Unusual Hotels in California
Sparrows Lodge
Palm Springs
Originally built in the 1950s as a resort getaway for Hollywood big shots dubbed Castle's Red Barn, the hotel hit-making couple behind Sparrows Lodge stripped the original down to its bones and remade it into an insanely laid-back hipster hacienda hideaway. None of the 20 rooms have TVs or phones, but you can entertain yourself at the check-in desk WHICH DOUBLES AS A BAR, at the outdoor pool and open-24/7 hot tub, or with a short ride into town on a loaner bike. Oh right, and there's a full horseshoe game hidden in the back in case you're into doing one of the 21 things required for The Best Palm Springs Trip Ever.
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The Pearl
San Diego
This revamped mid-century motel hosts all kinds of badassery on the regular (“dive-in” poolside movie nights! $1 happy hour oysters!!), enjoyed by guests in 23 stylish, soundproofed (hey now) rooms. The swanky lounge extends to the pool’s patio, where you can tuck into locally sourced grub and beers brewed just down the street. Bonus: you’ll get 15% off your dinner bill if it ever rains - but, yo, it's San Diego. It never, ever will.
The Wayfarer
Santa Barbara
Located on the Urban Wine Trail just a block from State St and three blocks from the beach, this Funk Zone hotspot bills itself as an upscale hostel, but offers several private rooms with fancy faux-fur touches and 42” TVs. Hang out by the heated pool, play big-ass versions of Jenga and Connect Four, or meet new folks around the communal breakfast table. Wait, free sunset bike tours, too? Yuuuup.
Glen Oaks Big Sur
Big Sur