by Jeanni Ritchie
When I saw the name Train Wreck Inn my mom had written on a slip of paper and left on the table for me, I assumed it was a library book she wanted me to pick up. A quick Google search for the author revealed that it was not a book but a destination!
And what a destination! The Train Wreck Inn is a unique new listing on Airbnb, a retro train motel with four unique lodging spaces. There’s the Blue Train Room, an authentic train car with a beautiful clawfoot tub and a pillow top mattress that gave me the best night’s sleep ever. Across the walkway is the octagonal Ole Depot with the courtyard separating it from the Ticket Booth.
Directly across from the Ticket Booth was the Yellow Caboose, a compact car where I spent the remainder of my stay. The Caboose, like the other train cars, had a full kitchen and antique record player with a vast album selection.
My last evening there, tired of all work and no play, I laid back on the gold couch and listened to every album in the room, including the two I’d brought along. Boston Pops Orchestra, Island Sounds, Joan Baez…there was even an album by my old friend Paul Ott. Ott died in 2018 after a battle with cancer and it was great to hear his voice again.
The bathroom in the Yellow Caboose was compact as well. Stepping into a shower that also housed the commode and a triangular wall-mounted sink, it definitely gave passenger train vibes. But the rain shower head with piping hot water and super strong pressure felt like luxury.
Each of the train rooms has dual AC and heat, maintaining a comfortable temperature along with vintage touches and retro colors in the decor. Antique glassware lines the kitchen shelves. The Blue Train Room has stained glass windows running the perimeter of the ceilings and nostalgic artwork. Each train car has a different aesthetic while they all maintain the overall vision of hopping aboard to visit yesterday.
The courtyard, available to all guests, has patio portable heaters, cornhole games, and multiple tables and chairs. The Train Wreck Inn is also available for full-site rental, making it the perfect place to host family reunions, extended family vacations, and birthday parties.
The Train Wreck Inn is across the street from Our Lady of the Oaks Retreat Center, one of the most unique, historic, and spiritual places in Louisiana. Thousands of visitors, myself included, attend retreats there every year.
Grand Coteau, a quaint peaceful town, is about 15 miles north of Lafayette, making a trip to the city an easy jaunt. Or you can head 8 miles east to Arnaudville and check out The Little Big Cup, a Cajun eatery no fewer than 6 people told me I must try while I was in Grand Coteau.
But, you may prefer to just stay on your Choo-Choo couch vibing with the Victrola!
Trainwreck Inn is located at 211 Chatrian Street, Grand Coteau, Louisiana.
View their rooms at trainwreckinn.com and
Jeanni Ritchie is a freelance journalist and travel writer from Central Louisiana. She can be reached at jeanniritchie54@gmail.com.
