Made famous by the legendary Tony Christie and located at the midway point on the iconic US Route 66 in the Texas Panhandle, Amarillo is a unique, cool and captivating destination.
It’s surrounded by sprawling desert landscapes, the country’s second-largest canyon and the very awesome ‘Cadillac Ranch‘ – a much-loved and very photogenic public art installation and sculpture.
In the town itself expect to discover quaint art deco and Spanish Revival Buildings, the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame and a fascinating rich western culture.
Now you just need to find an equally awesome place to stay, so from quirky boutique inns to hip and modern, here are the best cool and unusual hotels to visit in Amarillo, Texas (in no particular order, they’re all awesome)…
The Barfield, Autograph Collection
The Barfield, Autograph Collection brings legendary Southern hospitality into the 21st century. Situated in the heart of downtown, this iconic boutique hotel captures the spirit of the Texas Panhandle with an exquisite blend of timeless elegance and cattle-culture charm. The hotel sits on the vibrant Polk Street, surrounded by local shops and tantalizing restaurants.
The décor in the 112 luxury rooms reflects the essence of West Texas. Each unit is adorned with custom furnishings, a range of technology to keep you connected, black-out curtains, and modern amenities like refreshment centres, smart TVs, and ergonomic workspaces.
On-site, you can take advantage of the Paramount Recreation Club, a secret speakeasy where premium cocktails flow and whispers of the past linger in the air.
Alternatively, you can head to the Toscana Italian Steakhouse, a popular spot which blends Texan traditions with fine dining finesse. Here, the flavours of Tuscany come to life in a warm, enchanting atmosphere.
At The Barfield, luxury knows no bounds, and a commitment to exceeding expectations is at the core. You can thus be pampered with an impeccable service, benefit from high-tech appliances, and enjoy re-energising workouts at a state-of-the-art fitness centre.
Pros
Custom-designed furnishings
Black-out curtains
Speakeasy-style bar
Full-service boutique hotel
Cons
Food is a bit pricey
Fairly busy road nearby
Big Texan Motel
Legendary hospitality meets old-west charm at the Big Texan Motel, situated just steps away from the iconic Big Texan Steak Ranch on Interstate 40. Passed down through generations of the Lee family, the motel is as homely as it ever was. The building is decorated like a colourful row of old-west wooden buildings, forming not just a cheerful pit-stop but a dazzling spectacle along Route 66.
As you step onto its blissfully maintained grounds, designed to resemble an enchanting old-west town, you’ll be transported to the late 1800s. Modern comforts, vintage décor, and a first-rate service combine to form a truly unique hospitality experience here. The guestrooms are no different, with state-of-the-art amenities going hand in hand with more traditional furnishings.
An extraordinary dining experience awaits at the Big Texan Steak Ranch. Feeding nearly half a million people each year from all around the globe, this renowned eatery has graced the screens of countless TV shows and movies. Don’t miss the chance to take on the world famous Free 72-oz steak dinner challenge, an unforgettable feat celebrated by local food enthusiasts.
The 24-hour staff are ready to assist you with everything from local event recommendations to on-site facility access.
Pros
1800s vintage decor guestrooms
Free 72-oz steak dinner challenge
Rustic western storefront
Cowboy-themed rooms
Cons
Pool needs an umbrella
Interstate Highway noise
Zo’s Relic
Nestled discreetly behind a captivating 1920s façade in Amarillo’s historic district, this remarkable 1-bedroom rental beckons adventure seekers and culture enthusiasts alike. It promises an unforgettable stay amidst the vibrant allure of 6th Street and the bustling energy of downtown.
Pet-friendly and full of character, the eclectic interiors at Zo’s Relic Amarillo are testament to the creativity and innovation of the area’s people. Throughout, antique treasures seamlessly blend with modern comforts, creating a rustic, timeless aesthetic that enchants the senses at every turn. Quirky, flamboyant works of art provide the property with a colourful spirit, yet the playful ambiance goes hand in hand with a sense of quietude.
As you step through the fenced entrance and into the backyard oasis, you will find a tranquil patio area inviting you to unwind and soak up the ambiance. Out here, the balance between back-country charm and thoughtful craftsmanship is perfect.
With a flat-screen TV and ultra-fast Wi-Fi included, this studio is great for anyone wanting to combine work with leisure, as well as those looking for comfort yet in close proximity to the city’s attractions.
Despite the property’s residential location, surrounding it is an array of culinary hot spots to suit any budget.
Pros
Open studio style
Private fenced entry
Tree Lined historic street
Backyard with lit patio
Cons
Faint Highway noise
Shower needs some fixing
Atrea Inn Amarillo
Located just off Paramount Boulevard, Atrea Inn is nestled amidst a vibrant tapestry of restaurants, bars, and endless entertainment options.
The property offers a semi-industrial, semi-boutique farmhouse setting, topped with plenty of character through splashes of colour and potted plants. The smooth wood furnishings maintain a polished look, and the high ceilings enhance the spacious feel.
Inside Atrea Inn Amarillo, style meets comfort and each space is adorned with modern, colourful décor and a range of high-end amenities. You can relax in the upscale lobby or hang out in the family-friendly courtyard, which offers comfy seating and BBQ pits.
You can choose from a studio or a 1 or 2-bed room. Whichever you opt for, your stay will be enriched with crisp white linens, a large ergonomic workstation, a fully stocked minibar, and plenty of handy mod-cons.
The units surround a charming courtyard graced by social areas, grassy patches, trees, and dazzling graffiti. This outdoor space turns into a vibrant hub at night when guests congregate here to share stories from their adventures.
A 24-hour concierge is on hand to cater to your every whim, while a selection of freshly made hot and cold beverages are ready tantalize your taste buds throughout the day.
Pros
Crisp white linens rooms
Fully stocked minibar
Smooth wood furnishings
Wholesome courtyard with BBQ pits
Cons
Limited Breakfast options
Beds can be cozier
Tentrr Signature Site – Painted Lady
Escape the ordinary at the Painted Lady, a bespoke tent perched atop a wooden deck base, offering a unique rustic-meets-elegant atmosphere. At Tentrr Signature Site – Painted Lady you get the thrill of sleeping outdoors in the bucolic Texan countryside, but with all the convenience and comfort of an upscale motel.
The camping spot includes a safari-style canvas tent comfortably sleeping two people, but you can also use an extra 5-person pop-up tent if you’re in a larger group.
Inside you will find Colourful tapestries and plush materials, as well as a full size bed, from which you can stare up at the stars, cocooned in the embrace of nature.
A stay here is about savouring the simple pleasures of outdoor living. You can fire up the barbeque or dine al fresco on the charming wooden benches provided. You won’t have access to electricity or Wi-Fi here, and thus you’re presented with a rare opportunity to fully unplug.
The property is located remotely on a gorgeous 650 acre plot of land and features awe-inspiring views of the sunsets on the high plains, and surrounding you are one-of-a-kind hiking opportunities.
Whilst remote, there is a handful of restaurants to enjoy nearby, as just south of the Mariposa there’s a mall plus a whole host of shops.
Every moment here is destined to be unforgettable, as you revel in the harmonious blend of nature and comfort.
Pros
Easy access to Cadillac Ranch
Safari-style canvas tent
Unique rustic-meets-elegant atmosphere
Awe-inspiring views from camps
Cons
Limited breakfast options
Toiletries can be better
Tru by Hilton
With its sleek exterior adorned with clean lines, bursts of vibrant colour, and mirrored glass, the cutting-edge Tru by Hilton Amarillo resembles the appearance of a Silicon Valley tech company. Standing just 5 miles from Austin Park, its modern style sets it apart from any other hotel in the area.
Embracing a new era of work and play, the hotel provides semi-private work pods in the lobby area as well as remote printing access, granting you the perfect environment for productivity.
There’s a 24-hour desk and fitness centre at your disposal, ensuring your every need is catered to with unrivalled convenience. There’s also a free hot breakfast bar where you can tackle Texas-sized appetites, and a 24/7 market where you can stock up on snacks.
The guestrooms, dressed in sky blue and white, take a more minimalist approach, and boast super-comfy Serta mattresses, large TVs, and ultra-high-velocity Wi-Fi. The smooth wood furnishings and symmetrical artworks contribute to the functional aesthetic.
Some of the rooms are pet-friendly, and complimentary, fully secure parking is available on-site, making it the ultimate pit-stop. Before you leave Tru by Hilton, be sure to check out the nearby Cadillac Ranch for a glimpse of iconic Route 66 history.
Pros
Theme like a Silicon Valley tech company
Semi-private work pods
Smooth wood furnishings
Pet-friendly
Cons
Limited seats for breakfast
Limited parking
Tentrr Signature Site
Experience the allure of the great outdoors at Monarch, without compromising on comfort as you embark on a glamping experience like no other.
This remarkable tent, designed to accommodate up to four adventurers, offers a spacious haven where you can unwind and reconnect with the beauty of nature. It is elevated on a wooden decking, so you don’t have to worry about insects.
Outside your tent, you can gather around the wooden seating area, perfect for cosy evenings under the starlit sky. Having a BBQ on-hand adds an extra layer of bucolic charm to your stay. You’ll also have access to a private picnic table, a dry box for storage, and 2 Adirondack chairs.
A stay at Tentrr Signature Site – Monarch really is a leap into a simpler way of life, away from the world’s pressures, with nature surrounding you at every turn. This is a pet-friendly accommodation, so bring your furry friends along to explore the wonders of one of Amarillo’s most popular outdoor playgrounds!
The property is conveniently nestled right off I-40 on a remote section of a 650 acre land trust reserve, with direct access to a local wildlife park. You aren’t ever far from entertainment though, with everything from fast food to a shopping mall within an arm’s reach.
Pros
Wooden seating area
Cozy evenings under the starlit sky
Private picnic table
2 Adirondack chairs
Cons
No internet access available
No restaurant on-site
Deluxe Big Texan Multi-Suite
As you approach this remarkable hotel, its striking façade resembling a row of old-western storefronts captures your attention. It is one of the area’s best value-for-money accommodations, hence its popularity amongst passers-by on the iconic Route 66.
Rustic charm meets modern comfort inside, and you are really reminded of Amarillo’s heritage at every turn. The main room at Deluxe Big Texan Multi-Suite boasts two king-sized beds and a separate room offers another extra-large bed, providing ample space for a party of six.
There’s plenty of contemporary amenities on offer, and the in-room ambiance is adjustable through atmospheric bedside lamps.
The décor transports you back to the 1800s, with wooden slat walls, a lone star emblazoned on the headboard, and traditional-style writing desks.
The term ‘homely comforts’ rings true here, as graceful artworks, vibrant floral arrangements, and smooth wooden furniture invite you to relish a peaceful respite. Exposed brickwork, old bottles of wine, and plush rugs enhance the cocooning, bygone-era feel.
Despite its vintage appearance evoking a historical feel, everything inside is solid and modern, and crafted with guests’ comfort in mind. To stay here really is to break free from the norm and dive into a realm of old-west glamour.
Pros
Comfy
clean rooms
Traditional-style writing desks
Rustic decor
Wooden slat walls
Cons
No gymnasium
No mini-fridges in the room
Madison Square
Madison Square Amarillo is a sleek and stylish air-conditioned apartment located just a stone’s throw away from Austin Park. It boasts two bedrooms, each adorned with luxurious loft-style décor and an eclectic mix of furniture, creating an ambiance that is truly one-of-a-kind.
Aside from the bedrooms, there’s a large bathroom, a comfortable seating area, and an impressive kitchen complete with a breakfast bar. The linens, cushions and tapestries are thoughtfully added to embody the level of homeliness that permeates the property.
If you prefer to eat out, there’s an abundance of cheerful eateries within arm’s reach of the apartment.
The apartment’s unique design sets the scene for an invigorating welcome to Amarillo, where comfort, creativity, and ingenuity converge. Marble elements, smooth woodwork, and a plush velvet couch enhance the timeless aesthetic, while the state-of-the-art amenities keep you feeling connected and refreshed.
The hosts here are top-notch, and will provide information about the surrounding area unfound on the web, meaning you can embark on off-the-beaten path hikes and visit local sites with ease.
Other key features of the apartment are its pet-friendly ethos, its free parking available to guests, and its ultra-fast Wi-Fi, truly bringing a high level of convenience to your stay.
Pros
Sleek and stylish apartment
Two bedrooms
An Eclectic mix of furniture
Plush velvet couch
Cons
Minor traffic noise
No drawers in rooms
Hyatt Place Amarillo-West
Guests are invited to experience the ultimate blend of comfort, convenience and style at Country Getaway Amarillo. Embodying the timeless luxury of the Hyatt brand, the hotel is clad head to toe in elegant décor, as well as quirky artwork crafted by local creators.
You can dive into blissful relaxation in the indoor swimming pool after a day of exploring the nearby sights, or re-energise in the 24-hour gym, equipped with state-of-the-art cardio machines and strength-training equipment.
The lobby is a colourful space graced by workstations, computers, and bountiful seating areas, and evolves into a vibrant hub at night where jetsetters come to mingle.
You can satisfy your cravings around the clock through the abundance of on-site dining options. Each day begins with a hearty breakfast at The Breakfast Bar, featuring a tempting array of fresh fruit, yoghurt, eggs, waffles, and more. For lunch or dinner, you can head to The Placery, situated in the lobby and offering a locally sourced menu.
At night, retreat to one of the 91 thoughtfully appointed rooms, which boast cosy corners with sofa-sleepers, spacious work desks, and many more thoughtful amenities. Functional and light-filled, each unit has been renovated to add an air of prestige to your Amarillo stay.
Pros
Clean and spacious rooms
Cozy Corner with sofa-sleepers
Splendid Indoor swimming pool
Cons
Limited Breakfast Options
Bathroom amenities can be better
Comparing the most Unusual Hotels in Amarillo
The following categorizes the Top 10 Cool and Unusual Hotels in Amarillo for your convenience.
Hotel Name | Location | Price Range (per night) | Fitness Facilities | Distance to Attractions (km) | Nearby Restaurants |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
The Barfield, Autograph Collection | 600 South Polk Street | $262-$285 | Yes | 4.5 | 3 |
Big Texan Motel | 7701 East Interstate 40 | $116-$149 | No | 9.0 | 2 |
Zo’s Relic | 1909 South Harrison Street | $103-$113 | No | 3.9 | 3 |
Atrea Inn Amarillo | 2035 Paramount Boulevard | $79 | No | 1.3 | 3 |
Tentrr Signature Site | Amarillo, 79124 | $104 | No | 8.0 | 3 |
Tru by Hilton | 2202 S. Soncy Road | $102-$138 | No | 8.0 | 3 |
Tentrr Signature Site | Amarillo, 79124 | $104 | No | 8.0 | 3 |
Deluxe Big Texan Multi-Suite | East Interstate 40 7701 | $183 | No | 9.0 | 3 |
Madison Square | South Madison Street 1911 | $143 | No | 3.5 | 2 |
Hyatt Place Amarillo-West | 8985 W Amarillo Blvd | $139-$144 | No | 4.34 | 4 |

Michael Cowley – writer and photographer
Ever since he was knee-high to a grasshopper Michael has always had an affinity for adventure. Growing up he was lucky enough to live in a handful of exotic far flung locations including Hong Kong, Pakistan, Kenya and Tanzania and since then he’s continued seeking out new places and cultures. In his spare time he explores everywhere from the sizzling street markets in Bangkok to random back alleys in Sri Lanka and everything in between! He also has a special fondness for Cohibas, trying all kinds of street food, playing carrom with random strangers, and fine wine – he knows his clarets from his chiantis. He counts Cuba, Amsterdam, Indonesia, Goa, Cambodia and Italy as his favourite destinations. Find Michael on Instagram or Twitter.
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