You might also like:
Our new series from TPG Contributor Lori Zaino, “World’s Most Unusual Hotels,” features some of the craziest, most unique properties around the globe, perfect for adventurous travelers who are ready for a little something different. Here, she guides us through a hotel in the shape of a giant beagle. (All photos are courtesy of the hotel.)
I’m always on the lookout for different, fascinating types of accommodations, places that stir the imagination and make you want to stay there yourself. While I’ve written about wacky and unusual hotels around the world — like an artsy Spanish winery or a vintage Boeing aircraft in Costa Rica — I was amazed to find one here in the US that piqued my interest so much: a giant sculpture of a beagle you can actually stay in.
Dog lovers everywhere should head to Cottonwood, Idaho, to spend the night inside the world’s largest beagle hotel, The Dog Bark Park Inn, a B&B housed inside the World’s Biggest Beagle. That’s right, you’re spending the night inside a giant dog sculpture.
Created by husband-and-wife chainsaw artists Dennis and Frances, the Dog Bark Park Inn can sleep up to four people in its Dog Suite loft, which contains a queen-size bed and two twin folding futon mattresses.
You’ll also have access to a private bathroom, microwave, mini-fridge, clock radio, hair dryer, books, games, puzzles and daily breakfast. There’s no TV or phone in the loft, however Wi-Fi is now available.
The B&B got its start when the owners were able to sell some of their hand-carved dog sculptures on QVC, allowing them to then invest in building the Dog Bark Park Inn. The actual structure is divided into two beagles named Toby and Sweet Willy — only the larger one has sleeping quarters.
If spending the night inside a giant beagle isn’t exactly your cup of tea, visitors can still peruse the grounds, pick up a souvenir in the gift shop and visit the artist studio where the couples’ canine carvings, like those shown below, can be purchased — choose from 60 different dog breeds and poses or special order your own customized carving by showing the owners a photo of your dog.
You can stay overnight between April 1 and October 31 of this year with rates starting at $98 per night for double occupancy or from $92 for one person. As one might expect, pets are welcome, but you must advise the hotel first and pay a $15 nonrefundable pet fee.
Getting There
The closest airport is the Lewiston–Nez Perce County Regional Airport (LWS), which is located about a one-hour drive from the Dog Bark Park Inn — Alaska/Horizon runs daily flights with service to Seattle (SEA) and Boise (BOI), while Delta offers nonstop service between LWS and Salt Lake City (SLC). Another alternative is Boise Airport (BOI), about a 4.5-hour drive from the Inn, and served by Delta, Southwest, Alaska, American, United and Allegiant.
A Final Tip
Be sure to charge your stay on a credit card that gives you bonus points for travel purchases, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Citi Prestige cards.
Source: thepointsguy.com