There are some incredibly unique places to stay in Texas, with unusual and boutique properties all across the state. Whether it is a spontaneous trip on a free weekend or a planned staycation away from the never-ending hustle of life, cool hotels and fun Airbnbs and rentals are the perfect places to stay where you can enjoy your free time and make new memories.
I absolutely LOVE unique stays, and Texas has a lot of them with its huge amount of varying landscapes. I’ve managed to stay at a few on this list in cities, the desert, and even the wine country! The Lone Star State has everything – from cabins with amazing views to treehouses to historical buildings to themed hotels.
Here are some unique and unusual hotels and Airbnbs to book on your next trip to Texas. I keep adding more to the list, so make sure to check back often, and save some cute Texas quotes and captions to go along with your experience or Texas treehouse rentals for something extra unique.
Boca de La Roca Private Mountain Lodge – Big Bend
Location: Middle of Nowhere between Big Bend State Park and Alpine (on 81 Acres of Land)
It’s One of the Most Unique Places to Stay in Texas Because: It’s the most remote place to stay on this list – with gorgeous design and even better views.
I am SO serious when I say that this property is the most remote place to stay on this list… maybe in Texas?! Who knows, but I do know that this “Boca de la Roca” mountain lodge is the IDEAL place to TRULY get away.
Located on 81 acres of land, you’ll have plenty of space to yourself. You can also reach the Big Bend State Park which is shared in part with Mexico.
Whether you need to clear your head, have an artist’s retreat, or actually disappear… it’s possible here 😉 But in all seriousness, it’s a gorgeous part of the state to discover. There are hiking trails all over the place, immaculate desert landscapes, and completely undisturbed views of the galaxy at night.
The Heywood Hotel in Central Austin (with Free Parking!)
If you’ll be visiting Austin, you need to put the Heywood Hotel high on your list! The boutique hotel in East Austin has only 7-rooms, offering a more intimate and cozy hotel stay. Plus with free parking, it’ll save you the stress of extra costs. But if you enjoy walking, you can reach anywhere in Austin within 30 to 40 minutes – or 6th Street and Rainey within 10!
The hotel intertwines local creativity within its walls through art and design. And if you love coffee, the beans are locally roasted! Or prefer beer? It’s brewed right in the neighborhood! In 2024, they were awarded the title of a One Key Michelin Hotel — so basically, could you go wrong with a stay here? We don’t think so!
The Bloomhouse by Lodgewell: Fairy Tale Escape Airbnb
It’s One of the Most Unique Places to Stay in Texas Because: I’ll let the pictures to the talking on this one… I mean, woooaaah!!
This AMAZING shell-like structure is an architectural marvel. You’ll feel like you’re caught within a huge conch shell inside a wave in the ocean in this completely unique Texas vacation rental.
Each nook and cranny of this house is carved out of a different flow in the walls, with wooden fittings and beautiful furniture to contrast with the all-white walls and ceilings.
The cherry-on-top is that you will be in a remote-feeling forest, but actually quite close to Austin. This place is a MUST-SEE if you love completely unique properties like me.
Space Cowboys – Other-Dimensional Desert Pods with a View
It’s one of the most unique places to stay in Texas because: Space Cowboys elevates the glamping experience to an otherworldly level. Located pretty remote in Terlingua, Texas, this retreat has a prime location on a cratered hill, offering guests breathtaking panoramic views of Big Bend National Park and the majestic Santa Elena Canyon. It’s situated near the intriguing Terlingua Ghost Town, adding a layer of historical allure to its surroundings (it’s a must to explore while here).
Space Cowboys provides a stay that’s both luxurious and celestial. Each unique Space Pod is designed to enhance the stargazing experience, featuring moving nebula laser lights that transport you into the cosmos without leaving the comfort of your bed. The addition of fast Starlink wifi and cozy fire pits ensures that you will enjoy modern comforts while immersed in the vastness of the universe!
The setting of Space Cowboys is intentionally curated to blend adventure with tranquility, making it a perfect destination to explore the stars and the stark beauty of the southern Texas landscape.
With special offerings like enhanced stargazing experiences and the unique design of their Hypedome glamping pods, Space Cowboys is a testament to the appeal of combining nature with technology for an unforgettable escape into the wilderness, with a twist of interstellar magic.
Rarumpelpunzeldornaschenwittchen Germen Themed Cottages in Fredericksburg
Rarumpelpunzeldornaschenwittchen might be the most unique name of any place to stay in Texas… if you can even pronounce it! These little cottages are German-themed and located just outside of the German settlement of Fredericksburg – which also has a lot more unique places to stay in Fredericksburg too.
They’re set in a lovely green countryside with colorful decor and old German antiques from the 1800s. You can visit many wineries in the area and lots of German restaurants, bakeries, and historic sites as well! It’s a dreamy escape that feels different than anywhere else in Texas. This area is also home to some dreamy Fredericksburg cabins.
Hotel ZaZa Boutique Designer Hotels – Dallas and More
It’s One of the Most Unique Places to Stay in Texas Because: It’s a chic and boutique mid-city property with rooms completely different from one another.
Hotel ZaZa boasts thousands of positive user reviews on multiple trip services, and for good reason. This ultra-chic hotel is located amid the fashionable Uptown neighborhood in Dallas, Texas, but ZaZa now has locations in multiple cities – check their website for more.
The boutique luxury hotel combines a colorful Mediterranean style with completely different and unique suites with different names and themes. You can look through photos of the different suites before booking, or try different ‘concept suites’ and bungalows. It’s truly one of the most unique places to stay in Texas!
By virtue of its ideal location, Hotel ZaZa offers easy access to some of the top local locations, including the Dallas World Aquarium, Reunion Tower, Majestic Theater, Dallas Market Center, and more. For a memorable luxury experience, there is no reason not to book this hotel for your long-awaited vacation.
Strum + Flow: Industrial Chic Downtown Austin Apartment
Location: Second Stree District, Austin
It’s One of the Coolest Places to Stay in Texas Because: This high-ceilinged and industrial-looking apartment is right in downtown Austin with amazing amenities
If you want a higher-quality industrial-luxe place to stay in central Austin, check out Strum + Flow on Plumguide. Plumguide only vets and accepts properties of the highest standard, so you can rest assured their rentals are the best.
This apartment has pops of color throughout a minimalistic design with vast amounts of space. Have a drink on your patio looking out into downtown Austin. Everything is within walking distance!
Modern Tiny Cabin 1 – Unique Texas Airbnb Near Dripping Springs
It’s One of the Most Unique Places to Stay in Texas Because: It’s an awesome ‘tiny house’ in the hills perfect for a getaway
In a time when the world is slowly moving away from crowded hotels and practicing social distancing in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Modern Tiny Cabin in Dripping Springs, Texas, is the perfect secluded location to get off the grid for your next vacation.
The cool, compact home comes with a capacity for up to four guests and features a fully furnished hilltop tiny house with huge windows, so you may take in the scenery as best as you can. Have a cup of coffee while looking at the wonderful natural ambiance through your clear glass window, or explore the farm.
The Thrill of it All – High Rise Austin Apartment
Location: Downtown Austin
It’s one of the Coolest Texas Stays because: amazing design and VIEWS!
This gorgeous high-rise apartment not only has an amazing sleek design but has VIEWS for days. If you are anything like me, you love a good view… and imagine waking up to this one each day?!
There are views from every room, a beautiful living room, and an outdoor terrace too. You’re also smack-dab in the middle of Austin, so you can walk anywhere and have a fully-stocked home to come back to.
There is also a gym in the building and a massive communal pool perfect for those hot Austin summer days.
Lone Star Court – Cool Retro Austin Boutique Hotel
It’s One of the Most Unique Places to Stay in Texas Because: It’s centrally-located and texas/retro-themed boutique experience with a true Texas feel
The Lone Star Court offers a wonderful retro-themed hotel with luxurious, four-star accommodations. Whether it is Valentine’s Day getaway for two, a family/friends retreat, or a trip to Austin City Limits Festival, there is room for everyone at this unique Texas hotel.
Relax on one of the rocking chairs outside your beautiful room with a cup of tea and indulge in the live music and the wonderful sight of a night bonfire. You will actually feel like you are living in a barn or a modern warehouse with this hotel’s sleek design. From mimosas alongside the swimming pool to a hot bite at the on-site food truck, the possibilities for fun are truly endless.
Onera Fredericksburg: Unique, Scenic, and Coveted Treehouses and Cabins
It’s One of the Coolest Places to Stay in Texas Because: It mixes impressive architecture with design and the forest – making the perfect nature-filled getaway.
If you want a Texas cabin getaway, Onera could be for you. You may have seen these modern cabins taking over social media lately, with good reason.
They have over 12 totally unique and luxurious cabins, domes, and treehouses tucked away in the Fredericksburg wilderness, with amazing touches like terraces, fireplaces, and even jacuzzi tubs for the colder evenings.
The coolest thing about Onera is that each cabin or treehouse feels super remote while actually being within walking distance of the city center (and, therefore lots of wine tasting rooms and cute German shopping/food)! There are many more unique places to stay in Fredericksburg too.
The Joule – Restored Historic Boutique Hotel with Cantilevered Pool
If you’re heading to Dallas and want to stay somewhere with a lot more personality than your standard beige hotel chain, The Joule is the move. It’s inside this dramatic old 1920s bank building – think neo-Gothic vibes with renovations – and it’s now basically an artsy fever dream with luxury finishes.
The place is covered in murals and wild art installations, plus there’s a whole mini shopping scene and a spa that’s been called one of the best in Texas (aka your muscles will thank you). You’ve got multiple restaurants right on-site (Italian? American? Both? Yes), plus a vibey lobby bar, a cute café, and a speakeasy-style basement bar for when you’re feelin’ fancy and mysterious.
And then there’s the rooftop pool… oh man. It actually hangs off the edge of the building, with a glass wall so you can pretend you’re floating above the streets like a superhero. There are plush lounge chairs, cozy cabanas, and a full bar—because what’s a pool day without a cocktail and some people-watching 8 stories up?
If you’re looking in Dallas and love a pool with a view, check out some Dallas rooftop pool hotels.
Salvation Cabin Unique Airbnb
It’s One of the Most Unique Places to Stay in Texas Because: It’s an eclectic wooden cabin in the woods right above a beautiful river with unique western decor and multiple bonfire spots
Staying true to its name, the Salvation Cabin offers its guests complete salvation from the grueling stresses of everyday life. The one-bedroom cabin can host up to four guests and comes equipped with all the amenities you’d expect from a well-reputed and unique Texas Airbnb.
The natural ambiance and the peaceful and relaxing atmosphere are perfect for a relaxing solo getaway or a romantic retreat in the heart of the wilderness if you are looking for San Antonio date ideas. Let mother nature take over your senses! If you want to travel to this Airbnb, just take the bus from Dallas to San Antonio for a getaway.
Hotel Ella Refurbished 1800’s Manor Hotel
It’s One of the Most Unique Places to Stay in Texas Because: It’s a historic manor refurbished into a chic and trendy boutique hotel
This beautiful boutique hotel is located in a refurbished 1898 manor decorated with the best that the world of antique decor has to offer. The wonderful vintage ambiance, delectable comfort food, and mesmerizing pieces of art are sure to stay with you long after your trip.
There is no better place to indulge in the vintage hotel charm with modern luxury amenities. Whether it is a small staycation or a large function, Hotel Ella is just the place.
Ryders Treehouse Amazing Treetop Texas Rental
It’s One of the Most Unique Places to Stay in Texas Because: It’s a remote enclosure on a huge ranch with a two-story treehouse and raised pathways and chill-spaces within 3 massive leafy trees – very romantic!
The Ryders Treehouse is the real-life version of the treehouse from your childhood dreams. The beautiful wooden house offers a scenic view of the surrounding 800-acre land with lush green trees and boundless stretches of grass.
You can even sit and relax at a uniquely constructed raised table area within the trees, or have an evening bonfire at the pit outside. Keep this unique treehouse in mind when planning your impromptu romantic staycation. See more epic Texas treehouse rentals.
Most Unique Texas Hostel: SOVA Micro-Room & Social Hotel
It’s one of the most unique Texas hostels because: it’s on an old brick building with rustic, worldly features and a communal vibe
I always want to include a cool hostel on these lists because they offer a much better atmosphere for meeting people, even if you book a private room. Deep Ellum is the coolest area in Dallas, and Sova “micro room and social hotel” set up right in the center of the city. It has a historical and rustic vibe, with brick walls, street art, and murals all around.
They inspired the design of the hotel from the designers’ travel through 50 countries, and chose the location based on where they’d want to be. There are daily activities and social events with all kinds of common spaces.
However this is a ‘social hotel’ that contains ‘micro rooms,’ so it has a hostel vibe without dorms. This is right up my alley, what about you?!
Frame Hotel (formerly Kimber Modern Hotel) Austin Texas
It’s One of the Most Unique Places to Stay in Texas Because: It’s a sleek and modern design hotel in Austin with amazing spaces
The Kimber Modern Hotel is a boutique spot in downtown Austin with a modern interior that screams elegance, and beautiful architecture that will stay with you long after your vacation. They are called ‘Autin’s Design Hotel’ for a reason!
The refreshingly colorful and modern design of the hotel combined with the unmatched comfort and exemplary services make this hotel a top spot for a weekend staycation or a romantic Valentine’s getaway in Austin.
Modern Solar Home – Remote Unique Hilltop Home With Incredible Views
It’s One of the Most Unique Places to Stay in Texas Because: This INCREDIBLE remote hilltop house is on 1000 acres with light-filled rooms surrounded by high-elevation openness and distant mountains.
Situated an hour and a half drive south of Marfa, this Modern Solar Home is one of the coolest Airbnb rentals in Texas. The fully-furnished house comes complete with the power of solar energy in a remote location that is perfect for all kinds of getaways and vacations.
It would be perfect for an inspirational getaway for artists and creatives. The picturesque locale is on a massive cattle ranch land perched at the top of a hill you can see for miles. It offers picture-perfect drives and hikes in all directions, wildlife, and the best sunsets/sunrises you have ever seen.
El Cosmico in Marfa: Unique Desert Escape with Limited Connectivity
It’s one of the most unique Texas lodgings because: it’s an escape from society, bringing you closer with people and the outdoors as well as providing unique accommodations
El Cosmico is more than just a unique place to stay in Texas – it’s a place that boasts community and creativity, inviting you to stay in a variety of lodgings including tepees, yurts, vintage mobile homes, and a casita. Located in the desert of Marfa, you’ll be living out your own Western adventure.
A stay here is ideal for disconnecting (as Wifi is limited to the lobby) and cell reception is also limited. On site there’s a communal outdoor kitchen, hammocks, and bikes available to rent. For an extra touch of pampering, book a wood-fired dutch hot tub ahead of your visit to enjoy during your stay.
The Antlers Inn – Historical Place to Stay in Kingsland, Texas
It’s one of the most unique Texas resorts because: it’s an Inn with over 120 years of history and with eight acres of land, a perfect place to enjoy the outdoors
Opened to provide a cozy place for tourists arriving by rail in Kingsland, today the Antlers Inn is loved by guests for its historic decor, sprawling gardens, and proximity to the Lyndon B. Johnson Lake. Aside from their suite accommodations, there’s also cabooses and a cabin on the eight acres of land to nestle up in and enjoy more privacy.
On site there’s a restaurant and the area is home to vineyards, Longhorn Cavern Park, and Legend’s Golf Course, making it a wonderful place to stay for enjoyinh area attractions while having all you need nearby to stay fueled up.
Unique Shipping Container Lodging in Texas – The FlopHouze
It’s one of the most unique Texas stays because: they use sustainably sourced and repurposed materials for their shipping container accommodations
If you’re planning a trip to Round Top add the the FlopHouse to your list because it’s one of the most cool and quant unique lodgings in Texas. Located on a green pasture, the FlopHouse offers six shipping container homes and three houses. The gems here though are the shipping containers, which feature large windows, vintage fixtures, and private decks.
The container homes also feature modern amenities including air conditioning, mini fridges, and sinks to keep comfortable during your stay. Whether you want to explore Round Top by enjoying the local nature and food scene, or just kick back by the fire pit of your shipping container, you can’t go wrong with a stay at the FlopHouze.
WildCatter Ranch Unique Ranch Resort in Graham, Texas
It’s one of the most unique Texas resorts because: you can live the ranch lifestyle without having to abandon your real life — they have Western style accommodations and on-site activities such as spear throwing
The WildCatter Ranch is the place for everyone – whether you’re a couple looking for a romantic getaway or a family of five (+ a furry friend!), you’ll have an unforgettable time at this unique place to stay in Texas in Graham. Located on a 1,500 acre ranch, there’s a variety of accommodations including hotel rooms, cabins suites, and homes.
Along with the Western decorated lodgings, there’s also activities that’ll pull you into the ranch lifestyle including horseback riding, archery, tomahawk throwing, and shooting (all at an additional cost). To top it all off, there’s an onsite steakhouse to enjoy some of the best of South Western cuisine.
Best Unique Luxury Stay in Dallas – Rosewood Mansion
It’s one of the most unique Texas hotels because: the mansion provides a luxurious experience from start to finish, including dining, accommodations, and the pool area.
If you’re looking for a luxurious escape in the city of Dallas, the sophisticated Rosewood Mansion is the escape you’re looking for. Each rooms includes plush seating, a patio or balcony (excluding the deluxe accessible room), and interior design inspired by the original 1920’s estate.
Once you’ve selected your perfect resting quarters, dress up your stay with a visit to one of the on-site restaurants, lounge by the pool oasis, or even try your hand at making your own margarita.
The Yurtopian Unique Glamping with Hot Tubs
It’s one of the most unique Texas hotels because: The Yurtopian is a unique one-of-a-kind glamping experience combining comfort, creativity, and the great outdoors.
With two locations to choose from and one unforgettable experience, the Yurtopian Hill Country Resort in Wimberley is the perfect way to experience the Texas outdoors, glamping style. The first thing you’ll notice is the unique design of each yurt which pairs a calming white palette with pops of color.
The private decks include firepits (some yurts) and hot tubs, so max out your stay and enjoy the stars by the warmth of the fire, or dip into the hot tub after an adventurous day. The Wimberley location is just a five minute drive from downtown, making all the local activities easily accessible, but if you’re looking for a truly isolated experience, check out the yurts at their Dripping Springs location.
Cyprus Valley Canopy Tours
Passionate, full-time travel blogger with over 230k on social media and 150kMPV blog. Extraordinary photographer with two DSLR's + a drone with a love for capturing candid moments, epic drone shots, and magical compositions. I'm a natural-born content creator originally from California, but I've been on the road for 9 years living, working, traveling, blogging, and photographing my way around the world. I recommend the most amazingly adventurous and unique + boutique travel experiences/stays and helpful products to my audience and write comprehensive guides on my website that have helped millions of travelers so far. I love to inspire people to plan their dream trips, and many readers have given feedback as such. The reach on my platforms continues to soar, especially when combining cutting-edge social content with optimized articles on my high-authority website.