9 Unique and Unusual Places to Stay in Colorado

Colorado has a uniqueness all its own. From its distinctive mountain tops and charming alpine towns to quirky campgrounds and haunted hotels, there are endless ways to explore the Centennial State. Complete your Colorado adventure with a stay in one of these unique and unusual Colorado accommodations.

Weird Unique Hotel Accommodations around CO

There is a such a wide array of hotels and vacation rentals around Colorado that you’re bound to find a few weird ones. It’ll make your stay a memorable one if you pick on the odder ones. Here are some of the most unique overnight accommodations in CO:

The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park

Guests from all over the world, ghosts and goblins included, visit The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park every year. Made infamous for its inspiration in the creation of the Stephen King classic, “The Shining,” The Stanley Hotel is said to be haunted.

Perched above the town of Estes Park, the beautiful estate offers well-manicured gardens and mountain views from almost every direction. Inside, a large collection of various memorabilia from the movie is staged throughout for guests to admire. Learn more about the hotel and sign up for one of the tours, including a night tour that guides guests through the hotel’s darkest spaces and highlights the spirit and folklore that encircles this 100+-year-old hotel.

• 333 E Wonderview Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517 | 970-577-4000
• Check prices, availability or book The Stanley Hotel

Indiana Jones Bed and Breakfast

Blink, and you might miss this small-town bed and breakfast. Resting on the corner a few blocks west of Main Street in Antonito is the Indiana Jones Home B&B where Indiana Jones himself lived while filming the movie, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Located two blocks from the Antonito train station, home to the Cumbers & Toltec Scenic Railroad, is where the opening scene of the movie was filmed.

The former movie-set home is now a quaint bed and breakfast where guests can stay and take in the unique Indiana Jones memorabilia and antiques found throughout the house.

• 502 Front St, Antonito, CO 81120 | 719-376-2278
• Check prices, availability or book Indian Jones Bed and Breakfast

UFO Watchtower Campground

What Colorado adventure would be complete without a night spent amongst the stars…looking for aliens? Located along the Cosmic Highway (Colorado Highway 17) in the San Luis Valley, road-trippers can pitch a tent and watch for aliens at the UFO Watchtower. The area is believed to be a cosmic force of opposing vortexes, creating an energy pull – perfect for paranormal sightings (all of which are documented at the gift shop).

The watchtower provides visitors with 360-degree unobstructed views of the valley, ideal for spotting UFOs. The campground is open year-round and costs $15 per tent.

• Highway 17, Center, CO 81125 | 719-378-2296
• Check prices, availability or book UFO Watchtower Campground

Starlite Classic Campground in Canon City

Step back in time and spend the night in a vintage camper at the Starlite Classic Campground in Canon City. Choose from retro travel trailers like the Shasta – a 1962 Shasta Airflyte or the Flamingo Lounge – a 1962 Tepee. Campground owners Sylvia David and Larry Hill are masters in restoring classic campers and are sharing for all to enjoy.

The campground is nearby notable local attractions including the Royal Gorge Bridge, whitewater rafting, hiking trails, and more.

• 30 Co Rd 3A, Cañon City, CO 81212 | 719-467-3876
• Check prices, availability or book Starlite Classic

Jersey Jim Fire Lookout Tower

It’s all about the views with a stay at the Jersey Jim Fire Lookout Tower. Originally home to the U.S. Forest Service fire lookouts from the 1940s to 1970s, the tower rests 55 feet above an aspen meadow in the middle of the San Juan National Forest.

With no modern elevator, guests climb the stairs to reach the welcoming accommodations, complete with 360-degree views. The tower is available for one or two-night stays from May to October. Current rate is $50 a night.

• Dolores, CO 81323 | 970-533-7060
• Check prices, availability or book Jersey Jim Fire Lookout Tower

Movie Manor in Monte Vista

What would make Saturday night at the drive-in more fun…watching it from the comfort of your bed? Movie-goers can do just that at the Best Western Movie Manor. Located in Monte Vista, the antique Star Drive-in, built in 1955, received an upgrade in 1964 with the addition of an attached motel.

The semi-circle of motel rooms faces two large screens, where guests can watch the featured movie from the comfort of their room. An oversized window offers plenty of viewing space from your bed, and in-room speakers allow for personal sound control from right inside your room, so you don’t miss anything. Take advantage of the entire experience and head down to the concession stand for buttery popcorn, fries, burgers, nachos, and of course your favorite sugared candies to complete your Saturday night movie experience.

• 2830 US-160 W, Monte Vista, CO 81144 | 719-852-5921
• Check prices, availability or book Best Western Movie Manor

Yurt on a camel farm

Located in the small town of Capulin, CO, in the San Luis Valley, is a camel farm where travelers can experience rural life in southern Colorado. A local couple who gave up the “9-to-5” lifestyle moved to the valley with their camels, donkeys, and sheep all in tow to start a new life. In hopes of sharing their dream with others, the owners built both hard-side (for winter) and a soft-side (for summer) yurts to rent out to visitors.

The camel-themed yurt includes a cozy and comfortable bed, futon, wood-burning stove, and views of the camel farm. A tour is also given where guests can meet the working camels and learn more about the farm.

• Capulin, CO
• Check prices, availability or book Yurt on Camel Farm

Grand Imperial

What first started as Silverton’s largest building in 1882, the Grand Imperial Hotel also served as the county courthouse, city hall, and a post office. As one of the hottest mining towns in the West, Silverton was host to some wild times back in the 1800s, and the Grand Imperial Hotel was in the thick of it. Evidence of its gunslinger days is seen by a bullet that is still lodged in the antique bar inside the hotel.

Since its re-opening in 2017, guests can re-live the glory days in one of the fully-restored historic rooms. The hotel is even rumored to be haunted.

• 1219 Greene St, Silverton, CO 81433 | 970-387-5527
• Check prices, availability or book Grand Imperial Hotel

Tipi in Joyful Journey Hot Springs

Find a bit of peace and solitude with a stay at Joyful Journey Hot Springs. Located at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Joyful Journey is a true sanctuary for the soul. Spend a peaceful day soaking in the rejuvenating waters of the hot springs and retreat for the evening in one of their native tipis.

While this is not their only type of accommodations, it is certainly the most unique. The tipis are furnished with cots, sleeping mats, and beautiful views of the Sangre de Cristo mountains.

• 28640 County Rd 58EE, Moffat, CO 81143 | 719-256-4328
• Check prices, availability or book Joyful Journey

Thanks for checking out the aforementioned weird hotel accommodations around Colorado. Make your Rocky Mountain vacation a bit more unique with a stay at one of these vacation rentals.