My picks for the top 5 uinique bed and breakfasts in the southwest United States.
1. Kokopelli's Cave Bed and Breakfast
Farmington, New MexicoThis one-of-a-kind inn is built inside a man-made cave on a cliff. It's not easy to get to -- the entrance is reached by walking down a sloping path and intermittent steps cut into sandstone. There is a short ladder at the bottom of the path with three wooden steps that lead you to the flagstone porch.
2. St. Gregory's Abbey
Shawnee, OklahomaSpecific weekend retreat dates are posted at this monastery's site. The cost is $62 per person. Two individual guest rooms also are available.
3. Terrell Castle
San Antonio, TexasBuilt in 1894, Terrell Castle offers four guest rooms and four suites, most with a king-sized bed and some with a fireplace. This limestone castle is furnished in Victorian style with a mix of antiques and modern pieces.
4. Castle Avalon
New Braunfels, TexasLocated in Texas Hill Country, Castle Avalon has eight themed guest rooms, such as The Armory, with its swords, spears, plate armor and shields, and the Wizard's Room, hand-painted to resemble a crumbling castle tower and containing gargoyles, Pandora's box and a few of Merlin's pets. There is a hot tub under the oak trees and a self-guided nature trail through 160 acres of Texas ranchland.
5. Castle Marne
Denver, ColoradoBuilt in 1889, Castle Marne in Denver, Colorado, is furnished with family heirlooms, antiques and reproductions. Of the nine guest rooms, three offer a hot tub on a private balcony and two feature an in-room whirlpool tub for two.
