Solo travel has exploded in popularity, but staying in traditional hotels can feel isolating and expensive when you’re exploring on your own. The good news is that America offers countless accommodation options that are often cheaper, more social, and way more interesting than your standard hotel room.
From quirky stays that make great conversation starters to budget-friendly options that help you meet fellow travelers, there’s something for every type of solo adventurer. These alternatives often provide experiences you simply can’t get at a chain hotel, plus they’re usually easier on your wallet.
Here is a list of 18 hotel alternatives that solo US travelers are raving about.
Hostels in Major Cities
American hostels have come a long way from their sketchy reputation and now offer clean, safe accommodations in prime locations. Cities like New York, San Francisco, and Chicago have modern hostels with private rooms if you want your own space, plus common areas where you can easily meet other travelers.
The built-in social aspect makes them perfect for solo adventurers who don’t want to eat dinner alone every night.
Airbnb Private Rooms
Renting a private room in someone’s home gives you a local perspective you’ll never get from a hotel concierge. Your hosts often become unofficial tour guides, sharing their favorite neighborhood spots and insider tips.
Plus, having access to a kitchen means you can save money by preparing some of your own meals instead of eating out for every single bite.
House-Sitting Opportunities
Free accommodation in exchange for watching someone’s home and pets sounds too good to be true, but it’s a legitimate option through sites like TrustedHousesitters. You get to live like a local in residential neighborhoods while providing peace of mind to homeowners who need someone reliable.
The responsibilities are usually minimal: water plants, collect mail, and give the cat some attention.
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Extended Stay Hotels
These apart-hotels offer full kitchens and more space than regular hotel rooms, often at lower nightly rates for longer stays. They’re designed for business travelers but work perfectly for solo vacation travelers who want the flexibility to cook their own meals.
The extra space also means you can spread out and actually unpack, making longer trips feel less cramped.
Boutique Bed and Breakfasts
B&Bs offer personalized service and home-cooked breakfasts that help fuel your adventures. The intimate setting makes it easy to chat with other guests and innkeepers who genuinely care about making your stay memorable.
Many B&Bs are located in historic buildings or scenic areas that add character to your trip.
YMCA Accommodations
Many YMCAs across the country offer clean, affordable rooms along with access to fitness facilities and swimming pools. They’re especially common in major cities and often located in convenient downtown areas.
The rates are typically much lower than hotels, and you get workout facilities included in your stay.
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University Guest Houses
Colleges and universities often rent out guest rooms during summer breaks and non-peak times. These accommodations are usually located on beautiful campuses with easy access to museums, libraries, and cultural events.
The academic atmosphere can be inspiring, and you’re often staying in historic buildings with unique architecture.
RV Rentals
Renting an RV gives you the ultimate freedom to change your itinerary on a whim. You can wake up next to a lake one morning and in a desert the next, all while having your own bed, bathroom, and kitchen.
Solo RV travel might sound intimidating, but modern rental companies provide thorough orientations and 24-hour support.
Glamping Sites
Glamorous camping lets you experience the outdoors without sacrificing comfort or safety. These sites often feature pre-set tents or cabins with real beds, electricity, and sometimes even private bathrooms.
You get the adventure of camping with the convenience of not having to pack and set up all your own gear.
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Monastery and Retreat Centers
Many religious institutions welcome solo travelers seeking quiet reflection or just an affordable place to stay. These accommodations offer peaceful environments, often with beautiful gardens and simple but comfortable rooms.
You don’t need to be religious to stay at most places – they’re open to anyone seeking a tranquil experience.
Farm Stays
Working farms across America offer guest accommodations where you can experience rural life firsthand. Some include farm-to-table meals, while others let you participate in daily activities like feeding animals or harvesting crops.
It’s a complete change of pace from city life and often surprisingly relaxing for solo travelers.
Historic Inns
America’s historic inns offer character and charm that modern hotels simply can’t match. Many date back centuries and come with fascinating stories and unique architectural features.
Staying in a place where famous historical figures once slept adds an extra layer of interest to your travels.
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Capsule Hotels
A few American cities now feature Japanese-style capsule hotels with individual sleeping pods. These ultra-modern accommodations maximize privacy in minimal space while keeping costs low.
They’re perfect for solo travelers who just need a clean, safe place to sleep and don’t mind compact quarters.
Floating Hotels
Houseboats and floating accommodations in places like Seattle, San Francisco, and Key West offer a unique perspective on waterfront cities. You can fall asleep to the gentle motion of water and wake up to harbor views that would cost a fortune at a waterfront hotel. The novelty factor alone makes these stays memorable.
Artist Residencies
Some artist communities and creative spaces rent rooms to travelers, even if you’re not an artist yourself. These accommodations often feature unique decor, creative atmospheres, and opportunities to meet interesting people from the arts community.
The rates are usually reasonable, and the experience is unlike anything you’ll find elsewhere.
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Cooperative Living Spaces
Co-living spaces designed for digital nomads and remote workers offer private rooms with shared common areas. These places attract like-minded solo travelers and remote workers, making them great for networking and meeting people.
The communities often organize social events and group activities.
National Park Lodges
Historic lodges within national parks offer rustic charm and unbeatable locations for nature-loving solo travelers. Places like Yellowstone’s Old Faithful Inn or Grand Canyon Lodge provide comfortable accommodations right in the heart of America’s most spectacular landscapes.
You can step outside your room and be on hiking trails within minutes.
Converted Unique Buildings
Former schools, churches, factories, and even prisons have been transformed into unique accommodations across the country. These converted buildings offer one-of-a-kind experiences with interesting architectural features and stories.
Staying in a converted firehouse or lighthouse adds an element of adventure that standard hotels simply can’t provide.
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Beyond the Standard Hotel Experience
Solo travel accommodations have evolved far beyond the basic choice between expensive hotels and questionable motels. These alternatives offer solo travelers chances to connect with locals, experience unique environments, and often save money while creating more memorable trips.
The key is matching your accommodation choice to your travel style – whether you’re seeking social connections, unique experiences, or simply a comfortable place to rest between adventures, there’s an option that fits perfectly.
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