Unique Accommodations

Amazing Accommodations

Unique Venues to Spend the Night!

Throughout this publication we have heard a lot of stories and personal accounts from folks that have experienced many of these attractions and events first-hand. When it comes to overnight stays, there are just as many fond memories. There are several hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and more venues that know how to take care of visitors. To that point, there are also a few that provide some REALLY unique experiences.

There is a boutique hotel in Casey that has been attracting Harry Potter fans from all over the country. Eighteen-Ninety Sleepover boasts a Gryffindor themed room, complete with everything from a wand and a Golden Snitch to a spiral staircase and Hedwig’s cage! Cortney Fries and her daughter drove 400 miles to experience this unique accommodation. “Half of the reason my daughter and I chose to spend a girls weekend in Casey is because she is a huge Harry Potter fan,” explains Fries. “From the Gryffindor themed rug that greets you upon entry to the 9-3/4 sign, Hogwarts pennant, themed pillows and blankets, this room is decked out for all those who adore Harry Potter. My daughter loved her own private sleeping quarters up the spiral staircase, while I enjoyed the king bed,” Fries adds.

Eighteen-Ninety Sleepover

Photo Credit: Courtney Fries

For those who are travelling on Interstate 70 through our neck of the woods, there is an awesome place that gets rave reviews. The Cumberland Road Guesthouse is not only one of the cleanest places you’ll find, it’s also one of the coolest. This Airbnb is a vintage 1930 LINCO Filling Station completely renovated and nicely decorated with several pieces of memorabilia. This accommodation is also handicap accessible, which is another key factor in traveling for folks. There is enough room at the Cumberland Road Guesthouse to accommodate a family, thanks to three beds as well as a couch. There is also WiFi access and charging ports everywhere. This place is one you may want to book even without having a trip to go on!

Cumberland Road Guesthouse

Tucked away in rural Jasper County there is a place where hundreds of people flock to every year. Newton Lake is a fishing hotspot that is known among anglers for having some of the largest bass in the state. To give these traveling fishermen and women a place to stay, Tab and Vicki Walker built the Outdoor Sportsman’s Lodge in 2004. The 12-acre complex has six private guest log cabins that come with many comforts of home. The facility can host up to 24 people at one time and receives nothing but high praise from travelers. “The accommodations were impeccable, however, the people who own the Lodge were even better,” admits Paul Schultz, a fisherman who traveled several hours for the experience. “It’s amazing how a nice place is defined more by the customer service than the place itself,” Schultz adds. The story that Schultz has is a memory that he will never forget. After a slow day on the lake, he called it quits early. When he returned to the Outdoor Sportsman’s Lodge, he explained his slow day to Vicki. A few minutes later Schultz had a knock on his door from Tab Walker who told him to grab two rods – they were going back out. “How often do you get the pleasure to jump in the boat with the owner of the resort, fishing guide of one of the best fisheries in America, a guy whose been fishing the lake for 41 years, just because he wants your experience to be better than it was,” recalls Schultz. “I was very grateful for that. I’ve been to a lot of places over my time and nothing like that has ever happened. It was a trip I’ll never forget and will forever be grateful for,” Schultz adds. Who wouldn’t want to spend some time at the Outdoor Sportman’s Lodge after a story like that?

Outdoor Sportsman's Lodge

Outdoor Sportsman's Lodge

Another unique accommodation that is also on the National Register of Historic Places can be found in Okawville. The current location of the Original Springs Hotel has been open since 1893! This venue is well-known for its mineral spa because of the high mineral content in the water that the hotel has direct access to. Folks can take a mineral bath, then treat themselves to a massage, and wrap it all up with a dip in the heated indoor pool! The Original Springs also has an on-site restaurant, meeting facilities and more. If you’re into history, but also would like to be pampered at the same time – The Original Springs is right up your alley.

Original Springs Hotel

There is no question that there are several fantastic bed and breakfast establishments throughout ILLINOISouth. There is one that has racked up flawless reviews on travel platforms such as TripAdvisor, and it isn’t exactly easy to carry a five out of five stars for an extended period. The Victorian on Main in Fairfield is an 1895 home that features five guestrooms, and a wonderful homemade breakfast each morning. The owners have done an amazing job renovating this home and adding to it with wonderful decorations and accoutrements. If you make a trip during the fall months or Holiday season, you will be greeted by wonderfully decorated trees that are strategically placed throughout the home and decorated for that particular season. Between the presentation and the hospitality, the Victorian on Main receives high marks from each of its guests. “What a gem we found in the Victorian on Main,” admits Sherri Orozco, a guest that stayed at the Victorian in the summer of 2021. “Each morning we awoke to a home cooked meal, and they even managed to make adjustments to accommodate my keto diet,” Orozco adds. “I enjoyed my mornings out on the front porch drinking coffee and catching up on news. I also cannot stress enough how clean and safe the bed and breakfast is. I was never in doubt of the cleanliness and upkeep they have provided to keep me safe. I would highly recommend visiting.”

The Victorian on Main

Photo Credit: Victorian on Main

For more information and detailed listings on many more places to stay in ILLINOISouth, visit ILLINOISouth.org/Stay