Top 5 Unusual Places to Stay for Families

Every day is an adventure!  We like to use this same philosophy in our travels.  When booking a trip, we always look for fun hotel accommodations for the kids and the big kids!  We have booked some unusual places to stay, from tree houses to Pirate Rooms.  We have narrowed our list down to the top 5 unusual places to stay for families.  Let the adventures begin…

Top 5 Unusual Places to Stay for Families

#5 Covered Wagon

Zion Ponderosa Resort Near Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

We have found several resorts around the country that feature a covered wagon for your “hotel room.”  Our favorite covered wagon was at the Zion Ponderosa Resort on our road trip around the country.  This rustic resort is located just minutes from Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah.

This covered wagon features (3) beds, so you are very close to each other.  You have a little path that separates the bed at the back from the two side beds.  That is it.  The covered wagon is very simple.  There are some extra amenities outside, including a fire pit and a picnic table.  We loved sitting outside under the stars.  You can see “millions” of stars in this area…simply breathtaking!

You do have to walk to the comfort stations, so keep that in mind.  This resort has lots of fun resort amenities, including mini golf, sparkling pools, ziplining, and horseback riding.  There is a lot to enjoy.  During our visit, there was even a film crew across the street filming a train scene from The Lone Ranger with Johnny Depp.  That was a fun extra to watch during our visit.

#4 Mickey Mouse Penthouse 

Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim, CA

If you are a Mickey Mouse fan, the ultimate room is Mickey’s Penthouse at the top of the Disneyland Hotel in California.  This amazing suite features a living room, separate kid bedroom, and a separate master bedroom.  This suite has a lot of red, yellow, and black and you will find Mickey Mouse everywhere!

There are so many things to love about the Mickey Mouse Penthouse.  The ultimate is the kid bedroom.  There is a huge black bean bag chair with a Mickey Mouse plush, round bed, and a huge Mickey Mouse shaped head for the entertainment center.  The kids LOVED this room!

For our family, this was a once-in-a-lifetime experience staying in the Mickey’s Penthouse at Disneyland Hotel.  It was incredible!

#3 Navy Ship

USS Yorktown in Charleston, SC

In Charleston Harbor, floats the retired ship called the USS Yorktown.  Kelly and Tim got to spend the weekend in the USS Yorktown during a Cub Scout/Boy Scout trip.  It was an amazing educational and fun experience.

This ship is tight.  The bunks alone are (3) high with very little space in between.  You are also sleeping with everyone else, so bring ear plugs (just in case a neighbor snores.)  There are no sheets.  You have to bring your own sleeping bag.

The USS Yorktown is only one part of the Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum.  You can spend the whole day exploring and learning about this “Fighting Lady.”

#2 Train Car

Crowne Plaza Indianapolis, IN

We have stayed in several trains over the years, including the original Chattanooga Choo-Choo.  Our favorite train car experience was recently in Indianapolis, IN.  We stayed in downtown Indianapolis at the Crowne Plaza Hotel.  Inside the Crowne Plaza, were train cars.  It was amazing!

Even though you were inside a building, you felt like you were actually at a train yard.  They even give you earplugs to use at night, because it is right next to a real train station.  If you really pay attention, you can softly hear and feel the rumble of the trains.

# 1 Cinderella Castle

Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom Park

Do you dream of staying in Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom Park?  I know a lot of people do dream of a night at this exclusive suite, located at the top of Cinderella Castle.  You cannot buy at night at Cinderella Castle yet, but you may be able to win a night.  This spectacular suite is at the top of Cinderella Castle.  We have been inside the Cinderella Castle Suite a few times.  It is very quaint, but still amazing!

Since this suite is located inside Magic Kingdom Park, you have your own Guest Relations guide the entire night; just in case you feel the need to get a late night snack.  They will take care of your every need.  So far, you cannot book a night at Cinderella Castle, but maybe someday.  You can dream!

What Was Our Worst?

We have to laugh at our worst “unique” hotel.  We stayed in a teepee, which was really cool.  We just happened to stay in the teepee when a terrible storm hit.  Tim and I were up all night.  We were concerned about tornados in the area.  We were also a little concerned the teepee would just fly off.  The teepee just swayed in the wind, while water dripped through.  It was a rough experience!

I will try to stay in a teepee again, because it was really cool.  This time I will double check the weather first.  I hope you enjoyed our most unique hotel experiences.  Where are your most unusual places to stay?  Leave a comment below.  We would love to hear your list.