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World's Most Unusual Hotels: The World's Biggest Beagle

Lori Zaino
Articles
Lori Zaino is a writer for TPG and TPG UK covering travel, news, points and miles and more. She's been based in Madrid, Spain almost 15 years and is an expert in travel throughout destinations such as Europe, Southeast Asia and Africa.
July 23, 2016
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4 min read
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World's Most Unusual Hotels: The World's Biggest Beagle
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Our new series from TPG Contributor Lori Zaino, “World’s Most Unusual Hotels,” features some of the craziest, most unique properties around the globe, perfect for adventurous travelers who are ready for a little something different. Here, she guides us through a hotel in the shape of a giant beagle. (All photos are courtesy of the hotel.)

I'm always on the lookout for different, fascinating types of accommodations, places that stir the imagination and make you want to stay there yourself. While I've written about wacky and unusual hotels around the world — like an artsy Spanish winery or a vintage Boeing aircraft in Costa Rica — I was amazed to find one here in the US that piqued my interest so much: a giant sculpture of a beagle you can actually stay in.

Dog lovers everywhere should head to Cottonwood, Idaho, to spend the night inside the world's largest beagle hotel, The Dog Bark Park Inn, a B&B housed inside the World's Biggest Beagle. That's right, you're spending the night inside a giant dog sculpture.

This giant dog structure is actually a legit B&B.
This giant dog structure is actually a legit B&B.

Created by husband-and-wife chainsaw artists Dennis and Frances, the Dog Bark Park Inn can sleep up to four people in its Dog Suite loft, which contains a queen-size bed and two twin folding futon mattresses.

A look at the big beagle's balcony side.
A look at the big beagle's balcony side.

You'll also have access to a private bathroom, microwave, mini-fridge, clock radio, hair dryer, books, games, puzzles and daily breakfast. There's no TV or phone in the loft, however Wi-Fi is now available.

The doggie-themed bedroom — were you really expecting to see anything else inside a giant dog-shaped hotel?
The doggie-themed bedroom — were you really expecting to see anything else inside a giant dog-shaped hotel?

The B&B got its start when the owners were able to sell some of their hand-carved dog sculptures on QVC, allowing them to then invest in building the Dog Bark Park Inn. The actual structure is divided into two beagles named Toby and Sweet Willy — only the larger one has sleeping quarters.

The office at the Dog Bark Park Inn.
The office at the Dog Bark Park Inn.

If spending the night inside a giant beagle isn't exactly your cup of tea, visitors can still peruse the grounds, pick up a souvenir in the gift shop and visit the artist studio where the couples' canine carvings, like those shown below, can be purchased — choose from 60 different dog breeds and poses or special order your own customized carving by showing the owners a photo of your dog.

Doggie carvings are also available for purchase at the couples' workshop.
Doggie carvings are also available for purchase at the couples' workshop.

You can stay overnight between April 1 and October 31 of this year with rates starting at $98 per night for double occupancy or from $92 for one person. As one might expect, pets are welcome, but you must advise the hotel first and pay a $15 nonrefundable pet fee.

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A giant fire hydrant for a giant beagle.
A giant fire hydrant for a giant beagle.

Getting There

The closest airport is the Lewiston–Nez Perce County Regional Airport (LWS), which is located about a one-hour drive from the Dog Bark Park Inn — Alaska/Horizon runs daily flights with service to Seattle (SEA) and Boise (BOI), while Delta offers nonstop service between LWS and Salt Lake City (SLC). Another alternative is Boise Airport (BOI), about a 4.5-hour drive from the Inn, and served by Delta, Southwest, Alaska, American, United and Allegiant.

A Final Tip

Be sure to charge your stay on a credit card that gives you bonus points for travel purchases, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Citi Prestige cards.

Would you stay in this wacky hotel? Have you stayed there before? Sound off below!

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.