A themed hotel is like a vacation within a vacation. It’s a magical way for you to escape the extravagant city life for the friendly confines of your princess palace, movie set or chocolate heaven. Here are some truly one-of-a-kind hotels that offer a memorable and unique family vacation everyone can get on board with.

Jules Underwater Sea Lodge

The famous underwater hotel in Key Largo, Florida, to actually get to the hotel one must scuba dive 21 feet beneath the surface of the sea. Entering through an opening in the bottom of the habitat, the feeling is much like discovering a secret underwater clubhouse. But don’t worry, your creature comforts are still intact- hot showers, a well stocked kitchen (complete with refrigerator and microwave), books, music, and videos. A perfect balance of relaxation and adventure, whether you’re a first time diver or a scuba pro, Jules is a once in a lifetime vacation not to be missed.

Jules Undersea Lodge at Key Largo Undersea Park. 51 Shoreland Drive. Key Largo, Florida 33037. http://www.jul.com/


Dog Bark Inn

Animal lovers rejoice- being in the doghouse is a good thing at Dog Bark Park Inn Bed & Breakfast! Sleep inside the world’s biggest beagle with all the comforts of home. A bed & breakfast that is a dog outside, the inside is a charming escape from the ordinary - from the twenty-six carved dogs on the queen headboard to a cozy loft room in the dog’s head, to dog-shaped cookies on the pillow.

Dog Bark Park/Inn Bed & Breakfast. 2421 Business Hwy 95 at the Dog. Cottonwood, ID 83522. http://www.dogbarkparkinn.com/


Hana Lani Treehouse

An experiment in sustainable rural living, the property includes over 20 acres in beautiful Hawaii of a flower farm, organic vegetable gardens, and herb greenhouses. Hana Lani is an off the beaten path spot three miles from Hana town that offers spectacular ocean views from three jungle treetop tree houses. The outdoors at its finest.

Hana Lani. P.O. Box 389. Hana, Maui, HI 96713. (808) 248-7241. http://hanalani.maui.net/


Northern Rail

All Aboard! Situated on 160 acres of beautiful forestry, Northern Rail Traincar Suites feature unique accommodations in authentic train boxcars. Extending out from the main, depot lobby are two rows of train car suites connected by a platform walkway. There are 17 tasteful bed and bath “conductor” suites.

Northern Rail Traincar Suites. 1730 Hwy 3. Two Harbors, MN 55616. http://www.northernrail.net/


Hershey Park

A child's playground it wouldn't be Hershey without the chocolate! The Hershey's Kisses-shaped street lamps that line Chocolate Avenue signal your arrival. Sweet touches throughout your stay will remind you that you are in Chocolate Town, USA; and believe it or not, when it's about to rain, the air even smells like chocolate. With nine water attractions, ZooAmerica, home to over 200 North American wildlife animals, a free chocolate tour and make your own candy bar lessons, the 11 roaller coaster Hersheypark, it really is the sweetest place on earth.

100 Hotel Road. Hershey, PA 17033. http://www.thehotelhershey.com/


Fit for a Princess

From sleeping in a horse-drawn carriage to lounging in the "glass slipper" shaped whirlpool, bring your Cinderella fantasy to life as you live like a princess for the evening. 15 minutes outside of Indianapolis, there are plenty of family-friendly attractions in the vicinity like Brown County State Park and the Motor Speedway.

Greenwood Fantasuite. 1117 East Main St. Greenwood, IN 46143 greenwoodfantasuite.com/rooms.htm