Who hasn't dreamed of conquering the American West? Monument Valley, Grand Canyon, native reserves and cactus forests, Arizona is renowned for its grandiose landscapes and infinite spaces. If you've had enough of typical but often outdated motels, take a look at this selection of unusual accommodations in Arizona! From vintage caravans and teepees to yurts and caves, enjoy the landscape in an original way.
No. 1 - A Victorian B&B
In Arizona, typical Victorian-style B&Bs are commonplace, much to the delight of visitors! In historic downtown Tucson, the Royal Elizabeth is a luxurious establishment housed in a 19th-century mansion. With its swimming pool, top-of-the-range linens, dark wood period furniture and tasty breakfast, it's sure to please a discerning clientele in search of luxury and authenticity.
N°2 - A bed in a teepee
There are many accommodation options on Route 66, but Holbrook's Wigwam Village Motel is certainly one of the most original and fun. Closed in 1974 when Route 66 was rerouted, the motel reopened 14 years later to offer guests the chance to sleep in a real teepee! As an added bonus, you'll be able to admire an impressive collection of beautifully restored classic cars.
N°3 - Camping des Happy Days
Sunday, monday, happy days! Have you always wanted to be a Fonzie? Welcome to Bisbee's Shady Dell, Arizona's oldest campground, opened in 1927! Here, you can sleep in an authentic 1950s caravan, fully equipped with collector's items! You can also bring your own camping gear. For a bite to eat, you'll love Dot's Diner and its timeless Art Deco style.
No. 4 - Dreaming at Lake Powell
Lake Powell is an artificial lake created on the Colorado River. Its 3,200 km of shoreline, dotted with colorful canyons, holds a thousand surprises in store for visitors. For an experience on the water, you can rent a houseboat for a few days. Each boat is fully equipped and requires no special experience to operate. With several categories to choose from, from the most luxurious to the most economical, these houseboats will meet all your requirements, and it's even possible to hire the services of a chef for the duration of your stay!
N° 5 - Falling asleep with stars in your eyes
What could be better than falling asleep under different skies? Arizona offers some of the most unobstructed views in the world, making it the ideal place for stargazing. The Kitt Peak National Observatory near Tucson is one of the first sites in the United States to have studied the stars... The luckiest among you can spend the night observing the sky through giant telescopes before resting in the light-tight dormitory usually reserved for astronomers. An unforgettable experience!
N° 6 - Spend the night 70 m underground
Grand Canyon Caverns are the largest dry caves in the United States. More than 70 m underground, get ready to spend an extraordinary night at the Cavern Motel Room! Its Cavern Suite can accommodate up to 6 people in a splendid and comfortable setting. Upon arrival, a guided tour of the cave is offered to guests. They can then relax and enjoy the depths independently until the end of the night, flashlights in hand, before returning to their cosy nest, in the greatest calm...
No. 7 - Bird watching
In southern Arizona, Casa de San Pedro is a veritable oasis of greenery. Here, you can see over 355 species of birds and hundreds of butterflies. The rooms, located in a traditional hacienda, all evoke Hispanic and Mexican architecture. Lovers, environmentalists and backpackers all come together for a fantastic night's sleep... just 150 km from Tucson but inches from paradise!
N°8 - A yurt in the forest
In the heart of the Coconino National Forest, the Arizona Nordic Village offers several camping options, including by far the most original, sleeping in a yurt... These small dwellings, originally from Central Asia, feature all the necessary comforts: floor mats, futons, wood-burning stoves and portable toilets. Sleeping from 2 to 6 people, these luxury tents are the ideal solution for an original stay, close to nature.
