it is decorated beautifully.” — Marie W
**What’s giving that unique glow: **Built in 1910 as a boarding house turned bordello and is now allegedly quite haunted.
**What makes it destination-worthy: **Ghost-hunting, experience a bygone era in Old West-themed guest rooms
**Nearby: **Stockyards strip, vibrant nightlife.
Hotel Emma. Photo on Yelp by the business.
Hotel Emma (San Antonio, TX)
“Such a beautiful hotel and industrial design surrounded by beautiful architecture and rooftop garden… Every inch of the hotel tells a story…” — Sameh A
**What’s giving that unique glow: Once a brewhouse and now next-level boutique hotel with **a steampunk aesthetic and unforgettable signature scent.
**What makes it destination-worthy: **Complimentary check-in margs and bikes. Behold a 3,700-volume library and sip craft cocktails in a transcendental tavern/lounge.
Nearby: All that the artsy/trendy Pearl neighborhood has to offer.
Hotel Peter and Paul. Photo on Yelp by the business.
Hotel Peter and Paul (New Orleans, LA)
“Spanning four properties, this historic gem seems to be ripped straight from the pages of a storybook…” — Brittany B
**What’s giving that unique glow: **A restored Catholic church, school and rectory, decorated with antiquities and pieces from regional artisans. No two rooms are alike, from bunk beds to luxurious convent “sanctuaries.”
**What makes it destination-worthy: **An event space like no other in the beautifully- restored Catholic church. Dine in the decadently-decorated Elysian Bar. Seasonal and month-long discounts for those who want to immerse themselves in New Orleans life.
**Nearby: **A lively neighborhood full of local flavor and a short walk to the French Quarter.
The Doghouse Hotel & Brewery (Canal Winchester, OH)
“Upon check in you get a beer, you also get a beer and cookie every evening. There is also a free breakfast and to accompany the meal you get a beermosa!” — Aja G
**What’s giving that unique glow: **It’s not just a hotel, but also the BrewDog brewery.
**What makes it destination-worthy: **Rooms come equipped with taps and beer fridges in the showers (ask them to stock your fave BrewDog beer ahead of time) guitars and record players, and some have views of the brewery from the windows. On-site fun includes a dog park, museum, and a highly-rated restaurant.
**Nearby: **Twenty minutes from Columbus.
Tuxedo Park STL Bed & Breakfast Inn (Webster Groves, MO)
“This place is beautiful. So much history and character… I love the lobby/ common area where you can stay for as long as you want and just enjoy reading a book.” — Prima B
**What’s giving that unique glow: **Built in 1895 as a church & schoolhouse, the common space is the original sanctuary with 24 foot ceilings and original stained glass.
What makes it destination-worthy: Appreciate its loving restoration and unique history. Raised altar hosts 20+ of your closest friends for private dining in the original church.
**Nearby: **Twenty minutes from Saint Louis.
Bottleworks Hotel. Photo on Yelp by the business.
Bottleworks Hotel (Indianapolis, IN)
“From the moment you step inside, you feel like you’ve been taken back in time to the beauty and splendor of the art deco age! The hotel is stunning and I loved seeing the original touches from its origin of the bottling factory from the tile to the water meter end table.” — Stephanie G
**What’s giving that unique glow: **1930s Coca-Cola bottling plant that has retained jaw-dropping art deco style, including original terrazzo floors, exquisite rotunda staircase, and a masterpiece piano.
What makes it destination-worthy: Won the top spot of Yelp’s Top 100 Places to Stay in 2023. On-site amenities include a movie theater, cocktail bar, bowling alley, vintage photobooth and spa.
**Nearby: **Indy’s downtown district
Lake Nona Wave Hotel (Orlando, FL)
“…there is a garden area with incredible artwork and impressive sculptures, seating areas, etc and they often times have events or little pop up bars back there so there’s really never a dull moment.” — Brittani W
**What’s giving that unique glow: “Smart hotel” meets living museum where technology and design meet and live happily ever after. **
What makes it destination-worthy: Interior and exterior offer all the photo ops your heart desires. High tech in-room amenities from climate control to lighting. Robots in one of the highly rated onsite restaurants. Vibrant events calendar.
**Nearby: **Legendary Orlando theme parks.
Adventure Suites. Photo on Yelp by Stephanie G.
Adventure Suites (North Conway, NH)
“… they have excellent units, each designed to make your stay not only exciting and fun but extremely relaxing and luxurious.” — Katy R
**What’s giving that unique glow: **Top-tier theming in rooms and suites.
What makes it destination-worthy: Highly immersive experiences from a Roman Rendezvous for 2 to a haunted castle to provide scares throughout the night; a variety of outdoor fun right in their backyard.
**Nearby: **Hiking, skiing, Mt. Washington Observatory’s Science Center.
The Roxbury (Roxbury, NY)
“We stayed in the Genie’s Bottle and it was an unbelievably cool experience. I’ve never seen such cool wallpaper and such attention to detail, everything was perfect down to the sink faucets which were genie lamps!” — Kristine T
**What’s giving that unique glow: A treasure trove of themed rooms, including an entire **Dracula castle and faerie cottage.
What makes it destination-worthy: Pure enchantment in rooms and suites that have you entering an alternate reality. Offers a Midweek Fantasy Escape when you plan for a Sunday-Tuesday arrival and the third night is free.
**Nearby: **All splendor of the Catskill Mountains.