Skip the Typical Resorts: 11 Train Car Hotels Full of Railroad Charm

This marks the new emerging trend travelers are getting excited about regarding immersive and one-of-a-kind experiences. Based on the 2023 American Express Travel Survey, 81% of the participants confessed that they prefer to stay in places with a firmer cultural feel than ordinary hotel stays. It’s about time you get to have the charm of yesteryear and book a train car hotel stay. Modern amenities are offered at these accommodations while you go on a metaphorical railroad adventure.

Each of these hotels was specifically selected for its nostalgic train travel nostalgia blended with local charm and an experience you will never be able to forget. What could be better than being cozied up in a countryside chalet or a refined restored railcar in the center of the city?

The Red Caboose Motel – Strasburg, Pennsylvania

The Red Caboose Motel is a stay aimed at rediscovering the wonderment of childhood. It is in Pennsylvania’s Amish Country and comprises refurbished Pennsylvania Railroad cabooses. The unique car has been decorated, and you have more than 30 choices for each car.

The true magic is outside your cabin. You can watch passing Amish buggies, have breakfast in a replica dining car, pet the alpacas at the on-site petting zoo, or play on the mini horse merry-go-round. Bonus? The Strasburg Rail Road provides scenic train rides; the motel is ideally located near it. The site is perfect for families and anybody interested in train history.

Nice, California – Featherbed Railroad Bed and Breakfast Resort.  

It is the romance of having a private train car to sleep in and having your meals at Featherbed Railroad Bed and Breakfast Resort. With nine individually themed cabooses to choose from, this B&B is located on Northern California’s Clear Lake.

Victorian-style furnishings and modern amenities such as Jacuzzi tubs and fireplaces have been carefully restored in each caboose. The resort also has an outdoor pool, hot tub, and lake views for relaxation. Also, visit the nearby wineries or relax on the Skunk Train ride through the Redwood forests.  

New York Central Train Station Caboose Hotel – Mansfield, Ohio  

This is a boutique train hotel tucked in Ohio’s countryside. It repurposes cabooses from the New York Central Railroad. The railroad appeal of those trains is combined with amenities such as air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and private bathrooms.  

Guests love the interactive museum component, through which one can learn the storied history of the New York Central Line. With its peaceful location, this place is perfect for a weekend of nostalgia and charming vibes.    

Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel – Chattanooga, Tennessee  

All aboard! The Chattanooga Choo Choo train station has turned into a one-of-a-kind hotel, and the name couldn’t be more appropriate for this iconic Chattanooga hotel. This massive complex boasts traditional rooms, unique accommodations like restored Victorian train cars, and even a vintage caboose that was initially part of the original “Chattanooga Choo Choo” train.  

However, this isn’t the fun stop. The hotel has several restaurants, live music venues, and a diner car fabricated from an authentic train car, cooking American staples. Don’t miss the on-site model railroad exhibit for an extra dose of train nostalgia. All in all, this hotel gives you quite a feel for what the golden age of train travel was like.    

The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto – Kyoto, Japan  

For those seeking a more luxurious railcar experience, look no further than The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto’s “Train Suite Shiki-Shima.” This exclusive accommodation is part of the ultra-luxe Japanese train line called the “Seven Stars in Kyushu.” It has two lavishly appointed floors of living space, including heated marble floors and a private onsen (hot springs) room.  

However, opulence is not only about this—from the comfort of their train car, guests can enjoy exploring Japan’s beautiful landscapes and cultural jewels. This is a lovely destination for those who want to visit a unique, top-notch, high-end experience where luxury mixes with traditional Japanese hospitality.  

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island – Maldives  

Experience unmatched luxury on an idyllic private island in the Maldives at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island’s “The Muraka” – a two-story residence nestled under the ocean’s surface.

This exclusive accommodation includes the main bedroom, living area, bathroom, and spiral staircase to a viewing deck above the underwater life below. You will also have your day and night butler, personal chef, and personal fitness trainer at your beck and call. This is undoubtedly a destination for travelers searching for an unforgettable luxury vacation with a soul.    

Aurora Express Bed & Breakfast – Fairbanks, Alaska  

The Aurora Express is high on a bluff overlooking Alaska’s Tanana Valley, offering a ruggedly beautiful escape. The hotel has various historic train cars refurbished as luxurious suites, and one car has even been turned into a salon car for special events.  

Each suite is themed to recreate a time from the past — the Victorian Era or 1950s, for example. The views alone are reason enough to make the trip as they present you with first-class seats to Alaska’s beautiful wilderness. Truly, this could not be a better destination for adventurous travelers.     

Railroad Park Resort – Dunsmuir, California  

This vintage railcar accommodation, tucked away in Northern California, offers breathtaking natural scenery. The Railroad Park Resort transports visitors to the bygone era of train travel, the days of the 88 railroads.  

The cabooses have been restored to their vintage glory but have modern conveniences like Wi-Fi and private baths, and they still look rustic. A perfect day of hiking trails around Mount Shasta is followed by a night of rest in the on-site Pullman dining car, which offers hearty meals for refueling.  

Caboose Motel – Libby, Montana 

Adventure chasers who prefer exploring the great outdoors will find luxury at the Caboose Motel in Montana. These cabooses started as functional railcars but have since turned into darling stayovers.  

If you are up for it, hop onto one of the many nearby hiking trails or off into Kootenai National Forest if you are looking for some of the USA’s best fishing spots. If nighttime falls, a canopy of stars makes this accommodation magical as the clear Montana sky reveals itself.    

Vintage Rail Car – Spokane, Washington 

If you happen to be in Spokane, you must book this vintage rail car converted to an Airbnb. This quaint accommodation is situated on the city’s edge and offers views of rolling hills and skyline.  

Guests inside can enjoy modern amenities like a full kitchen and a cozy living space while surrounded by the charm of train travel, featuring whimsical decor and other touches, like an indoor clawfoot tub. Before finishing the day in your private railcar sleeper car for a restful night’s sleep, don’t miss Riverfront Park next door.    

Old Railway Station – Petworth, England  

Travelers to the United Kingdom should not miss the Old Railway Station in Petworth. The old Edwardian train station has immaculately become a luxurious boutique hotel.  

Converted Pullman train carriages provide a stay for guests in timeless interiors with pristine fabric and attention to detail. This destination offers History and refinement for those who prefer the finer things in life.  

Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.

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