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By Aleza Freeman   AARP En español Published May 05, 2022

There are plenty of trusted hotel chains in the American Southwest, but the arid desert landscape and rich regional history also allow for some unique and unconventional places to stay. From

a vintage trailer park in Arizona to a sandstone cave in New Mexico, these offbeat and occasionally off-the-wall hotels will add a little whimsy and fun to your vacation.

1. The Clown Motel (Tonopah, Nevada)

The world-famous Clown Motel is creepy, kitschy and supposedly full of ghosts (it’s billed as “the World’s Scariest Motel”), but it’s also friendly, historic and surprisingly charming.

Clowning around since 1985 (now under new ownership), the pet-friendly property is home to a collection of more than 2,000 images, statues, toys and other tchotchkes featuring clowns, all on

display in the lobby. A two-story circus clown named Jolly welcomes guests to the colorful, polka-dotted building, which is located directly next door to another gem, the Old Tonopah

Cemetery. Behind each brightly painted motel room door is a clean, comfortable room with clown art or distinct clown-based horror themes, such as Stephen King’s It. From $70; 

theclownmotelusa.com; 775-624-9098.

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ideas 2. Paradise Ranch Castle Bed & Breakfast (Austin, Nevada)

Originally built as a home by a husband for his queen, Paradise Ranch Castle Bed & Breakfast sits on 160 acres in the Reese River valley, 4 miles off the 300-mile “Loneliest Road in America”

(U.S. 50) and 12 miles from Austin, Nevada. The outside resembles a castle with rooftop turrets and thin, rectangular windows. Inside, there’s a master suite, two standard rooms (with

shared bathroom) and a secret, hidden room without windows, as well as a “dungeon” with a cash bar, pool table and jukebox. Enjoy mountain scenery by day and stars by night, then wake up

every morning to a homemade breakfast. From $115; paradiseranchcastle.com; 440-781-8768.

Dating back to the late 19th century, and possibly haunted by a lady of the night, Gold Hill Hotel is the Silver State’s oldest, built in 1859, five years before Nevada achieved statehood.

That same year, miners uncovered the prosperous Comstock Lode nearby, turning the area into a booming mining hub. Nowadays, Nevada’s first hotel draws paranormal investigators and ghost

hunters. Its rumoredto-be-haunted rooms, some more antique than others, were featured on the TV show Ghost Adventures. There’s also a restaurant and saloon on-site. Be sure to take a steam

or diesel train ride up the hill to Virginia City. From $145; goldhillhotel.net; 775-847-0111.

4. Kokopelli Cave Hotel (Farmington, New Mexico)