15 Retro Motel Trends From The ’50s And ’60s We Deeply Miss
There’s just something magical about the motels of the 1950s and ’60s—a kind of retro roadside romance you can’t find at today’s beige, keycard-swiping chains.
Back then, motels weren’t just a place to crash after 400 miles of car games and questionable gas station snacks—they were a full-blown experience. Neon signs buzzed like they had secrets, vacancy lights blinked seductively at tired travelers, and the décor? Oh, it was gloriously kitschy.
Think pastel bathrooms, shag carpet, and bedspreads that could double as abstract art (or camouflage). These motels had flair, personality, and just enough mystery to keep things interesting. You didn’t just check in—you time-traveled.
So let’s hop into a virtual Cadillac and cruise back through 15 motel trends from the ’50s and ’60s that we seriously miss. Spoiler alert: Yes, there will be coin-operated magic fingers, and yes, they deserve a comeback.
1. Neon Signs
Remember those buzzing neon signs that seemed to wink at you as you drove by? Their colorful glow was like a beacon guiding weary travelers to rest. Each motel had its own unique sign, a testament to its character. These signs weren’t just advertisements; they were art.
Many were hand-crafted, with intricate designs that lit up the night sky. They became a staple of the American road trip, and snapping a photo in front of one was almost obligatory. Today, we often see replicas, but nothing beats the magic of the originals.
Neon signs symbolize a time when motels were more personal, each one vying for your attention with a touch of artistic flair. Their charm is sorely missed.
2. Drive-Up Check-In
Pulling up to a motel back then meant you could check in from your car. No need to lug your luggage through a bustling lobby. It was all about convenience and ease. The drive-up check-in was a testament to the car culture of the era.
Bellhops would dash to your vehicle, ready to assist with bags, while you filled out a quick form. This personal touch made you feel like a valued guest, setting the tone for your stay.
Drive-up check-ins were an innovation that combined hospitality with the freedom of the open road, making each arrival feel like a grand entrance. It’s a trend that made travel feel special, something we could use more of today.
3. Themed Rooms
Themed rooms turned a simple overnight stay into a mini-vacation. Imagine entering a room decked out in a Wild West motif, or perhaps an underwater adventure. It was all about the escape. Each room was a world unto itself, crafted to spark imagination.
These rooms often came with matching decor, from wallpaper to bedspreads, creating a cohesive experience. The creativity was endless, and guests never knew quite what to expect.
Themed rooms were a delightful surprise, adding a sense of wonder to travel. They made even the shortest stay memorable, a playful trend that brought joy and whimsy to the weary traveler.
4. Colorful Linoleum Floors
Talk about walking on art! The colorful linoleum floors of retro motels were a feast for the eyes. Patterns and colors that could make the most drab room feel alive. They were practical, too—easy to clean and durable, perfect for the busy traveler.
Every step across those floors felt like a dance, with patterns swirling underfoot. Linoleum was the canvas for bold, unexpected designs, a true hallmark of its time.
While today’s flooring opts for neutral tones, the bold and lively linoleum of the past is a trend we miss. It brought character and warmth to spaces that could otherwise feel clinical.
5. Poolside Lounging
Ah, the quintessential motel pool! A sun-soaked oasis for travelers eager to unwind. Back in the day, poolside lounging was the ultimate form of relaxation, with vibrant umbrellas and loungers inviting you to bask in the sun.
Guests would gather, sharing stories of their travels while soaking up rays. It was a community hub, where friendships were forged under the summer sun.
The charm of poolside lounging was in its simplicity—a place to relax and recharge. Today, we’ve traded this leisurely pace for splashy waterparks, but the allure of a simple motel pool remains unmatched.
6. Complimentary Postcards
Who wouldn’t love a slice of nostalgia in the form of a postcard? Motels once offered complimentary postcards, a delightful surprise for guests. These cards showcased the motel’s charm and surroundings, making them perfect keepsakes.
Guests could send them to loved ones, sharing a piece of their journey. It was a personal touch that made stays feel more intimate and connected.
In a world where digital communication prevails, the joy of receiving a handwritten postcard is a trend we sorely miss. These cards captured memories in a way no email ever could.
7. Vibrant Bedspreads
Tucking into vibrant bedspreads was like sleeping in a kaleidoscope. Motels of the ’50s and ’60s didn’t shy away from color and pattern. Each bed was an invitation to a visual feast.
The designs ranged from geometric to floral, each as unique as the stay itself. These bedspreads were more than just covers—they were a part of the motel’s identity.
Today’s muted tones pale in comparison to the lively designs of yesteryear. These vibrant bedspreads are a trend that wrapped guests in a blanket of joy and nostalgia.
8. Classic Key Chains
Who knew a simple key chain could hold so much charm? Those classic motel key chains were more than just a way to access your room—they were a piece of the motel’s story.
Each one was unique, often bearing the motel’s name and room number, sometimes adorned with colorful tassels. They were a tangible connection to your stay.
In an age of key cards, the tactile feel of a traditional key chain is something we deeply miss. It was a small but significant detail that added character to the motel experience.
9. Roadside Souvenir Shops
Where else could you find a miniature Statue of Liberty and a snow globe from the same trip? Roadside souvenir shops were a treasure trove of kitsch and charm. They offered travelers a chance to take a piece of their journey home.
These shops were filled with trinkets, from magnets to postcards, each item a memory waiting to be shared. It was retail therapy at its finest, with a side of nostalgia.
In the hustle of modern travel, these quirky shops are a trend we miss. They added a touch of whimsy to the roadside experience, something we could all use a little more of.
10. Coin-Operated Vibrating Beds
For just a quarter, you could enjoy a vibrating bed—a quirky luxury that promised relaxation at the push of a button. These coin-operated beds were a novelty, offering a gentle massage after a long day on the road.
The anticipation of the rumble, as you slipped the coin in, was part of the fun. It was an innovation that brought a smile to the weary traveler.
Today, we have spa treatments, but the charm of a vibrating bed shaking off the day’s worries is a trend that tickled our fancy in the best way.
11. In-Room Coffee Makers
Waking up to the aroma of freshly brewed coffee in your room was a simple pleasure. In-room coffee makers were a game-changer, offering guests a comforting start to their day without needing to leave their room.
These machines were a testament to convenience, allowing you a moment of relaxation before hitting the road again. It was hospitality at its finest.
While today’s coffee culture is more elaborate, the humble in-room coffee maker is a trend we miss. It provided a cozy start to the morning, one that lingered long after the last sip.
12. Weekly Rates
Staying longer for less—what’s not to love? Weekly rates made extended stays affordable, allowing travelers to explore without breaking the bank. These rates turned motels into temporary homes for wanderers.
The sense of community among guests, coupled with the familiarity of the staff, made longer stays feel welcoming. It was a budget-friendly option that encouraged exploration.
In today’s fast-paced world, the simplicity of weekly rates is a trend that’s missed. It was about taking time to enjoy the journey, savoring every moment without the rush.
13. Retro Vending Machines
Who could resist the allure of a retro vending machine, stocked with goodies from another era? These machines were a beacon of convenience, offering sweet treats and cold sodas at the drop of a coin.
Their colorful exteriors and mechanical sounds were part of the charm. Each selection was a small, delicious adventure in itself.
While today’s options are more diverse, the nostalgia of a retro vending machine is a trend we deeply miss. It was a simple pleasure that added flavor to the motel experience.
14. Roomside Dining Service
Forget room service; it was all about roomside dining. Motels offered this delightful perk, serving meals right to your doorstep. It was dining with a personal touch, a unique experience that made guests feel special.
Imagine enjoying a classic diner meal in the comfort of your room. The aroma of hot coffee and fresh breakfast wafting through the air.
In today’s fast-food world, the charm of roomside dining is a trend we truly miss. It offered a taste of home on the road, a comfort that can’t be replaced.
15. Interactive Lobby Games
Lobbies weren’t just for check-ins; they were for checkmates too! Motels of the past offered interactive games in the lobby, from pool tables to pinball machines. It was a gathering place for fun and camaraderie.
Guests could unwind with a game, sharing laughs and stories. It was an opportunity to connect with fellow travelers, turning strangers into friends.
In the digital age, the simplicity of lobby games is a trend we miss. They provided entertainment and community, a reminder that travel is as much about the people as the places.