For many, when they think of Tampa, Florida, they either think of beaches or Busch Gardens. And both of those things are definitely fantastic, but sometimes there’s no place like downtown, and there are a plethora of hotels available at reasonable prices so you can take advantage.

Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk Hotel

The Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk Hotel is centrally located in downtown, making it a great choice for anyone doing business there, attending a convention, seeing a show, or going to the Tampa Aquarium. According to nearly all the reviews, the rooms are great — spacious and clean. However, recent renovations caused problems for some guests, so it would certainly be worth asking about the status of renovations on the floor where you’ll be staying before you book. While there, you can take advantage of the pool and gym as well as a boat dock where you can dock your boat or book a charter fishing trip. Prices start in the lower $100s.

Marriott Waterside Hotel & Marina lobby

The Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel & Marina is a part of the Channelside District, giving guests access to tons of entertainment and dining options. The rooms are well-appointed and modern, each with a balcony offering a view of either the bay or the city. There are three restaurants as well as a bar in the impressive lobby, as well as a pool, Jacuzzi, and spa. Additionally, there is a 32 slip full service Marina. You know, in case you wanted to take your yacht there. I have actually stayed in this hotel, and I can say from experience that I was hugely impressed with what we got for the price. Rooms start at around $150, but after a couple of discounts, we stayed there for closer to $120.

Embassy Suites Tampa Downtown Convention Center is also in a great location downtown, offering really large rooms, great for families. Many reviewers mentioned staying here before leaving on a cruise, or when they were seeing a show at the St. Pete Times Forum (which is right next door). Great service is mentioned over and over, as is the complimentary breakfast and happy hour. It’s a little pricier, with rooms starting just below $200, but I’m thinking I could make up for some of that with the included food and drinks!

If you’re planning a trip, check out flights to flights to Tampa.

In the mood for a vacation that’s unique, strange or a even a bit bizarre? Check out these not-to-missed options: Perched near the Arctic Circle in Sweden, the Ice Hotel is, as you might guess, a hotel made of ice. Several room options are available, from “cold room” options that include sleeping on actual blocks of ice (brr!) or reindeer skins to the “warm room” options with designs that look like they’re ripped out of an IKEA catalog. Choose the cold room and you’ll be warmed in the morning by a delivery of hot lingonberry juice, welcome respite after the 5 degree night.

White Cliffs Hotel

White Cliffs in New South Wales will put you up in an underground hotel carved out as opal mines. The room rental includes a free tour of the mine and an unforgettable stay in Australia’s outback. Photo courtesy Gourmettraveler.

Cappadocia Cave Suites

Weird but also wonderful are the Cappadocia Cave Suites in Turkey, carved during Hittite, Byzantine and Roman days, but now used as lodging. Your ancient room, nestled among caves used as places of worship, includes wifi and an espresso machine.

Dog Bark Park Inn

Right here in the USA in Cottonwood, Idaho, is the Dog Bark Park Inn which is in the shape of a gigantic beagle. Enter the body of the dog through a private deck, then check out your spacious room, which comes with homemade pastries and granola. The hotel’s website includes this incredible quote from former guests: “Our girls had a fabulous time in the dog’s head.”

Tree House Lodge in Costa Rica

In case you like a more aerie like environment we recommend a tree house in Costa Rica.

Skye Lighthouse is now a hotel

Some prefer the sound of crashing waves and beach access.  In that case check into the Skye Lighthouse, in Scotland. Photo courtesy of Jon & Allison.

Luxor Hotel, Las Vegas

If you prefer more action, nightlife and well, gambling then Las Vegas offers all sorts of strange hotels, with the most wierd and my favorite– the Luxor.  It is so American to think we can replicate the pyramids.

Genting Highlands Hotel in Kuala Lumpur

Or if you just want more than just a little local color, go to Kuala Lumpur for a rainbow-like stay.  I think it looks like a child’s painting, full of whimsy. Photo courtesy of CLF.

Marques de Riscal

I also love the flowing lines this luxury Starwood Resort in Elciego, Spain.  The architect is of course, Frank O. Gehry. He is never dull. Photo courtesy of whomsie.

Underwater Hotel in Itanbul, Turkey (under construction)

And finally, we return to the sea, with an underwater hotel, slated to be finished in 2010, but don’t hold your breath.

Want even more weird hotels? Read the “More Weird Hotels” follow-up post.

Gaslamp Quarter San Diego

Welcome to San Diego, where the weather hardly dips below 60 degrees, even around Christmas! I love this city, and the Gaslamp Quarter in downtown is one of my favorite parts of the city. Not only does the area have great restaurants and nightlife, but there’s also a wonderful collection of hotels fit for all budgets.

Bristol Hotel

The first time I stayed here was back in 2003, and I was immediately drawn to the hotel’s use of Gerber daisies, my favorite flower. A strange memory, I know, but rest assured that the actual hotel was great as well, and I’ve stayed there two other times since then. It’s a modern, boutique style hotel, with clean lines and a cozy feel to it. The beds are extrememly comfortable, and the rooms are decorated with jazzy patterns which manage to be lively yet not too busy. The staff was very friendly and well-trained. Better yet, the rooms run around $200 per night, which is great for the Gaslamp Quarter!

Bristol Hotel San Diego

Sofia Hotel

All the letters in the name are written in lowercase, a tell-tale sign that a hotel thinks of itself as having an attitude. Luckily, in this case the attitude is a great one! All rooms are wired for broadband and you’ll be treated to flat-screen tv’s in the suites. Fiteness afficionados will appreciate the hotel’s private yoga studio and fitness center. The regualr rooms are a bit on the smaller side, so investing in a suite might be a good idea. The bathrooms rock. Suites are under $300 per night, and the regular rooms are around $160.

The Keating Hotel

I think this one is fairly new to the Gaslamp scene, beacuse I’m not that familiar with it. I’ve heard they have a 2-night package which includes a Ferrari rental though! It’s smack in the middle of the Gaslamp and only has 35 (expensive) rooms. The rooms apparently have flat-screened tv’s and the beds have 1000 thread-count sheets. I think I’m going to have to check this place out.

Here’s a great resource for finding other boutique hotels.

If you’re planning a trip, check out flights to flights to San Diego.

Photo Credits: Zoonabar, Bristol Hotel website

Palm Desert

Palm Desert, California is a gorgeous oasis. You have the scenic mountains full of snow during the winter, the sweeping valleys with stunning desert flowers during the spring and a collection of new and historic communities. Love golf? You’re definitely in the right place. It’s an easy place to spend a lot of money in.

If you’re planning a trip to Palm Desert in the near future, check out some of the following Palm Desert area hotels. They’re not cheap, but oh, the luxury…

Marriot Desert Springs

This beautiful resort has not one, but two eighteen hole golf courses. The spa is second to none, and the suites are very spacious and have marble and granite bathrooms and ridiculously comfortable beds. There are about six high class restaurants to enjoy onsite, and if you’re looking to get off the hotel grounds, there is so much to see and do, including nearby Joshua National Park.

Renaissance Esmeralda Palm Desert

Esmeralda

It’s been said that this place is so high-end that even the valets get valet parking. You’ll have views of Eisenhower Peak everywhere in this resort, which is located in Indian Wells, about three miles from central Palm Desert. The outdoor pool is heated, and it’s spectacular. There’s even a sandy b each for kids! The lounges and restaurants are modern and classy, and they’re the hub of the hotel’s social activity. The scenery surrounding this resort is worth the price alone, in my opinion.

Indian Wells Resort Hotel

Another stunning option near Palm Desert. And how can you not stay in a place that was thought up by Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz? This resort is actually considerably less expensive than the previous two, and though it’s been completely remodeled it still has a class Old Hollywood feel to it, at least on the outside. On the inside though, everything looks European and snazzy. I think it’s a great option if you want to have the same scenery and similar service, but you still want to have some money left over toe explore the excellent restuarant scene in the area.

Photo Credits: LIberalMind1012, Esmeralda website,