Fun Hotels That Are More Than Just A Place to Crash

Anything legendary hotelier Ian Schrager touches is practically faultless, and t his South Beach spot. The spacious lobby is cloaked in white and gold and can seem a touch intimidating, but once you head downstairs to the basement, you can let your hair down. Roll a strike with a naked-lady ball designed by artist Daniel Headlamp at the bowling alley, while listening to a playlist curated by Savannah Buffett (Jimmy Buffett’s daughter), then cool off with a few loops around the indoor ice skating rink.

What began with an Instagram contest earlier this year resulted in some of the most provocative, contemporary murals in San Francisco. The 7-Story Canvas exhibit stars original work by some of the most respected urban artists like Buff Monster and Apexer. After a look at the artwork, blow off some steam at The Playroom on the second floor, where you’ll find a pool table, shuffleboard, and game consoles. Even the lobby is warm and inviting with a giant Jenga and several Macs for your surfing pleasure.

This edgy LoDo (lower downtown) boutique hotel opened as Denver’s first openly cannabis-friendly property, with its weed-friendly balconies (still no smoking indoors) and cannabidiol-laced coffee. Though Nativ’s stance on drugs has since shifted – now guests have to sign a waiver promising not to partake – the hotel still places a strong emphasis on fun. At Pourtions, quench your thirst at the innovative, self-pour, 20-tap beer wall. The high-energy Stereo Lounge is where locals gather to drink and dance the night away. And in every room, you’ll find a “Monsieur Bartender,” devices that can mix as many as 800 different combinations of specialty cocktails.

If you appreciate good wine, it’s impossible not to enjoy a stay at this hotel dedicated to Willamette Valley wine country. Because the area is renown for its world-class Pinot noirs, every room and suite is dedicated to a local winery complete with two bottles of wine. . Every day, indulge in the complimentary wine hour, held between 5:00 and 6:00pm, then continue the revelry at the newly-opened Bacchus Bar. Tap into your inner child at Pinot Noir Game Lounge on the second floor, where you’ll find Atari and air hockey.

The Amsterdam-based hotel chain known for merging fun and technology made a splashy debut with this first American outpost in New York. While the rooms typical NYC cozy (read: compact), every corner is put to use with smart design in mind. After checking yourself in on a computer in the lobby, retreat to your room, where you can personalize aspects of your stay from the color of the lights in your anti-jet lag rain shower to the digital artwork on the walls. Take in some of the city’s best views, along with a well-crafted cocktail, from the panoramic rooftop bar.

The third property by the groundbreaking team behind New York’s Ace and Nomad Hotels, The Line helped LA’s Koreatown become both a delicious and stylish destination. At Pot, the irreverent but charming chef Roy Choi reimagines the Korean treats of his youth in a lively space packed with not-so-subtle nods to another of Choi’s passions, weed. The cafe specializes in quirky baked treats – think guava puffs and hot dog buns – inspired by Taiwanese, Korean, and Mexican bakeries.

Founded by Kentucky-based philanthropists and husband-and-wife team Laura Lee Brown and Steve Wilson, 21C is a boutique hotel that combines sleek accommodations with a free museum dedicated to 21st-century art, free and open to the public 24 hours a day (imagine the possibilities here). Other original artwork is strategically placed throughout the building, like next to elevators and in the gym, in hopes of engaging guests in unexpected places. If you want to completely immerse yourself in art, request “Asleep in the Cyclone,” a zany installation by Jonah Freeman and Justin Lowe that doubles up as a room.

This vibrant property marries an industrial vibe with playful, arty accents. An oversized lip on your bathroom wall glows at night, quirky orange chairs beg you to get cozy, and your chalkboard door lets your scribble messages (to fellow guests or housekeeping). You’ll always be connected to your friends with the complimentary, blazing fast wifi and Acme’s hotspot-to-go (a bonafide perk for international travelers). And the Morning Joe™ service lets you order a thermos of coffee during your stay. Simply designate the time, and it will be dropped off at your door, free of charge.

Travelers seeking a fun, but slightly more subdued stay, will flip for this gorgeous, chic hotel located a block from South Congress Avenue. It feels incredibly discreet, yet is steps away from some of the city’s best offerings. Inside, rest on iconic furnishings from Charles and Ray Eames, Arne Jacobsen, and Philippe Starck, while discovering original pieces from local artists like Martha Gannon and Margo Sawyer. Later you can unwind in a hammock under the oak trees in the serene courtyard.

The nautical-themed Fish hotel boasts a 9,999-square-feet outdoor lounge dedicated to play called “The Yard.” Open year round, it features games such as tube ping-pong, a 10-foot-tall oversized Connect Four, and several fire pits to keep you cozy when temps cool down. A food cart is coming soon so you can fuel up and wind down without ever having to (let alone wanting to) leave. The cheerful vibe extends to the rooms too, with magnetic dart boards and backgammon.