I wanted to put together a list of fun retro hotels in CA and along the way discovered some in other states! So this list is CA heavy but I had a lot of fun putting it together :)
Map
This iconic Inn on CA's central coast features unique over the top rooms featuring things like rock wall showers and heart shaped tubs. Not for the minimalist!
Madonna Inn
A disco-era fever dream with themed suites, champagne buzzers, and unapologetic 70s glamour.
The Dive Motel
Glamorous, moody old Hollywood vibes. Dimly lit and vibey.
Lafayette Hotel
An iconic neon-sign motel with playful retro charm and classic Americana road-trip energy.
Austin Motel
A cute motel by the amazing drag queen Trixie Mattel. There is even a fun limited series on HBO Max showing the process of putting everything together. With the Palm Springs mid century modern back drop it's the perfect retro stay.
Trixie Motel
An updated take on an old road trip classic.
Bluebird Spa City Motor Lodge
A stylish 1960s motor lodge revival with shag carpeting and poolside movies. A perfect retro Southern California experience .
The Pearl Hotel
Definitely a place trapped in time. Feels like Route 66 Americana energy.
Boots Court
Wine country wellness retreat, complete with mud baths (which I highly recommend) and mineral pools.
Dr. Wilkinson's Backyard Resort
Old Hollywood at it's finest. This place is rich with Golden Age history.
The Hollywood Roosevelt
Neon, pool and palm trees. Vintage Miami energy.
The Vagabond Hotel
Retro rock-and-roll themed hotel with vinyl records and music history everywhere.
The Verb Hotel
Atomic Age charm in Northern California.
The Astro
Minimal vibes with great views.
Skyview Los Alamos
Indie road-trip energy complete with desert tones and airstream trailers.
Amigo Motor Lodge
My international pick! Pastel retro fantasy along the Australian beaches.
The Pink Hotel
This is my gritty old school Vegas pick, Not the cutesy vibe of most my picks but for anyone who want vintage casino energy.
