Step into a living museum where your hotel key unlocks a portal to the past. Across America, an enchanting collection of historic accommodations awaits, each preserving their own slice of yesteryear. Whether you’re drawn to Victorian mansions with their whispered ghost stories, swanky mid-century motels that channel Mad Men style, or art deco gems frozen in their golden age, these remarkable properties offer more than just a place to sleep—they deliver an immersive journey through time. Here are some of the most captivating vintage stays where history isn’t just remembered—it’s experienced.
Victoria 1883
Along the beautiful Florida coastline is Victoria 1883. This bed and breakfast includes an event space and expansive gardens, making it a popular wedding venue as well as a gorgeous place to stay over. Its rooms and suites are individually themed and include options like luxurious patios and cozy suites. There is even a hidden speakeasy to sneak away to.
The Georgian Hotel
In Santa Monica, California, the Georgian Hotel is the height of vintage luxury with a retro vibe. You can be wined, dined, and entertained in opulence and still feel the old-school vibes set by record players and antique typewriters. From Art Deco powder blue exteriors to a curved staircase, its look is legendary. Famous guests over the years have included both Hollywood greats and mobsters.
Palm Springs Rendezvous
Built in the 1930s and renovated in the 1950s, Palm Springs Rendezvous is a Mid Century Modern style hotel that once hosted Marilyn Monroe. 10 themed rooms are housed in several one-story buildings situated around the pool and the courtyard. Themes include the Pretty In Pink room, Shake, Rattle, & Roll room, and the Crooners room, inspired by the Rat Pack.
Concord’s Colonial Inn
If you’re looking for a great historic hotel, check out the Concord’s Colonial Inn in Massachusetts. The Revolutionary War was officially launched from this building. You can still see some of the pine wall paneling and floors that date from 1716. Some guests who stay here have even reported seeing Revolutionary War-era ghosts.
The Shady Dell
Not only do you get a great vintage vibe at The Shady Dell in Arizona, but you also get the most unique lodging you can find! It’s a vintage trailer court with an onsite diner. Each trailer has a unique theme. Some of the themes include a 1950s trailer and a 1947 Tiki Bus.
The Curry Mansion Inn
Located in Key West, Florida, The Curry Mansion was built in 1869. The historic mansion is adorned with antique furniture, fireplaces, and wood paneling. Its historic vibe makes it the ideal place for ghost stories. Some of the ghosts may include Sarah Curry, the woman who created Key Lime Pie, a housekeeper who reportedly passed away in one of several floods the property has experienced.
Myrtles Plantation
In Louisiana, you can stay at one of America’s most haunted homes. A bed and breakfast since at least 1796, guests can choose from rooms in the main house and lovely cabins scattered through beautifully landscaped grounds. Wood furniture and period antique interiors add to the vintage feel.
The Edgewater Hotel
The Edgewater Hotel in Seattle, Washington is a vintage hotel that plays to its own rock and roll history. It was built in 1962 and hosted The Beatles in 1964. The hotel currently has a Beatles Suite where guests can live it up in true Brit rock royalty style. Other famous guests have included Led Zeppelin, Elvis, and Johnny Cash.
TWA Hotel
Located at JFK Airport, this retro hotel is a vibrant tribute to 1960s aviation. It features mid-century decor, working rotary phones, and a display of vintage stewardess uniforms, including designs by Valentino. Guests can relax in the iconic red and white lounge or enjoy cocktails aboard Connie, a 1958 plane-turned-lounge.
Cedar Grove Mansion Inn
Cedar Grove Mansion in Vicksburg, Mississippi, preserves Civil War history with their unique decor, including a Union cannonball embedded in its parlor wall. This 1840 Greek Revival mansion, which endured a wartime siege, features period antiques, original fireplaces, and sash windows, offering a richly immersive, historic experience.
Madonna Inn
Pink perfection awaits you at the Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo, California. A cute, kitschy, vintage hotel with 101 rooms, they have been open to guests since 1958. There is a distinct nod to romance and both the interior and exterior are lavishly decorated. The hotel has themed rooms, a garden, a steakhouse, a gourmet & wine shop, a bakery, and a spa.
The Hermitage Hotel
Founded in 1910 by Nashville businessmen, The Hermitage Hotel remains a 5-star classic with grand staircases, arched windows, and elegant, modernized rooms. Known for its luxurious style, it’s also famed for ghostly encounters, including ‘the Lady in White,’ who reportedly causes elevator issues and mysteriously tipped drinks at the bar.
Don CeSar Hotel
Known as the ‘Pink Palace,’ the Don CeSar Hotel on Florida’s St. Pete Beach opened in the 1920s, hosting icons like Al Capone and F. Scott Fitzgerald. With vintage charm, it’s rumored to be haunted by its original owner, Thomas Rowe, who reportedly has been spotting roaming the hotel after his sudden death in the lobby.
The Dive Motel
The Dive Motel in Nashville, once a rundown spot visited by Johnny Cash and Dolly Parton, has been transformed into a quirky retro haven. Its 23 rooms feature a ‘party switch’ for disco balls and music, plus bold wallpaper, retro furnishings, and log cabin charm. Suites elevate the vibe with disco balls and shag carpets.
Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn
Nestled in Big Sur’s redwoods, this rustic inn is perfect for a digital detox. With no online bookings or Wi-Fi, and limited cell service, guests unplug in hand-carved rooms and contribute to journals dating back to the 1950s. Opened in 1930 by a Norwegian founder, it reflects his homeland’s architecture, offering a serene, tech-free retreat.
The Saugatuck Retro Resort Motel
Near Lake Michigan, The Saugatuck embraces the classic charm of 1950s motor lodges. With 22 rooms, patterned blankets, Adirondack chairs, a pool, and shuffleboard by the fire pit, it’s a nostalgic retreat. Built in 1953, the motel has been beautifully restored to celebrate the golden era of road trips and retro hospitality.
The Pearl
Centered around an oyster-shaped pool, The Pearl in San Diego’s Point Loma neighborhood is a mid-century coastal hotel inspired by Japanese pearl divers, the “Ama.” Its 23 minimalist rooms overlook the pool, which leads to a lively bar. The restaurant offers 1960s-style home cooking and free cocktail classes, celebrating retro hospitality with style.
The Omni Homestead Resort
This historic hotel in Hot Springs, Virginia, has hosted 24 U.S. Presidents, including Thomas Jefferson, who once enjoyed its natural hot springs. Founded in 1766 with just 18 rooms, it now boasts 483, including five luxurious President’s Suites with sunrooms and mountain views. Guests can also enjoy seasonal activities like ice skating and fly fishing.
Orbit In Hotel
The Orbit In in Palm Springs exudes classic Hollywood glamour with a retro flair. Each of its nine uniquely themed rooms celebrates vintage style: The Rat Pack room features a 1950s kitchen and Frank Sinatra records, while Atomic Paradise offers a space-age vibe. The poolside invites relaxation under the clear desert sky.
El Cortez Hotel and Casino
Las Vegas’s Fremont Street offers a historic alternative to the Strip’s modern extravagance. The El Cortez Hotel, dating back to 1941 and once owned by gangster Bugsy Siegel, preserves an authentic Sin City atmosphere. While updated accommodations are available, its Vintage Rooms have remained largely unchanged since the 1940s, providing guests with a genuine taste of old Vegas.
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