Inspiration Attractions
YouTube/David Coatney
Juliana Lumaj
Are you sick of staying at the traditional Holiday Inn while on vacation? Want to stay somewhere that’s a bit more exciting and memorable? Themed hotels have quickly gained popularity across the U.S., such as the Lord of the Rings-themed Hobbit House in Trout Creek, Montana and the Talladega Nights room at the Curtis Hotel, according to Gourmet Marketing. More themed hotels continue to open as a way to rope customers in, especially after the financial crisis many businesses endured during the COVID-19 pandemic, when most of the population stayed home and halted reservations. There are even hotels that have incorporated themes of popular Netflix shows, such as 21C Hotel, who designed a “Queen’s Gambit” room.
However, we’ve found a place that is every dog lover’s dream; the Dog Bark Park Inn, located in Cottonwood, Idaho, (via Dog Park Bark Inn). This bed and breakfast is home to the World’s Largest Beagle — no, it’s not a real dog —but a large structure used as a guest house where tourists can enjoy a vacation surrounded by several wooden dog figures. If this sounds like something you’d enjoy, we’ve included more information, including reviews, below.
An art form turned into a bustling business
YouTube/David Coatney
According to CNN, the beagle-shaped guest house is nine meters high. Inside, guests can enjoy 26 carved dogs and consume dog-shaped cookies. “This is the only place one can sleep with 26 dogs and still get a good night’s rest,” Dog Bark Park Inn owner Frances Conklin said. The Inn is run by husband and wife duo Dennis and Francis Conklin, who opened the inn back in 1997, according to Dog Bark Park Inn. As a self-taught chainsaw artist, Dennis Conklin has worked on his practice for over 30 years, and his wife began participating about 26 years ago.
For 18 months, they carved only wood dog figures and sold them on QVC television, then later used that money to create the wondrous Dog Bark Park Inn tourists from all over are enjoying today. There’s also an adorable gift shop on the premises where guests can browse through 60 different types of dog breed figures.
Promising reviews
YouTube/David Coatney
According to Dog Bark Park Inn, the themed inn has received attention from many media outlets, such as HGTV, “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” London Times, the “Today Show,” CNN, and The Washington Post. They’ve also received rewards, such as the 2016 Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor. Currently, the establishment has an impressive 5-star rating out of 174 reviews, (via TripAdvisor). The design of the inside is just as charming as the outside. We’re in love with the wooden dog-figure headboard as well as all the other canine-related décor.
However, we’re not the only ones who have fallen head over paws with this inn. Reviewers, such as Kari D, said that the Dog Bark Park Inn was a dream come true for her children and complimented the owners for being wonderful hosts. Others, such as Htapping, enjoyed the artwork, breakfast, and beautiful sunsets during their stay. If you’re hoping to spend a night in the World’s Largest Beagle, plan ahead because bookings fill quickly.
