Weekend Getaways

9 Truly One-of-a-Kind Hotels for a Unique Weekend Getaway

by Kara Williams

Photograph by Kara Williams

exterior of ADERO Scottsdale Resort, Autograph Collection

Plan a one-of-a-kind weekend escape at ADERO Scottsdale Resort, Autograph Collection. (Photo: Marriott International)

One-of-a-kind accommodations make a weekend getaway extra special. After all, overnighting at a hotel with an unusual history, remarkable location or exceptional amenities adds to the thrill of a quick escape from everyday life.

Read on for nine fabulous and unique hotels for your next weekend adventure.

As always, check for travel guidelines and closures before planning your trip.

Sleep Under Starry Skies in Scottsdale, Arizona

ADERO Scottsdale Resort, Autograph Collection occupies a prime location above the Sonoran Desert in a certified Dark Sky Community. That means a weekend of naked-eye stargazing is excellent here, with minimal light pollution in the area. Or guests can get up-close views of planets through high-definition telescopes stationed around the hotel.

By day, enjoy the on-site biking and hiking trails, pickleball and tennis courts, and resort pools, including a lap pool just for adults.

Soak Up Southern Hospitality in Savannah, Georgia

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Visit Savannah for a wonderful weekend getaway packed with museums, parks, fabulous architecture, and of course, that famous Southern charm. Don’t miss the vibrant Plant Riverside District, filled with bars, restaurants, shops and entertainment venues.

Just across the street from Plant Riverside, you’ll find The Alida, Savannah, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, which quite literally promises a one-of-a-kind weekend escape. No two guest rooms in this chic hotel are alike, as the comfortable and spacious accommodations showcase custom artwork and local creations — plus lovely views of the historic city, the pool courtyard or the Savannah River.

Celebrate Bourbon Heritage in Louisville, Kentucky

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A weekend spent prowling Louisville’s famed Whiskey Row is a bourbon aficionado’s dream. Drink aficionados can even stay in a boutique hotel located in a former whiskey barrel house right on Whiskey Row, the Hotel Distil, Autograph Collection.

Bourbon culture is celebrated throughout the hotel, adding to the weekend’s fun. Join other guests nightly for a complimentary cocktail and a celebratory toast at exactly 7:33 p.m. — that’s 19:33 military time, the year Prohibition ended.

Admire Art in Chattanooga, Tennessee

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Immerse yourself in a weekend of all things art in Chattanooga — including your hotel. More than 75 original works of art are on display at The Edwin Hotel, Autograph Collection, where you might want to spend an hour perusing the sculptures, paintings and murals found throughout the hotel’s public spaces.

Continue your art appreciation at the nearby Hunter Museum of American Art and Bluff View Art District on the Tennessee River. And when it’s time for rest and relaxation, return to the hotel for some pampering at its Ama Spa.

Experience a Nod to American History in Charlottesville, Virginia

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A weekend away in charming Charlottesville is perfect for history buffs, who can take in the historic downtown area, as well as the nearby homes of Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. And The Draftsman, Charlottesville, University, Autograph Collection Hotel, nestled next to the University of Virginia campus, is the perfect base from which to explore.

The hotel leans into presidential history, paying homage to Virginians Thomas Jefferson, James Madison and James Monroe. An enlarged map of historic Charlottesville is featured on the lobby lounge ceiling, and other decor includes drafting tables, sliding barn doors and framed prints of Jefferson’s beloved Monticello.

Keep an eye out for the pet-friendly hotel’s adorable resident ambassador, a soft-coated wheaten terrier — sure to make your weekend super cuddly.

Stay in an Elegant Mansion in Istanbul, Turkey

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What better way to experience an Istanbul weekend escape than staying in a historic former mansion? Originally a family home built in 1874, Adahan DeCamondo Pera, Autograph Collection is today a beautifully restored boutique hotel in Istanbul’s bustling Beyoglu neighborhood.

Spend your weekend days exploring the rich culture and history of the city. Then get a bird’s-eye view and listen to live music from the romantic terrace at the hotel’s Béatrice Restaurant.

Focus on Serenity in Sitges, Spain

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Sometimes, a tranquil weekend away is just what you need. Sabàtic, Sitges, Autograph Collection is a light and airy retreat about 25 miles southeast of Barcelona. Natural materials and local art are woven throughout the hotel’s suites, and some have family-style bunk beds and balconies with views of the Mediterranean Sea.

Outside the hotel, stroll to the local beach or along the waterfront boulevard lined with cafés and ice-cream shops, wander the old town center, or explore expansive Garraf Natural Park.

Set Up a Basecamp for Adventure in Lake Placid, New York

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With its comfortable gathering spaces — think cozy couches by a roaring fireplace and rooftop picnic tables with views of Mirror Lake — Grand Adirondack Hotel, Lake Placid, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel makes a great weekend getaway for a group of friends.

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at the hotel’s Marcy restaurant. Then spend the weekend together exploring the area’s lakes and mountains around Lake Placid, whether that’s skating and sledding in the winter or boating and hiking in the summer.

The pet-friendly hotel welcomes furry friends with custom beds, dining stations, and even homemade Nutty Maple Bacon dog treats at check-in.

Bring the Whole Family to Anaheim, California

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If you’re in Southern California for the weekend, The Viv Hotel, Anaheim, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, is an ultraconvenient spot for exploring Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park, whose main gates are a five-minute drive from the stylish hotel.

The hotel’s Oasis Pool is perfect for families, with a splash area and cozy cabanas. There’s also a sleek rooftop pool and bar when some adult time is in order. Best of all, the hotel has fantastic, sweeping views Disneyland — and its incredible nightly fireworks display, making for some truly magical evenings.