Unless your name happens to be Arthur Fonzarelli (in
which case, that's crazy!), it’s hard to define the word "cool". And
even harder to apply the label to hotels, when "cool" could mean
historic, or trendy, or that the place is actually a decommissioned
Coast Guard helicopter with a full-service bar... in your room!
But since we're not above doing hard work, we tried to figure out
just how each state would define cool, and then applied that spirit to
their hotels. In the end, we came up with what we think is each state's
coolest, most emblematic hotel. Or we were wildly off. You decide.
Alabama
Mobile, AL
With a badass name like The Battle House, you’d assume this place was
some sort of Confederate headquarters during the Civil War. Turns out
that while the historic hotel was indeed open during the war, it got the
name from its founder, a guy named James Battle. Mildly disappointing,
indeed, but it doesn’t make this spot -- where Stephen Douglas stayed
when Lincoln whipped him in the election of 1858 -- any less awesome;
the interior will make you feel like you’ve time-traveled back 150
years.
Alaska
Wrangell–St. Elias National Park and Preserve, AK
It’s Alaska, so you know we’re not gonna tell you about some swanky
joint in Anchorage with a killer brunch buffet. No, we’re gonna tell you
about this luxury lodge that’s 100 miles from the nearest road, and
only accessible by private plane. Here you’ll sit in the middle of the
largest swath of protected land on the planet; you'll hike, fish, and
boat while your hosts spend the day cooking an epic meal that you’ll eat
in a dining room full of oversized chairs, before retreating to your
private, hillside cabin.
Arizona
Bisbee, AZ
A lot of hotels will claim to “transport you back to another time”, but
as soon as you flip on the TV and “Real Housewives” comes on, you become
painfully aware it's still 2014. Not so at this vintage trailer park,
where not only have they adorned every trailer in perfect 1950s kitsch,
but the radios only play music from that era, the TVs are black and
white, and there’s nothing to read but words printed on old newspaper
rife with cigarette ads. But don’t let the ads fool you; the only 21st
century advent at Shady Dell is a strict non-smoking policy.
Arkansas
Parthenon, AR
Don’t try to sound all “back-to-nature” when you tell friends you’re
unleashing your inner caveman by staying in this lodge built into a real
cave in the Ozarks. The place is actually a full-on house complete with
Jacuzzi, five master bedrooms, satellite TV, and, oh yeah, a heliport.
That's one big cave. Obviously, Beckham Creek's a popular spot for
weddings, events, and celebrities who don’t want anyone to know they’re
in Arkansas.
California
Long Beach, CA
We’re not really sure what else to say about this other than IT’S THE
QUEEN FREAKING MARY. As in, the most famous cruise ship ever that didn’t
crash into an iceberg. Yeah, THAT Queen Mary. And while this
trans-Atlantic luxury liner from a bygone era now makes its permanent
home in the LBC, it’s also a 346-room luxury hotel complete with a spa,
shopping, and first-rate gym.
Colorado
Estes Park, CO
Colorado's got plenty of luxurious mountain resorts, but there's only
one so awesome it inspired Stephen King to write 200,000 words about it.
This spot (named for the same guy who founded Stanley Steamer) is the
hotel from
The Shining, and while you might not run into a
bartender who tells you to kill your family, there are enough rumored
ghost stories in this place to make it a bonafide haunted landmark.
Connecticut
Litchfield Hills, CT
Try not to get the theme from
Airwolf stuck in your head
(because it will, GOD it will) when you check into this 118-acre resort
in rural Connecticut, because of all their 18 themed cottages, the one
you’re 100% going to stay in is the fully-restored 1968 Sea King Pelican
HH3F helicopter. If somehow that’s not your thing, there’s also a log
cabin, a treehouse, a greenhouse, and even something called the “secret
society”.
Delaware
Wilmington, DE
If you ever want to go see
where your credit card bill comes from (you
know, 'cause practically every credit card company is based here), this
historic spot in the heart of downtown Wilmington, DE is the place to
stay. The 1913 gilded-age beauty was originally outfitted with
hand-carved woodwork, Italian tile mosaic floors, and classic oil
paintings. That opulence was recently restored thanks to a $40 million
renovation that also included the 1250-seat DuPont Theatre inside, where
you can catch a Broadway show.
District of Columbia
Washington, DC
The Smithsonian is only about two blocks away, and the lobby of DC’s
oldest and grandest luxury hotel feels like an extension of it. With
Renaissance-style ceilings, 335 rooms, and an overwhelming feeling of
governmental opulence, this place has been in the city since the 1850s
and puts up one of the most famous Christmas trees in America
not on the White House lawn.
Florida
Key Largo, FL
In a state where the highest point may well be an offramp at Yeehaw
Junction, exceptional views are hard to come by. Which is why your best
bet isn't up, but down. As in 30ft below the surface of the water inside
America’s only underwater hotel. The two-bedroom, one bath hotel lets
you literally sleep with the fishes (and dolphins!), not to mention
dive all day without ever having to surface.
Georgia
Sea Island, GA
Typically the only thing exciting about the drive between Jacksonville
and Savannah is the thrill of cheap gas when you cross the state line.
That is unless you’re headed to Sea Island, a barrier island near
Brunswick where this Mediterranean palace stands surrounded by three
golf courses, a 5mi public beach, and spacious ocean villas.
Hawaii
Hana, HI
This resort on the remote eastern tip of Maui proves that life can be about the journey
and
the destination. If you opt not to fly into Hana’s microscopic airport,
the Hana Highway is a 52-mile, two-lane road that winds over 59 bridges
through the Hawaiian rainforest before arriving at Travaasa, a 70-room
compound on a hill overlooking Kaihalulu Bay. While each cottage comes
with a whirlpool spa, the place is a throwback -- so don’t expect TV or
air conditioning.
Idaho
Cottonwood, ID
When you heard you’d be sleeping
inside the world’s tallest
beagle in the wilderness of Idaho, you probably thought you'd have to go
all Hoth Han Solo and stuff your friends into the belly of a giant
snoopy to stay warm, didn’t you? Nope. No eviscerating required here, as
this beagle is actually a 27ft-high B&B with only one bedroom, and
the main attraction at an entire park filled with dog-themed artwork.
Illinois
Chicago, IL
If you’ve ever seen vintage footage of a party in Chicago during the
roaring '20s, it was probably filmed at this stone monster on the north
end of Michigan Avenue, where every celebrity of the era was known to
carouse. In 1954, when Joe DiMaggio married Marilyn Monroe, they carved
their initials in the hotel bar.
Indiana
Indianapolis, IN
Sleeping in airports
is kinda cool. Sleeping in train stations? That’s pretty much for
backpackers and guys who also sleep in front of libraries. Unless that
train station is the Historic Union Station in Indy, which's been
converted into a 273-room luxury hotel complete with rooms housed in
sleeper cars that're still on the tracks. Decommissioned tracks, we
hope.
Iowa
Cedar Falls, IA
Not to be confused with the Hotel Blackhawk (which, apparently, also
exists) in Davenport, the oldest continuously operating hotel in the
Hawkeye state has been open since the 1850s. In addition to historic
rooms with exposed brick walls and antique furnishings, they’ll also
offer private cottages and modernized “mod” motor inn behind the
property. Also, there's a lobby martini lounge called the Stuffed Olive.
Cottonwood Falls, KS
Kansas isn't known as a state flush with tourist attractions, aside from
maybe Dorothy’s house, but the Stonehouse B&B definitely qualifies.
It doesn't get more authentic than spending a night smack in the middle
of the state’s famous wheat fields, and in a house that looks like it
was transported from somewhere in the Irish countryside to the middle of
a prairie (by tornado?). It's also just a few miles from Tallgrass
National Park and some excellent fishing on the Cottonwood River.
Kentucky
Cave City, KY
The oldest of this wigwam hotel chain dates back to 1937 (there are two
more in California and Arizona) and offers guest the chance to sleep in,
well, a wigwam (or are they teepees?), complete with original wicker
and cane furnishings. Although, be warned, the teepees (or are they
wigwams?) also have bathrooms with running water and power, in case
you'd prefer a super-authentic wigwam experience. But they’re also
in-authentically non-smoking, which you’ll probably be grateful for.
JAZZ QUARTERS
Louisiana
New Orleans, LA
While picking the coolest hotel in New Orleans is kinda like picking the
hottest girl at Ultra,
this French Quarter spot nestled behind Palmettos has eight separate
cottages all themed after different jazz legends, like Louis Armstrong,
Harry Connick, and Trombone Shorty. If you’re not in the mood to use the
in-cottage kitchen, a gratis full breakfast is served daily in their
dining room, and you can relax afterward in their sunny courtyard, a
surprisingly quiet patio in the middle of the bustling French Quarter.
Maine
Northeast Harbour, ME
This grand old New England hotel sits at the base of Eliot
Mountain right outside of Maine’s best-known natural attraction, Acadia
National Park, and boats a spacious 31-room main lodge,
turn-of-the-century charm, and seaside cottages where, presumably,
Angela Lansbury would hide while trying to solve the murder.
Maryland
St. Michaels, MD
Instantly recognizable from its role in
Wedding Crashers, this
Victorian manor house (which originally dates back to the 19th century)
is a tranquil waterfront resort on Maryland's Eastern Shore where you
can actually boat up to the hotel. And yes, docking space is free for
guests (as is the helipad). In addition to crashing weddings -- of which
they host many, as you can imagine -- guest can also enjoy the spa or
fireside drinks in the pub.
Massachusetts
Boston, MA
A mere 24 years ago, if you said you were spending a night at 215
Charles Street, it meant someone was gonna have to bail you out in the
morning. The former Charles Street Jail, which opened in the 1850s (and
closed in 1990), was completely overhauled into a luxe, 298-room granite
masterpiece, complete with 19 rooms that're actually IN a former cell
block. It also maintains five bars and restaurants, including Alibi,
which's situated in what used to be the overnight holding area for folks
who had a few too many. Take our full tour of the place,
right here.
Michigan
Mackinak Island, MI
Despite the fact that poor Detroit is the punchline to everyone’s
favorite "miserable city" joke, Michigan as a state is beautiful. In
summer, anyway. Which is why this 386-room mega resort where no two
rooms are the same is only open from May to October. Accessible by ferry
on an island where the preferred mode of transport is horse-drawn
carriage (in fact, cars are prohibited), Grand Hotel offers five-course
meals served on the world’s largest front porch.
Two Harbors, MN
Maybe going to a hotel a half hour from Duluth isn’t the BEST idea in
the winter, but when summertime rolls around, so does your chance to
live like a hobo! This hotel near Lake Superior has 17 rooms built in
renovated boxcars, each with a different theme like Victorian or Bear.
Best part, you don't have to sleep on a bail of hay and nobody’s going
to push you out halfway between DC and Chicago.
Mississippi
Clarksdale, MS
If you really want to experience what life was like for guys like Muddy
Waters and John Lee Hooker, you gotta live like they lived. Here, you
can stay in a two-room shack that was once occupied by poor, rural
plantation workers in the early 20th century. Retrofitted with only the
basics like heat and running water, rooms are decorated with retro signs
and pictures of musicians. You can also grab a beer at the hotel juke
joint, or take a blues guitar lesson in the lobby.
Missouri
Hannibal, MO
So, you take the house that’s pretty much the model for every haunted
house movie exterior in history, and then put it on a remote 36 acres in
a place called HANNIBAL? That is pure horror genius, and undoubtedly
why this Victorian-era mansion is routinely rated the best B&B in
Missouri. It’s got eight rooms and three cottages, all done up in
antique furniture for that true Merchant Ivory feel. A welcome contrast
to the Wes Craven-feeling exterior.
Montana
Darby, MT
When you hear the worlds “all-inclusive resort”, you typically think of
pounding way-too-many sugary drinks on the beach and eating from endless
buffet tables. Or, if you’re at this all-inclusive resort, ranked among
the best in the world, you'll find fly fishing, horseback riding,
archery, cattle drives, golf, rafting, skiing, and sipping fine wine at a
gourmet restaurant by the side of a mountain. You know, 'cause it's
Montana.
Nebraska
Omaha, NE
Though the words “modern luxury” and “Nebraska” aren’t exactly
synonymous, this 89-room, ultra-mod hotel is next to the Old Market
section of town and pretty much accounts for all of Omaha’s art-deco
architecture. Maybe? It’s one of only two AAA four diamond properties in
the entire state, and in addition to having Omaha’s best bourbon bar in
the lobby, hotel staff will also drive you to the Huskers game in one
of their Mercedes sedans, if that's how you roll.
New Hampshire
New Castle, NH
Did you know this gilded age white gem is where they signed the treaty
to end the Russo-Japanese war in 1905? Did you even know there was a
Russo-Japanese war? Bet you knew it was used as a set in
In Dreams, aka
Robert Downey Jnr's last movie before rehab. Well, whether it's helping
end wars or movie stars' sobriety, this 161-room seaside castle is the
most historic hotel in New Hampshire; plus it's on an island with an
aesthetic as impressive as its history.
New Jersey
Ocean City NJ
This is the coolest hotel in Jersey for one simple reason: You can sit
on the rooftop sun-deck of this 1890s Victorian mansion after spending
the night in your individually-decorated suite complete with period
furniture and antiques, and look out at… THE JERSEY SHORE. Because
nothing will snap you out of that Jane Austen trance faster than six
dudes in an Iroc blasting techno music and screaming “JERSEYYYYYYYY” at
the people on the wood-framed balcony below you.
New Mexico
Farmington, NM
Any chump can lie on the Four Corners and Instagram himself laying in,
OMG, four states at once. But watching the sunset over all four states
while sitting on a balcony overlooking the La Plata river valley 300ft
below? The only way you’re doing that is at this B&B. It's only got
one bedroom but that one bedroom allows you to sleep in complete luxury
(and shower under a waterfall) IN A CAVE.
New York
New York, NY
This list is of the coolest, not the grandest. So please try and keep
your head from exploding because the Plaza, or the Waldorf, or the Essex
House isn’t here. But this place is themed around
the Dewey Decimal system (!!),
something
that takes a lot more thought than crystal chandeliers. Each floor is
centered on a different category of the system, with each room
containing a collection of books that explain some aspect of said
category. So you can learn while you’re on vacation! Or read nothing and
just walk outside to see New York City. Either way, if you like books
and/or watching front desk clerks slyly flirt with bashful bookworm
guests, this could be your favorite hotel in the world.
Nevada
Las Vegas, NV
In the city that basically invented the over-the-top mega hotel, being
the coolest isn't easy. But Steve Wynn has done it with his
double-towered Wynn and Encore. Not only does it offer panoramic views
from nearly every room, and boasts 5-star ratings in
every single category (from restaurant to rooms to service), but he somehow also managed to fit an 18-hole golf course just off the strip.
North Carolina
Asheville, NC
While the main reason you’d probably hit this 101-year old resort in the
hills around Asheville is for its legendary golf courses, we won’t tell
anyone if the real reason you’re going is to relax in a subterranean
spa. It’s not often you get to lounge in a whirlpool surrounded by
nothing but rock, and even rarer that you can take an elevator that's
built inside an old chimney. Is that even safe?
North Dakota
Fargo, ND
We’re talking about the coolest hotel in North Dakota. Which is kinda
like talking about the smartest person in Florida. So you gotta adjust
your standards. And while most lodging in North Dakota involves some
kind of number in the name, this artsy, historic downtown spot has a
rooftop hot tub for those chilly winter nights, a rooftop bar and
martini lounge, art-inspired rooms, and a restaurant that serves all
locally-raised food.
Ohio
Cincinnati, OH
High culture in the Queen City didn’t end when Dr. Fever went off the
air in 1982. Oh no, a stay at this downtown hotel provides not only easy
access to the Aronoff Center for the Arts across the street, but also
to the rotating exhibits at the hotel's
in-house art museum. And
that's not even the extent of the artsy flavor. Nope, housed in
a 100-year-old building (formerly the Metropole Hotel on National
Register of Historic Places) with a rooftop cocktail terrace, 21c's
guest rooms are all decked out with contemporary art as well.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma City, OK
If you're awoken in the middle of the night in this historic, 225-hotel
in downtown OKC by a strange, naked woman in your room, you’re either,
a) Kevin Durant, or b) meeting the Skirvin’s resident ghost Effie, who
was a maid and mistress to the original owner. Legend has it that after
knocking her up, he forced her to live on the top floor (even after
having the baby), which drove her crazy enough to jump -- baby in arms
-- out the window. Male guests have reportedly been rumored to see this
strange, naked vision, as well as hear whispers of sexual propositions
and perpetual crying. Also, there's a sweet indoor pool and live jazz in
the piano bar.
Shutterstock
Oregon
Yachats, OR
Living in a lighthouse seems like it’d be the coolest thing ever, until
you realize your house is 10ft-wide and your best friends are a flock of
seagulls -- and
not the band! But for a night? That'd be
amazing. At HHL, located on a cliff overlooking the Oregon coast, you
can enjoy the soothing sounds of the Pacific Ocean as you live like a
lighthouse keeper in one of their turn-of-the-20th-century furnished
cottages. Just be sure to avoid the rotating light, it's described by
some as the “strongest in Oregon".
Pennsylvania
Ronks, PA
You know when your friends dare you to do something really stupid like
moon a cop? Or draft Maurice Jones Drew? Or bid $100 on 19 old train
cars being auctioned on eBay? Well that’s kinda what happened to Don
Denlinger in 1969 (minus the eBay) when he won those train cars, moved
them to Amish country, and completely refurbished them to open this
motel. It’s now 38 sleeper cars strong with a dining car said to serve
some of the best food in Eastern Pennsylvania (for what that’s worth).
There's even an on-site petting zoo.
Rhode Island
Newport, RI
Devastated to learn that the Pewterschmidt Estate is completely made up,
we went with this historic mansion instead -- the only hotel located
among the mansions on Newport’s famous Cliff Walk. Built in 1873, atop
Newport's majestic cliffs overlooking the Atlantic, the home actually
did some time as a historical museum, and its collection of antiques is
used in the décor of the 20 period-themed rooms.
South Carolina
Bluffton, SC
While there's no shortage of historic hotels in Charleston, nothing
captures the essence of the Palmetto State better than this spot in
Bluffton, which feels like a quaint village tucked into the lowland.
Here you can enjoy a day of golf, tennis, cycling, kayaking through
swampy marshlands, or hiking through oaks covered with Spanish moss
before retreating to your cottage. The centerpiece is the main house,
which has the look of a colonial plantation despite being relatively
new. You can, however, still see charred remains of the original Wilson
house on the property.
South Dakota
East Custer, SD
It's pretty cool that in the middle of South Dakota you can find a Frank
Lloyd Wright-designed lakefront lodge. But unless you're seriously into
architecture, the bigger draw is probably waking up to a buffalo in
your front yard. You can also hop in your car and, within an hour, get
to Mt. Rushmore, Wind Cave National Park, or Crazy Horse. The monument,
not the strip club.
Tennessee
Chattanooga, TN
Fortunately, you will NOT be hearing the Chattanooga Choo Choo if you
stay in the coolest of Tennessee hotels; the Chattanooga Terminal
Station actually hasn’t been a station since 1971. Fully converted to a
hotel by 1974, guests can stay in old sleeper cars, eat under the
elegant dome in the main dining room, or enjoy dinner accompanied by
singing waiters and waitresses in the old baggage room at the Station
House.
Texas
Fredricksburg, TX
Kinda like that one episode of
Twilight Zone where the guy
leaves his wagon train, walks over a dune, and finds himself in 1962 New
Mexico, so too will you leave your SUV and find yourself smack in the
middle of another era, namely, the 19th century. The seven private
houses at this Texas B&B date back to 1790 and are decorated with
actual antiques from that period in order to give you the full pioneer
experience. But with A/C and cable.
Utah
Canyon Point, UT
Because being stuck in the middle of a completely untouched desert
canyon is pretty awesome (until you realize you’re stuck in a desert
canyon), this resort 15 minutes down a winding road from the nearest
town offers hike in/out access to some of the best canyon trails in the
world. And when you're done hiking, enjoy a massage, relax by the pool,
or just kick back in your suite overlooking the desert valley.
Vermont
Barnard, VT
Vermont is kinda like LA in that it takes about an hour of driving to get
anywhere,
and an hour and a half to get to anywhere cool. But since your nightly
rate at this resort 90 minutes from Burlington includes airport pickup,
who cares? It also includes most of the wines in their 20,000 bottle
cellar, gourmet meals, and activities like snowshoeing and skiing. The
20 rooms, suites, and private houses are secluded, individually themed,
and all boast impressive art collections.
Virginia
Meadows of Dan, VA
Treehouse hotel rooms? Cool, but it’s been done. Golfing, hunting,
fishing, ATV rides, swimming, and Frolf? Sounds like summer camp. An
in-hotel observatory? Well, that's one we haven’t heard of before. Nor
have we heard of an occasional chance to drive an Audi race car on the
Virginia International Speedway. Expect both, though, when you arrive at
Primland.
Washington
Fall City, WA
If the Great Northwest is known for one thing, it’s professional
football teams that America is slowly growing to hate. But after that,
it’s trees. And what better way to put yourself smack in the middle of
all those giant evergreens than staying in a hotel that’s
all treehouses.
This spot, just a few minutes from Snoqualmie Falls is made up of six
luxury treehouses accessible by a series of 18-foot-high treetop bridges
and hammocks.
West Virginia
White Sulfur Springs, WV
You're gonna forget every joke you’ve ever made about West Virginia when
you arrive at this historic, 710-room resort in the Allegheny
Mountains. Dating back to 1778, The Greenbrier has 10 (!!) lobbies, 96
guest houses, nine restaurants, eight bars, a 100,000sqft casino, and a
golf course that hosts an annual PGA event. Also, you have to try the
steak at Prime 44.
Wisconsin
Milwaukee, WI
Leave it to Milwaukee to somehow incorporate baked bean cans into
contemporary-chic industrial interior design. But that’s exactly what's
happened at this converted downtown warehouse, where, perhaps better
than anywhere in America, they’ve fused the raw, industrial feel of the
original building with modern decor. Influenced by input from business
travelers and motorcycle enthusiasts (it's blocks from the Harley
Davidson Museum), Iron Horse rocks exposed brick walls, metal piping,
and pine beams, along with light fixtures made of motorcycle gears,
knives, and, yep, those bean cans.
Wyoming
Jackson, WY
While there might be a whole lot of nothing in Wyoming, there are plenty
of views. And the best one of Jackson Hole might just be at this luxury
property, which is perched over the valley between the Snake River
Range and the Grand Tetons, on the edge of the East Gros Ventre Butte.
So, not only do you get an ultra-modern suite or guest house, but you
also get two mountain ranges and a river that runs through them.
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