11 Retro Hotels That Take You Way Back

Attached to the JFK International Airport is an oasis of style and mid-century modernism. What used to be the TWA Flight Center has been reimagined into over 500 super-quiet guestrooms, thanks to state-of-the-art soundproofing. Some rooms have views of the runway, but all have furnishings inspired by the building’s designer, Eero Saarinen. Don’t forget to check out the heated rooftop pool, the one-of-a-kind cocktail bar inside a 1958 Lockheed Constellation airplane and museum-quality exhibits scattered throughout, like TWA uniforms or former owner Howard Hughes’ office.

Close to both LAX and Santa Monica Beach, this mid-century-style hotel captures that California Dreamin’ aesthetic of the 1960s. Lounge by the palm tree-circled pool, grab some California cuisine at the Caravan Swim Club and retire to a crisp minimalist room with a coastal color scheme.

Nestled in the Meatpacking District above High Line Park, this hotel combines mid-century modern touches with futurism, as seen in the gritty board-formed concrete and glass building. Guests have said the hotel gives a “Jetsons-esque” feel. Don’t be surprised to see celebrities in their rooftop nightclub. Finish the night with a soak in the in-room tubs, surrounded by stunning sunset views of the Hudson River with floor-to-ceiling windows.

Set along the Herengracht canal, rooms here have a 1960s-inspired style with rich textiles, geometric-shaped décor and herringbone parquet floors. Bicycle rentals will help you get around town. Rooms are rated Shoebox to Biggy, so you get the size you need with modern bathrooms and canal views.

A historic 1890s athletic club in Chicago has become a premium hotel almost two centuries later. Housed in a Venetian Gothic building in the Loop neighborhood, it has been meticulously restored, from the ornate ironwork to the tiled floors. Some rooms even have little touches of the building’s past, like pommel horse-shaped benches. The rooftop bar features a gorgeous glass atrium with views of Millennium Park and Lake Michigan.

Surf’s up at this California cool boutique hotel. Artsy with surf-culture nostalgia, 158 refurbished rooms feature record players, hardwood floors and eclectic artwork. On-site amenities include a vinyl store, an open-air restaurant and a firepit.

Old meets new in this Portugal hotel, where 1960s-era furniture mingles with iMacs and iPads in-room. Little touches, like vintage photos and radios, make each room feel homey and nostalgic. Upscale features, like marble baths and leather armchairs, add the luxe factor. Be sure to check out the bistro with a gastropub menu and retro library décor.

With its mod ‘70s-inspired style, this boutique hotel gives off a funky vibe. Each room is uniquely decorated but still bold and quirky. If that doesn’t suit you, you can choose the vintage camper van in the parking lot for your stay. After a busy day shopping in nearby Avenue Louise, relax in the wine bar or cozy courtyard terrace. With only 38 rooms, it’s a comfortable, quiet space where you’re bound to get personalized attention from the staff.

If you want that Riviera resort experience from the 1950s, look no further than this minimalist, modernist stunner with the backdrop of the blue, blue sea. The hotel was carefully restored to its original state with polished concrete floors, hand-selected décor and a private beach. Rooms are breezy with views of the sea and modern amenities. If you’re really lucky, your tub will even have a prime view.

Designer Jonathan Adler is responsible for the eclectic mid-century modern aesthetic of this desert hotel, where vintage pharmacy signs combine with a giant bronze banana on the lawn. Because of its privacy and luxury, it’s a favorite among celebs, but any guest can enjoy croquet on the lawn, a seat by the fire pit or a dip in one of the multiple pools.

In 1926, the Wurlitzer building was constructed as an instrument factory, but since then it has been restored and converted into a 106-room hotel with a Roaring Twenties aesthetic. Flourishes like hand-loomed blankets and terrazzo tiles in the bathrooms enhance the charm of this historic space. The Candy Bar is a prime hangout spot (one of several on-site restaurants), reminiscent of the Golden Age of Hollywood.