TripAdvisor Rolls Out the Welcome Mat for Quirky American Vacation Rental Homes

Houseboats, Castles and Cabooses Headline List of Unconventional Accommodations

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Nov 01, 2011, 06:00 ET

NEWTON, Mass., Nov. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- TripAdvisor®, the world's largest travel site*, today announced its list of ten quirky vacation rentals in America, according to TripAdvisor editors. For travelers in pursuit of a truly unique vacation experience, these funky digs offer something extraordinary for vacationers of all stripes.

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America's Quirky Vacation Rentals, According to TripAdvisor Editors:

All Aboard: 1926 C&O Caboose, Natural Bridge, Virginia

Guests at this offbeat vacation rental property built out of a train caboose don't need to worry about schedules or timetables during their trip. Instead, travelers can enjoy the home's many creature comforts and the natural beauty of Virginia's Shenandoah Valley. As one TripAdvisor traveler put it, "The owners have thought of everything you could need to stay in such a cute, cozy property!"

Basking in the Branches: Exotic Treehouse at Kilauea Volcano, Volcano, Hawaii

While this vacation rental may stir up fond memories from childhood, the Exotic Treehouse at Kilauea Volcano is a fantastic choice for a romantic escape, nestled in the canopy level of a forest just minutes from the gate to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. As one TripAdvisor traveler raved, "This is the classiest treehouse I have ever seen, not to mention romantic!"

At Home in the Dome: My Sedona Place, Sedona, Arizona

For travelers looking for their own "dome on the range," My Sedona Place is a dome-shaped property that offers all the comforts of home, including a full kitchen, three bedrooms, an outdoor patio and a big-screen high definition TV. It also boasts stunning views of the famous Sedona red rocks. As one TripAdvisor traveler wrote, "My Sedona Place looked very interesting when I saw it online, but I was blown away when we checked in. It is a beautiful house with plenty of space."

Win, Lose, or Drawbridge: Castle in Hawaii, Pahoa, Hawaii

Situated just a short walk from some of Hawaii's finest black sand beaches, Castle in Hawaii offers travelers many kingly amenities, including a working drawbridge that runs across its "moat" swimming pool and a soothing hot tub with views of the ocean. As one TripAdvisor traveler noted, "You can really feel the love and care that went into building this unique space. It is so welcoming and tranquil."

House in the Harbor: The White Elephant Floating Inn, Boston, Massachusetts

Located near the USS Constitution in Boston Harbor, The White Elephant Floating Inn offers guests a whole different view of the city. With hardwood floors, beautifully furnished rooms and enough room to sleep ten, travelers may forget they're on the water in this vacation rental. As one TripAdvisor traveler said, "It is roomy and comfortable and within walking distance of many attractions, eateries and public transportation to the rest of the city."

Vibrant Vacation Home: Apple Treehouse, Bozeman, Montana

While its multi-colored exterior and unconventional architecture may be a bit on the quirky side, this green-built eco-home includes a wealth of comfortable amenities including its two master bedrooms, vast open living area, big-screen high-definition TV and two full bathrooms. As one TripAdvisor traveler noted, "This is the second time we have stayed at the Treehouse but it surely won't be the last!"

Bountiful Barn: Barn on the Pond, Saugerties, New York

Located in the picturesque Hudson Valley of New York, the bright red Barn on the Pond may look like its namesake, but is filled with modern luxuries and amenities. The property also sits on four acres of land, complete with a pond, wildflower meadow and fire pit. As one TripAdvisor traveler said, it's "A unique and beautiful place to get away from the city."

The Little Vacation Home That Could: Little Red Caboose, Oakhurst, California

Train-loving travelers will love this property located just twenty minutes away from Yosemite National Park in California. While guests may come for its quirky exterior, this little caboose packs appealing amenities including Jacuzzi tub, barbecue grill, hardwood floors and a kitchenette with granite countertops. As one TripAdvisor traveler raved, "The Caboose is a must stay for anyone looking to stay in the Old West yet live with modern living accommodations."

Bobbing on the Boat: Pegasus Houseboat, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Floating by the docks in the heart of Old Philadelphia, this houseboat rental is located within walking distance of top attractions including Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell Center. The property also includes luxurious amenities, including granite countertops, a rooftop deck and a high-definition flat screen TV. As one TripAdvisor traveler said, it's "Such a fantastic place to stay, there is no place in Philadelphia I would rather be!"

A Royal Retreat: McKenzie Castle, Murphy, North Carolina

For travelers longing to live like royalty, McKenzie Castle offers a majestic escape. This vacation rental features all of the comforts of home, in addition to an outdoor hot tub atop the castle turret, lush gardens and a private koi and gold fish pond. As one TripAdvisor traveler gushed, "The fact that you have the whole castle to yourself just astounded me!"

"Our list of quirky American vacation rentals shows there truly is a property out there for every traveler's interests," said Hank Hudepohl, director of vacation rentals at TripAdvisor. "While staying at a castle or caboose may be a novelty, these properties also boast fantastic amenities and terrific reviews from travelers on TripAdvisor."

About TripAdvisor
TripAdvisor® is the world's largest travel site, enabling travelers to plan and have the perfect trip. TripAdvisor offers trusted advice from real travelers and a wide variety of travel choices and planning features (including Flights search, TripAdvisor Mobile and Instant Personalization) with seamless links to booking tools.

TripAdvisor® Media Group, operated by TripAdvisor LLC, attracts more than 65 million unique monthly visitors* across 19 popular travel brands**. TripAdvisor-branded sites make up the largest travel community in the world, with more than 50 million unique monthly visitors***, 20 million members, and over 50 million reviews and opinions. The sites operate in 30 countries worldwide****, including China under daodao.com. TripAdvisor also operates TripAdvisor for Business, a dedicated division that provides the tourism industry access to TripAdvisor's millions of monthly visitors. The division includes Business Listings, which allows hoteliers to connect directly to millions of researching travelers, and Vacation Rentals, which helps property managers and individual home owners list their properties and showcase hotel alternatives.

TripAdvisor Media Group websites have been recognized as top travel resources in 2010 by Condé Nast Traveller, Good Housekeeping, TIME magazine and Travel + Leisure.

TripAdvisor Media Group generated $486 million in revenue in 2010. TripAdvisor and the sites comprising the TripAdvisor Media Group are operating companies of Expedia, Inc. (NASDAQ: EXPE).

TripAdvisor and the TripAdvisor logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of TripAdvisor LLC in the U.S. and/or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

*Source: comScore Media Metrix for TripAdvisor Media Group Sites, Worldwide, August 2011

** In addition to TripAdvisor, The TripAdvisor Media Group of websites includes: www.airfarewatchdog.com, www.bookingbuddy.com, www.cruisecritic.com, www.everytrail.com, www.familyvacationcritic.com, www.flipkey.com, www.holidaylettings.co.uk, www.holidaywatchdog.com, www.independenttraveler.com, www.onetime.com, www.seatguru.com, www.sniqueaway.com, www.smartertravel.com, www.travel-library.com, www.travelpod.com, www.virtualtourist.com, www.whereivebeen.com, and www.kuxun.cn.