Coolest Tiny Home Experience: The Shady Dell

We loved our time in Tucson and the southwestern USA in general. One of our favorite weekend trips we went on was to The Shady Dell Vintage Trailer Court where we stayed in a 1947 Tiki Bus.

All the trailers have been fixed up but retain their original pieces which makes it really feel like you are staying in the past (in a cool way). They have 13 trailers you can book online, all vintage trailers ranging in space from a tiny 16' trailer to a 38' yacht. That means no matter how many times you stay here, you will always have something new to experience by booking another trip.

They close seasonally as The Shady Dell is hard to get to during the winter months and you wouldn't necessarily want to stay here during the summer heat. If you stay on the weekend there is a diner on-site which would be a cute experience to add to the nostalgia.

Average Price: $105 - $125 per night

A little taste of France in San Francisco: Hotel Cornel De France

San Francisco has any number of great hotels to pick from (see our guide for a few other hotels we have loved in the Bay Area) but our main pick has to be Hotel Cornel De France. It is located right downtown and is a very unique, french themed hotel that you can't find anywhere else.

The rooms are small but well-apportioned, exactly like you would expect to find in San Fran. When we stayed there, they had a hotel dog in the lobby, and the whole hotel was decorated for the holidays in such a stunning and unique way. As we said, you won't find this kind of hotel just about anywhere in the USA.

Overall it is a small hotel with only 50 rooms and it is registered with the National Register of Historic Places. It was built in 1910 and you can see the historic architecture, artwork, and amazing touches to make you feel like you stepped off of the streets of San Francisco and into the historic streets of Paris.

Average Price: $150 - $175 per night

Our Favorite Las Vegas Hotel: Aria Hotel and Casino

Phil loves to gamble, and Kelsey loves to explore and go out to dinner/dancing so, of course, we have visited Las Vegas a bunch of times as it checks all those boxes. When we do visit, if we can book our favorite hotel, we will always go with Aria Hotel and Casino.

Aria is our favorite for a variety of reasons but the best way to sum it up is probably just to say, Aria is very classy. It feels like you are staying somewhere super fancy and upscale, even if you have a basic room. We have always had good success being upgraded to better rooms as well, mostly because we like to travel to Vegas in the offseason.

Aria is pretty centrally located on the strip so it is easy to go south and see the Welcome to Las Vegas Sign or go north and see the Mirage Volcano show or the Bellagio fountain show and everything in between.

The last reason we love Aria is it is bookable on Hyatt.com and you can earn both MGM reward status/points and Hyatt points by giving the front desk your information for both programs when you check in. We are Hyatt Globalists which offers some great benefits but the biggest ones we use when we stay at Aria are the upgrades, early check-in, and late check-out (which is always good after a late night in Vegas).

Average Price: Varies greatly, Peak season can be $400+ per night, offseason as low as $169 per night

Steamboat Hotel Class: Delta King

It is not every day you get to say you stayed on a steamboat but if you stay at the Delta King you can do just that! Located right on the Old Sacramento Waterfront, during the day you can explore Old Sacramento, and at night retire to your cabin right on the water.

The rooms themselves are obviously small but there is nothing like a unique experience when you are visiting a new place. We don't have to say this for every hotel but each room does come with the normal amenities you would expect from an upscale hotel including a beautiful bathroom with a shower, TV, and wifi. If you want to upgrade your stay a bit you can even book the captain's quarters room which gives you access to a private veranda and your own wet bar.

They also have two restaurants on-site that have live music on weekends so you don't have to go far to get a great dining experience. Plus if you do want to explore, Old Sacramento is mere footsteps away and you can find great food there and even an old-time candy store which Phil loves.

Average Price: $145 - $200 per night

Artistic Hotel Stay in the Midwest: 21c Louisville

There are actually multiple 21c hotels you can stay at in the USA including some very interesting locations like Bentonville, AK, and Durham, NC. We stayed at and definitely would suggest staying at their Louisville location as it is in a great spot in the city, we loved our stay here and most interestingly, Louisville is where the headquarters for 21c Museum Hotels is located.

The coolest and most interesting part about these hotels is they come with art museums inside the hotel itself. And the exhibits are totally free! So if you want to add a little bit of culture to your hotel stays, 21c is the way to do it.

Their rooms are small but they are well apportioned and so you feel like you have more space even when their rooms aren't huge. As we said above too, the location of this hotel is unbeatable in downtown Louisville so you can see the art downstairs in the hotel and then head out to dinner in the city without ever having to drive anywhere. We try to travel here during the offseason as rooms in the summer and on busy weekends can run $500+ but during the offseason, you can get a room for $200ish.

Average Price: $200 - $250 per night during the offseason, $500+ during busy times and summer

Best Music at a BnB: Symphony Hotel

This is definitely one of our most unique hotel picks and the smallest at only 9 rooms. You could probably guess the theme of the hotel by the name but just in case you were curious there is a jazz bar downstairs and each room is adorned with music-based theming including artwork, antiques, and music playing all around you. No matter where you go in this hotel, you feel the symphony vibes.

We mentioned the Jazz bar before but we want to mention it again as it was such a cool place to sit and have a drink that Phil didn't even mind it (that much). There is also a restaurant on-site so you can have a 5-course meal before you head out for the night. They also offer complimentary breakfast in the morning in true Bed and Breakfast style!

Going along with the music/symphony theme, this hotel is right next door to the Cincinnati Music Hall. Literally, it is right next door. So you get music in your hotel, in the Jazz bar downstairs, and right across the street at the actual symphony. There is no easier way to follow a theme than to head to Symphony Hotel for a weekend full of music in all phases.

Average Price: $160 - $250 per night

Our Honeymoon Hotel (and our favorite Seattle Hotel): Alexis Royal Sonesta Hotel

This hotel holds a special place in our hearts as it was where we spent our honeymoon. But even if you didn't spend your honeymoon here, the Alexis Hotel in Seattle, WA is a great hotel to stay in to see and experience all that downtown Seattle has to offer.

The Alexis is right downtown on 1st ave, meaning it is a short 5-minute walk to get to Pike Place Market and the waterfront. It is also close enough to both the baseball and football/soccer stadium so you don't have to go too far to find something to do when you stay here.

That being said, if you are like us you are likely to get into your room and not want to leave even one time! We have stayed here twice and have stayed in their standard room as well as a Junior Suite, both with king beds.

Both rooms have great touches of class including huge windows to let in tons of natural light (and let you see the rain, you are in Seattle after all), a cool Bluetooth speaker that looks like an old-school radio, a minibar, and a comfy couch to hang out on and watch TV or just read while listening to the rain.

Phil's favorite part was definitely the gym which included a Peloton bike (with a provided hotel login) as well as a climbing wall, TRX, kettlebells, and basically everything you could want from a hotel gym. Kelsey loved the look and feel of the lobby and the restaurant on site, the Bookstore Bar and Cafe is definitely a place you should visit, even if you just snap a couple of pictures for Instagram before going to explore downtown Seattle.

Average Price: $250 - $300 per night (we think the suites are worth it if you can find a decent price)

Our First And Favorite Portland Hotel: Hotel Rose

Hotel Rose was our first stay in Portland, a city we now live in permanently, so it clearly made a great first impression on us. It is part of the StayPineapple brand of hotels which provides a different experience than what you would usually get at chain hotels across the country.

One of the best parts about Hotel Rose is its location downtown in Portland which provides lots of places to visit. It is a short walk north to things like VooDoo Donuts, Portland Saturday Market, and Ground Kontrol Arcade and Bar, Providence Park lies just to the west where you can catch a Portland Timbers or Thorns game and you can see the river walk right out the windows to the East. There is no better place to start your Portland adventures from.

Hotel Rose, like most StayPineapple hotels, has smaller rooms but they are very stylish with modern touches throughout. We especially love their European-style individual duvets, their cozy robes, fast wifi, Chromecast for the TV, and free bikes to use when cruising around town.

Average Price: $165 - $200 per night

The Best Place to Experience The Southwest: Pueblo Bonito Inn

This adobe-style bed and breakfast offers a captivating blend of traditional architecture and modern comforts, making it the perfect haven for travelers seeking an authentic Santa Fe experience. The adobe walls adorned with Native American artwork, handcrafted furniture, and vibrant textiles create an atmosphere that is both rustic and elegant.

The rooms are tastefully decorated, featuring traditional Santa Fe style with a touch of contemporary flair. Cozy fireplaces, plush bedding, and private patios add a touch of luxury to your stay, ensuring a restful night's sleep after a day of exploration.

One of the standout features of Pueblo Bonito Inn is its prime location. Situated just a short stroll away from the historic Plaza, guests have easy access to Santa Fe's renowned art galleries, museums, and vibrant culinary scene.

After a day of immersing yourself in the city's cultural offerings, you can unwind in the tranquil courtyard, surrounded by blooming flowers and towering cottonwood trees. The complimentary breakfast is a delightful treat, featuring local specialties and freshly brewed coffee, setting you up for a day of adventure in this captivating desert oasis. You can even enjoy the breakfast in the courtyard!

Average Price: $250 - $300 per night

The Cutest B&B we have ever stayed at: The Mauger Estate B&B Inn

One of our first travel destinations was the SouthWest because we started working in Santa Fe, NM. While there we booked a long weekend down in Albuquerque at such a cute B&B, The Mauger Estate B&B Inn. In our eight more years of traveling after that, we have never found a bed and breakfast that beats this one for cuteness.

The inn's beautifully restored rooms provide a tranquil sanctuary after a day of exploring the vibrant city. With cultural attractions like Old Town and the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center just a short distance away, Mauger Estate's central location allows easy access to Albuquerque's rich history and heritage.

What sets this B&B apart is its exceptional hospitality. The friendly staff is dedicated to ensuring every guest feels at home, offering personalized recommendations and insider tips. Wake up to a delicious breakfast made from locally sourced ingredients, setting the stage for a day filled with adventure.

Whether you're exploring the scenic Sandia Mountains, strolling along the Rio Grande, or indulging in the city's diverse culinary scene, Mauger Estate B&B Inn is the perfect base for your Albuquerque getaway.

Average Price: Currently we cant find any availability for the Inn but hopefully it will be back soon!