Here are some of the most creative, design-forward, or unusually imaginative hotels across the U.S. — a mix of boutique, architecturally distinctive, eco‑innovative, and delightfully quirky properties. Short note + why they’re creative and where they are. (If you want openings, price ranges, or help booking any of these, I can look those up.)

• El Cosmico — Marfa, TX
  Why: A 21‑acre “nomadic” hotel/campground with renovated vintage trailers, tepees, yurts, safari tents and communal creative programming (workshops, music, outdoor stage). A signature on‑the‑ground example of glamping done with art and design sensibility. (elcosmico.com)

• Winvian Farm — Morris, CT
  Why: A Relais & Châteaux property made up of individually themed architect cottages (treehouse, lighthouse, helicopter cottage, cave, etc.), each designed by different architects — very literal “stay inside a work of architecture.” (en.wikipedia.org)

• Hotel des Arts — San Francisco, CA
  Why: Small artist‑driven boutique where many rooms are individually painted or installed by local artists — an intimate, rotating in‑house art experience. (en.wikipedia.org)

• Ulysses — Baltimore, MD
  Why: A recent maximalist boutique renovation of a historic building with bold, cinematic interiors (John Waters inspiration among others) — notable for its theatrical, highly curated design. (en.wikipedia.org)

• Proximity Hotel — Greensboro, NC
  Why: The U.S.’s first LEED Platinum hotel — creatively integrates sustainability into design (solar, green materials, efficient systems) while remaining high‑end and stylish. Good pick if you want creativity tied to eco‑innovation. (en.wikipedia.org)

• El Rey Court — Santa Fe, NM
  Why: A reimagined 1936 Route‑66 motor court turned stylish adobe casita resort — creative mix of Southwestern tradition and modern design across individually styled rooms. (guide.michelin.com)

• International House Hotel — New Orleans, LA
  Why: Boutique hotel in a historic Beaux‑Arts building with interiors that blend local craft, art and inventive design; it’s known for curated public spaces and a strong sense of place. (en.wikipedia.org)

• Warren Street Hotel (Firmdale by Kit Kemp) — New York, NY
  Why: Design‑forward, whimsical interiors by Kit Kemp (Firmdale) — bold colors, layered textures and highly individual rooms; an example of playful British maximalism in the U.S. market. (time.com)

• Ace Hotel properties (examples: Palm Springs, New Orleans, New York)
  Why: The Ace brand helped popularize the creative‑hotel model in the U.S.: adaptive reuse of old buildings, emphasis on local culture, artwork, curated programming and communal public spaces. (Different Ace locations each have distinct, locally inspired design.) (livingetc.com)

• The Manner / Other SoHo and Lower East Side boutique hotels (NYC examples of creative, retro or capsule concepts)
  Why: New York’s design hotel scene has many playful, concept‑driven properties (1970s‑retro, capsule/compact rooms, maximalist restorations) — good examples of creative urban hotel design and experiential stays. (livingetc.com)

If you want a shorter list focused by type (best for art lovers, best for architecture, best eco/green creativity, best quirky/glamping), or picks in a particular region or city, tell me which and I’ll tailor and expand with up‑to‑date availability/prices.