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As a travel writer, I’m always looking for places that tell a story. On a recent trip through Louisiana’s heartland, I found a story I couldn’t have invented, sleeping in a beautifully refurbished train car.
I spent a weekend at the Train Wreck Inn in Grand Coteau, and it offered one of the most uniquely charming getaways I’ve experienced, a perfect blend of playful design and deep-rooted history.
From the moment I unlocked the door to my rail car, I was struck by the ingenious use of space. I was surprised at how well-suited the rail car layout is to stylish and comfortable living spaces including a living room, kitchen, bath with soaking tub and bedroom.
Every inch was thoughtfully considered, proving that extraordinary accommodations don’t have to compromise on comfort. But more than just a clever layout, the stay offered a profound sense of place.
Staying in the refurbished train yard offers an authentic connection to the area, where settlements sprung up around train stations, which brought commerce and culture to communities through Louisiana. You don’t just learn that history here; you spend the night inside it.
First Impressions: A Dream World on Tracks
Pulling into the property feels like discovering a secret. The cluster of vintage rail cars and a charming depot, washed in dreamy pastels, sits peacefully in historic Grand Coteau. This retro train motel offers four separate lodging spaces, including a train car and caboose, and each is a self-contained haven with a private bathroom and a custom, stocked kitchen.
The creative force behind this dream world is co-owner Carly Viator Courville, who greeted me with the same warm, imaginative energy that fills the space. The interiors are a masterclass in curated whimsy, filled with a mid-century modern mix of decor that feels directly inspired by the brilliant filmmaker Wes Anderson.
The Story Behind the Scenes: “I’m Designing a Retro Train Motel”
The magic of the Train Wreck Inn lies in its origin story. Benjamin Trantz had the vision to acquire and refurbish these historic structures, but it was Carly who breathed the soul into them. Sitting in the courtyard, she shared how it all began, still sounding a bit amazed by the reality of it.
“Back in 2020, when Ben acquired the rail cars, he asked me to help him design the interiors and the whole look and style of the operation”, Carly told me. “When I’d hear myself talk about the project out loud, it felt like I was making it up. ‘I’m designing a retro train motel next door.’ I still get that same feeling today, describing the Train Wreck Inn. It’s like a dream world in here, and such a special place.”
That dream was built piece by piece. She described collecting antiques and building out vision boards, aiming for a specific feel.
“I wanted the space to have color pops and dreamy palettes,” she said, noting the crucial collaboration with her husband, Kelley, an architect and talented chef.
The result is a cohesive, colorful world with a delightful midcentury and Midwestern twist.
Savoring the Place: Storytelling Dinners and Walkable Towns
The connection to the community here is something you can taste. Carly and Kelley Courville offer an experience that is, in my opinion, a non-negotiable part of a stay: privately cooked storytelling dinners.
Carly & Kelley Courville cook for guests, upon request, serving up stories and locally sourced cuisine tied to St. Landry’s history and heritage.
I booked a dinner in my rail car, and it was the highlight of my trip, a multi-course journey through local flavors, each dish accompanied by the tale of its origin. It transformed a meal into a memorable event.
When you’re ready to explore, the best part is you can leave your keys behind. The Train Wreck Inn is within easy walking distance to all of the small town’s favorite stops. My days followed a perfect rhythm: a morning stroll to the Hive Market for coffee and treats, a leisurely lunch at the local institution Brent’s Big Hill Cafe, browsing the eclectic antique shops, and a peaceful walk through the serene holy grounds.
| Aspect | What You’ll Find |
| The Spaces | Four unique, authentic train depot spaces, each a fully-equipped private suite. |
| The Design | A Wes Anderson-inspired, meticulously curated vintage dreamscape. |
| The Signature Experience | Immersive storytelling dinners with locally sourced cuisine (book in advance). |
| The Location | The heart of walkable, historic Grand Coteau. |
| Perfect For | Travelers seeking an authentic, design-focused, and deeply local getaway. |
More Than a Place to Sleep
My stay at the Train Wreck Inn reminded me why I seek out places like this. It wasn’t a passive hotel stay; it was an engagement with a story of Louisiana’s past, of creative vision, and of community. The colorful world they’ve created is the perfect set for a gathering, a romantic escape, or a solo retreat to recharge in style.
For anyone searching for a getaway where your accommodation is the destination, this is your ticket.
Ready to book your stay? Hop aboard at the official Train Wreck Inn website.
This review is part of my ongoing search for the state’s most authentic cultural experiences. For more guides to hidden gems, from Cajun Country food tours to historic small towns, explore the rest of my Louisiana travel features.
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