7 Coolest Retro Motels and Hotels in Florida for a Total Throwback Stay
Florida has always been built for the road trip. Long before sleek towers and celebrity-chef resorts took over the skyline, the Sunshine State was defined by glowing neon signs, breezy motor lodges, pastel paint jobs, and pools that promised instant vacation mode. And honestly? That version of Florida is still the most fun to check into.
Instead of chasing the newest high-rise, these retro motels and hotels invite you to step back into the golden age of travel—when a great stay meant a key on a chunky keychain, a courtyard you actually wanted to linger in, and design that didn’t take itself too seriously.
Across Miami’s MiMo district, South Beach’s Art Deco strip, and Palm Beach’s mid-century playgrounds, these properties keep old-school Florida alive in the best ways. Think mermaid-mosaic pools, striped cabanas, breezy beach-lodge layouts, and lobbies that look like they’ve hosted decades of summer stories.
1. The Vagabond Hotel Miami (Miami)
Restored from a 1953 roadside gem, this MiMo landmark captures everything that made mid-century Miami so magnetic. A stunning pool sits at the heart of the property, surrounded by pastel-painted rooms that feel plucked straight from a vintage postcard.
Every corner radiates that classic old-Florida swagger, from the retro furnishings to the playful poolside vibe. It’s not trying to be modern or minimal—it celebrates its roots with pride.
Perfect for anyone craving authentic Miami nostalgia without sacrificing style or comfort.
2. The Local St. Augustine (St. Augustine)
What happens when you take a classic motor lodge and give it a thoughtful, design-forward makeover? You get The Local—a spot that nails the balance between nostalgia and freshness. Clean lines meet playful pops of color, creating spaces that feel both breezy and intentional.
The whole aesthetic channels that carefree 1960s beach-trip energy, where everything felt simpler and sunnier. Rooms are cozy but never cramped, with just enough vintage flair to transport you back a few decades.
It’s retro done right—no dust, just charm.
3. Colony Hotel & Cabana Club (Delray Beach)
Built in the 1920s, this landmark hotel is a love letter to old-Florida glamour. Walk into the lobby and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a time capsule—vintage tropical decor, original architectural details, and an elegance that modern hotels rarely capture.
Striped cabanas line the pool area, adding that resort-town charm that once defined Florida’s coast. Every element has been preserved with care, from the furniture to the lighting.
It’s not just retro—it’s a piece of living history that still knows how to throw a great poolside afternoon.
4. The Colony Hotel (Palm Beach)
Known affectionately as the “Pink Paradise,” this Palm Beach icon leans all the way into its mid-century resort fantasy. The bold pink exterior is impossible to miss, and inside, the vibe is pure 1960s playground elegance.
From the decor to the layout, everything feels like a scene from a classic vacation postcard. It’s glamorous without being stuffy, playful without being over-the-top.
If you’ve ever wanted to live out your own retro Palm Beach daydream, this is the place to do it—preferably with a cocktail in hand.
5. The Betsy Hotel (Miami Beach)
Built in 1940, The Betsy is an Art Deco beauty that radiates old-Hollywood calm and elegance. Its white-columned facade stands proudly on Ocean Drive, offering a quieter, more refined take on South Beach’s famous energy.
Inside, the design honors its roots with vintage details and a timeless atmosphere. It’s the kind of place where you can imagine movie stars slipping in for a quiet weekend away from the cameras.
Classic, sophisticated, and unmistakably Miami—The Betsy proves that retro doesn’t have to mean loud to make an impression.
6. The Colony Hotel (Miami Beach)
Few buildings scream “South Beach” louder than The Colony’s glowing neon facade. Built in the 1930s, this Art Deco icon has become one of the most photographed spots on Ocean Drive, and for good reason.
At night, the neon lights up the street in shades of blue and pink, creating that electric retro atmosphere Miami Beach is famous for. Step inside and you’re surrounded by original details that have survived decades of change.
7. National Hotel (Miami Beach)
Standing tall since 1939, the National Hotel is an Art Deco grande dame that embodies Golden Age Miami elegance. Its most famous feature? A long, glamorous infinity pool that stretches toward the ocean like something out of a vintage travel magazine.
Inside, the design stays true to its roots with period details and luxurious touches that feel both timeless and indulgent. For a taste of what Miami Beach felt like in its heyday, the National delivers in every way.
