Theme Hotels in the U.S. for a Memorable Stay

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I’ve planned plenty of vacations around a particular hotel I’ve wanted to stay at versus a particular city I want to visit. Sometime the hotel is the experience–whether it’s because it has a fun waterpark on site, a beautiful spa, or a particularly fun theme.

And let’s be real—sometimes, a standard hotel room just doesn’t cut it. So if you’re looking to turn your next getaway into a full-blown experience, themed hotels are where it’s at. And whether you’re traveling with kids, planning a romantic getaway, or craving a quirky, off-the-grid adventure, there’s a themed hotel out there that’s ready to turn your stay into something epic. Here’s a guide to the best themed hotels in the U.S., sorted by who they’re perfect for.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best Theme Hotels for Families

1. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Orlando, Florida

Theme: African Safari
Get up close with giraffes, zebras, and more from the comfort of your balcony. Add in themed pools and African-inspired dining, and it’s basically a dream come true for families who want that extra touch of Disney magic.

2. Fantasyland Hotel – Edmonton, Alberta (Okay, it’s Canada, but it’s epic so I can’t leave it off)

Theme: Space, Pirates, Princesses
Located in the world’s largest mall, this hotel offers fantasy-themed rooms like spaceship pods and pirate ships. Kids will lose their minds—in the best way.

3. Great Wolf Lodge – Multiple U.S. Locations

Theme: Indoor Waterpark Wilderness
With log cabin-style suites and an indoor waterpark attached, Great Wolf Lodge is one of the most kid-approved hotel experiences out there. You can book wolf den suites and partake in fun wolf-themed activities.

4. LEGOLAND Hotel – Carlsbad, California

Theme: LEGO World
Each room is themed to match LEGO lines like Kingdom, Adventure, or Ninjago. Expect treasure hunts, themed elevators, and bunk beds for the kids. Bonus: it’s walking distance from the LEGOLAND park.

5. Cartoon Network Hotel – Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Theme: Cartoon Network Universe

Step into a world where your favorite cartoons come to life at the Cartoon Network Hotel. This vibrant hotel offers rooms and suites themed after popular shows like Adventure Time, The Powerpuff Girls, Ben 10, Steven Universe, We Bare Bears, and The Amazing World of Gumball . Each room is adorned with character-inspired decor, ensuring an immersive experience for fans of all ages.

Beyond the rooms, the hotel boasts a range of family-friendly amenities:

• Adventure Time-themed outdoor pool area and Powerpuff Girls Splash Pad
• Indoor pool and seasonal outdoor pool with cabanas and sun loungers
• Ben 10 Omnicade – a 24-hour arcade filled with games
• Toon Room Kids Play Area for interactive fun
• Cartoon Kitchen – a full-service restaurant serving dishes inspired by Cartoon Network shows
• Bearista Café, where you can grab a coffee served by Ice Bear
• Outdoor movie screenings on a giant Finn face screen, complete with lawn games and fire pits

Located just steps away from Dutch Wonderland, one of Pennsylvania’s top family-friendly theme parks, the Cartoon Network Hotel offers exclusive early and priority entry for hotel guests. It’s the perfect spot for families looking to combine the magic of cartoons with the thrill of amusement park adventures.

And it’s located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, which is one of the best cities for a fall family vacation.

Best for: Families with young children, cartoon enthusiasts, and anyone looking to relive their favorite animated shows in a fun-filled setting.

6. Fulton Steamboat Inn – Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Theme: 19th-Century Steamboat Adventure

All aboard for a unique lodging experience at the Fulton Steamboat Inn, where guests can enjoy the charm of a steamboat without leaving dry land. This full-service hotel is designed to resemble a Victorian-era riverboat, complete with authentic details that transport visitors back in time.

Accommodations are spread across three decks—Promenade, Observation, and Sun Deck—offering rooms with either nautical or Victorian themes. Families will appreciate the King rooms with bunk and trundle beds, while couples might opt for the adults-only Sun Deck rooms featuring private balconies and elegant furnishings.

On-site amenities cater to guests of all ages:

• Huckleberry’s Restaurant & Tavern, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a charming setting.
• Indoor heated pool and whirlpool, perfect for relaxation after a day of exploring.
• Fitness center and game room for entertainment and exercise.
• Duck and koi pond with a walking trail, offering a peaceful retreat amidst nature.
• Ship-themed playground, providing young guests with a fun and imaginative play area.

Located just minutes from popular Lancaster attractions like Dutch Wonderland, Sight & Sound Theatre, and the Strasburg Rail Road, the Fulton Steamboat Inn serves as an ideal base for families seeking both adventure and comfort.

Best for: Families, history enthusiasts, and travelers looking for a distinctive and memorable stay in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country.

💕 Best Theme Hotels for Couples(with bonus fun for brave families too)

1. The Madonna Inn – San Luis Obispo, California

Theme: Whimsical, Romantic, and Wild
The Madonna Inn has 110 individually themed rooms, and no two are alike. The rooms range from whimsical and romantic to kitschy and outrageous. A few fan favorites include:

• Caveman Room – A stone-covered grotto with rock walls and a waterfall shower.
• Love Nest – A hot pink, two-level room with a spiral staircase and lots of heart-shaped decor.
• Old Mill Room – Complete with a water wheel feature inside the room.
• Yahoo Room – Cowboy Western meets neon dreams.

The rooms feel like someone mashed together Disneyland, Vegas, and a vintage roadside attraction—in the best possible way. It’s weird. It’s over-the-top. And yes—it’s kind of perfect. If you ever plan a road trip on the PCH, make sure to stop here and check it out.

2. The Roxbury Motel – Roxbury, New York

Theme: Fairytale + Pop Culture + Halloween
The Roxbury Motel is like stepping into a cinematic wonderland. Nestled in the Catskills, this boutique hotel is famous for its ultra-detailed themed rooms and suites, each one inspired by legends, TV shows, fantasy, and folklore.

Want to sleep in a life-sized Genie’s Bottle? You can. Prefer a room inspired by Wizard of Oz or I Dream of Jeannie? They’ve got those, too. There’s even “Cinderella’s Gown,” where the entire headboard is a shimmering version of her dress mid-twirl. It’s all about fantasy, glitter, and whimsy.

But if you lean toward the darker, moodier side, the Roxbury also has you covered. Some rooms and experiences embrace eerie, Gothic elements, like the “Dracula’s Fangs” cottage suite with its brooding black-and-red decor and spooky castle energy.

And if you’re really up for an immersive escape, book a stay at The Roxbury at Stratton Falls. These luxury “Mansion Rooms” and “Cottage Shacks” include darker themes, like Haunted Fairytale and Dracula’s Fangs.

3. McMenamins Kennedy School – Portland, Oregon

Theme: Historic Schoolhouse
Sleep in a converted classroom (chalkboards included!) and enjoy soaking pools, an on-site movie theater, and multiple bars—all within a renovated 1915 elementary school.

🌍 For Adventure Seekers & Offbeat Explorers

1. Northern Rail Traincar Inn – Two Harbors, Minnesota

Theme: Vintage Train Cars
Stay in an actual train car nestled in the woods. It’s quiet, unique, and a total change of scenery from the usual hotel grind.

2. The Shady Dell – Bisbee, Arizona

Theme: 1950s Trailer Park
A slice of vintage Americana where guests stay in restored aluminum campers from the ’40s and ’50s, complete with period-perfect décor.

3. Jules’ Undersea Lodge – Key Largo, Florida

Theme: Underwater Research Station
Sleep 30 feet underwater in the world’s only submerged hotel. You’ll need to scuba dive to check in—so yeah, definitely for the adventurous at heart.

✨ Bonus: For Nostalgia Lovers & Pop Culture Fans

1. Graduate Hotels – Multiple U.S. Locations

Theme: Collegiate Meets Pop Culture
Each Graduate location has its own regional flair, but some (like Bloomington, Indiana) feature iconic suites themed from movies such as Stranger Things and Big. Perfect for grown-up fans looking for a touch of fantasy.

2. The TWA Hotel – JFK Airport, New York

Theme: 1960s Jet-Set Glam
A retro revival of the golden age of air travel. Sip cocktails in a vintage airplane-turned-bar and swim in a rooftop pool that overlooks airport runways. Surprisingly romantic—and undeniably cool.

Why Choose a Theme Hotel?

Because why not make your lodging part of the adventure? Themed hotels bring stories to life and create unforgettable memories. Whether you’re watching giraffes roam from your balcony or sleeping inside a dog, these places are anything but ordinary.

Make sure to check out my other popular posts, such as The Best Hotels for Families in Los Angeles and Palm Springs Resorts for Families.

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