The best travel memories aren’t always about the destination—they’re about how you stay. The atmosphere, design, and story behind a hotel can transform an ordinary trip into something unforgettable. These five unique hotels in the U.S. don’t just offer a place to sleep—they offer a mood, a memory, and in some cases, a full-on fantasy. Better yet? You can bring a little of their magic home with curated decor picks inspired by each stay.

Colorful interior of Madonna Inn dining room with hot pink booths, floral carpet, and rustic wood beams – courtesy of Expedia — **Madonna Inn - San Luis Obispo, California**

Planning a California getaway? This is *the* iconic stop among hotels by San Luis Obispo.

There’s no place like it. From hot pink dining booths to waterfall showers carved into rock, the Madonna Inn is pure maximalist joy. Each room is themed (and wildly different), and the on-site Madonna Inn Bakery is famous for its pink champagne cake.

Check Madonna Inn Rates on Expedia

Design Vibe: Retro-glam meets theme park kitsch
Steal the Style with Amazon Finds: Try pink crushed velvet pillows or a gilded rococo mirror for a pop of whimsy.

Exterior of The Don CeSar hotel in St. Pete Beach, Florida, featuring its iconic pink Art Deco architecture and palm-lined entrance – courtesy of Expedia — 2. **The Don CeSar - St. Pete Beach, Florida**

Whether you're exploring **St. Pete Beach hotels Florida**, booking a stay at the **Don CeSar Beach House Suites**, or just soaking in the glamour, this hotel delivers design inspiration by the wave.

Nicknamed the "Pink Palace," The Don CeSar is a seaside icon that brings Art Deco charm to Florida’s Gulf Coast. With its grand staircases, vintage glam, and beach views, it’s easy to see why this landmark stands out among St. Pete Beach best hotels.

Grand lobby of The Don CeSar with geometric tile flooring, gold chandelier, and elegant seating – courtesy of Expedia

Interior hallway of The Don CeSar hotel showcasing Art Deco columns, chandeliers, and white marble floors – courtesy of Expedia

Colorful guest suite at The Don CeSar featuring pastel-toned furniture, spiral staircase, and coastal decor – courtesy of Expedia

Sunset view from The Don CeSar pool area overlooking palm trees and the Gulf of Mexico – courtesy of Expedia

Check Don CeSar Rates on Expedia

Design Vibe: Coastal Gatsby meets retro elegance
Steal the Style: Think pastel hues, curved furniture, vintage barware, and patterned tile.

Exterior of The Roxbury at Stratton Falls at sunset, showcasing its grand Victorian-style mansion and glowing porch lights – courtesy of Expedia — 3. **The Roxbury - Stratton Falls, New York**

The Roxbury Motel NY is more than a place to stay—it's an immersive experience.

The Catskills aren’t short on charm, but The Roxbury dials it up to eleven. Each room is inspired by pop culture or fairy tales—think Cinderella, The Wizard of Oz, or Star Trek—and designed with full theatrical flair.

Check Rates for The Roxbury on Expedia

Design Vibe: Maximalist fantasy with bold color and sparkle
Steal the Style: Think metallic wallpaper, jewel-toned accents, and a statement chandelier.

Front entrance of McMenamins Kennedy School in Portland, Oregon, showing the original Kennedy Elementary School facade – courtesy of Expedia — 4. **McMenamins Kennedy School - Portland, Oregon**

For travelers exploring Portland hotels USA and wanting something non-cookie-cutter, this is an A+ pick.

Class is back in session. This former elementary school is now a quirky hotel complete with a movie theater, soaking pool, brewery, and cigar lounge. McMenamins Kennedy School preserves its academic roots while layering in Pacific Northwest personality.

Lobby area at McMenamins Kennedy School featuring vintage classroom decor, school portraits, and eclectic art – courtesy of Expedia

Bar and dining area at McMenamins Kennedy School with high ceilings, mezzanine seating, and retro lighting – courtesy of Expedia

Outdoor soaking pool at McMenamins Kennedy School surrounded by lush greenery and brick pathways – courtesy of Expedia

Historic hallway at McMenamins Kennedy School with wooden benches, lockers, and classic school lighting – courtesy of Expedia

Check Rates at McMenamins Kennedy School on Expedia

Design Vibe: Vintage classroom with an edge
Steal the Style: Think chalkboard wall decals, schoolhouse pendant lights, and retro maps.

Interior of luxury tent at Under Canvas Lake Powell with stylish seating and desert views – courtesy of Expedia — 5. **Under Canvas Lake Powell - Grand Staircase, Utah**

For those dreaming of unique Canyon Point hotels with adventure baked in, this one checks all the boxes.

If you're craving immersive nature with a touch of boutique luxury, Under Canvas Lake Powell - Grand Staircase delivers. Set against the dramatic desert backdrop near Glen Canyon, this glamping site combines the comfort of a high-end stay with the adventure of the outdoors. Stargazing, canyons, and canvas tents never looked so chic.

Canvas glamping tents at Under Canvas Lake Powell set against a dramatic Utah desert landscape – courtesy of Expedia

Scenic view of a rock formation in Lake Powell with calm turquoise waters near Glen Canyon – courtesy of Expedia

Cozy interior of a glamping tent at Under Canvas Lake Powell featuring a king bed and desert views – courtesy of Expedia

Cluster of canvas tents at Under Canvas Lake Powell lit by soft morning or evening light with canyon views – courtesy of Expedia

Check Rates at Under Canvas Lake Powell on Expedia

Design Vibe: Eco-luxury meets desert escape
Steal the Style: Incorporate natural textures, woven lighting, leather poufs, and airy neutral palettes for a calm, outdoor-inspired vibe.

Final Thoughts

These five unique hotels in the U.S. prove that where you stay can be just as inspiring as where you go. Whether you’re booking your next adventure or simply want to upgrade your home with hotel-level design, let these standout spaces guide your way.

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