IT WAS NO DOUBT NOT long after the very first family road trip took place that hotels and motels began looking for creative ways to lure in motorists. They may not be as ubiquitous as they once were, but for many decades, especially in North America, unusual or quirky roadside hotels dotted every highway, locked in a fierce competition for drivers’ attention.

Earlier this month, we asked Atlas Obscura readers to share their stories of the most surprising roadside lodgings they’ve ever stayed in, and as always, they gave us just what we asked for and more.

Across hundreds of responses, readers told us about roadside hotels shaped like old train cars and motels housed in former sardine factories. There were ramshackle sheds only good for waiting out a storm and lodgings where you can catch a drive-thru movie from the comfort of your room. And of course, the ever-iconic, ever-problematic Wigwam Villages came up more than once. Each one an amazing or unique place to stay.

We’ve collected some of our favorite reader responses below. Continental breakfast not included…..Click Here To Keep Reading