My picks for the top 5 unique bed and breakfasts in the west United States.
1. Five-Day Treehouse Stay
Anchorage, AlaskaThis is one of the treehouses that requires "excellent physical condition." Guests fly from Anchorage to a lake about two miles from the treehouse. Host Eric Schmidt will meet them there, leading them on a hike to the lodging which includes wading through a "large creek." When it's time to leave, you'll have to raft five miles down the creek before you can meet your return plane.
2. Tree Houses of Hana, Maui
Maui, HawaiiTreehouse accommodations are available in three locations, and at least two of them are electricity-free -- tiki torches are used at night.
3. East Brother Light Station
Point Richmond, CaliforniaThis Victorian island inn, located less than an hour outside of San Francisco, offers overnight accommodations Thursday through Sunday. After a 10-minute boat ride from Point San Pablo Yacht Harbor, guests climb a vertical ladder 4 to 12 feet, depending on the tide level. There are four rooms with queen beds in the lighthouse and one room with a full-size bed in the fog signal building. Rainwater is collected in a cistern for use on the island, and only guests staying more than one night are permitted to use the showers. Rates include a lighthouse tour, hors d'oeuvres and champagne, a four-course dinner, a full breakfast, harbor parking, and a boat ride to and from the island.
4. Incarnation Monastery
Berkeley, CaliforniaThe main campus of the University of California at Berkeley is only a few blocks away. All available retreat space is for single occupancy; each room has a half-bath and a personal garden. Suggested donation is $60 to $70 per night.
5. Dockside Boat and Bed
San Francisco, Oakland, and Long Beach, CaliforniaChoose your own private yacht from a fleet of boats which remain dockside and offer easy access to local attractions: San Francisco's Pier 39 includes more than 100 shops and 9 restaurants; Oakland's Jack London Square has 15 restaurants, a ferry to San Francisco, and a farmer's market on Sundays; and Rainbow Harbor in Long Beach is near the Shoreline Village shops and the Aquarium of the Pacific, as well as within walking distance of the convention center and restaurant row.
