Discover ‘Mad Men’-worthy hideaways the world over.
Mid-century modern design is all the rage these days after a resurgence of the decor was featured on the hit TV show “Mad Men.” Taking hints from Scandinavian design and characterized by warm woods, clean lines and natural elements, this unique style that emerged during the ’50s and ’60s includes not only architecture but furniture, lighting and tableware, too. Here are top mid-century modern properties where you can live out a stylish, Don Draper-inspired trip with 1960s-influenced surroundings and a cocktail in hand.
The Verb Hotel
Boston
Designed by forward-thinking firm Elkus Manfredi Architects, The Verb Hotel, located in Boston‘s Fenway neighborhood (with the lights of Fenway Park looming in the background), reimagines a mid-century motel with a nod to the Howard Johnson outpost that was previously on the property’s site. Brightly colored stained-glass exterior windows immediately set the property’s sleek tone and, once inside, guests will find the hues carried throughout along with pop culture and music memorabilia. Don’t miss checking out the colorful umbrellas by the pool, which is situated in the center of the hotel.
Cabana Bay Beach Resort at Universal Orlando Resort
Orlando, Florida
You will feel like you have stepped back in time when you enter Cabana Bay Beach Resort. From top to bottom, this 1,800-room property has captured every detail to match the retro feel of beach resorts of the ’50s and ’60s from the throwback amenities in the bathrooms to the bold colors throughout and furniture in each guest room. Get in a workout at the Jack LaLanne Physical Fitness Studio designed to relive the era of television’s physical fitness pioneer and get ready to bowl ’50s style at the on-site Galaxy bowling alley. Afterward, take advantage of the modern Universal Orlando and Islands of Adventure theme parks.
Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Spa
Scottsdale, Arizona
While Don Draper never traveled to Arizona on “Mad Men,” if he did, we imagine he’d be right at home at this property, which features a mid-century modern design with Southwestern accents. Set on 23 acres at Camelback Mountain, Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Spa pays tribute to the many mid-century artists and designers who fled to the desert for inspiration with 201 bungalow-style accommodations mixing mid-century modern furniture with Spanish-inspired twists, like banco seating that opens into communal courtyards. Guest rooms are designed with bright colors, folk art and cultural patterns that draw inspiration from Alexander Girard and other renowned artists and designers of the late 1950s and early 1960s.
Thompson Seattle
Seattle
Set in the heart of Seattle near the iconic Pike Place Market, Thompson Seattle is a luxury hotel designed by Seattle firm Olson Kundig. The property’s floor-to-ceiling glass exterior gracefully integrates the building within the city’s busy landscape. Meanwhile, interior elements evoke mid-century modern design elements such as steel, concrete and reclaimed woods along with a mix of modern and vintage furniture. Even better, the glass-sided lobby staircase looks like it came right out of the show’s Manhattan office of Sterling Cooper. Atop the property sits The Nest, a trendy cocktail bar with sweeping city views.
Conrad Chicago
Chicago
Conrad Chicago, a Hilton hotel, draws inspiration from its location. Steps away from the famed Magnificent Mile shopping district, the property reflects a combination of 1960s and 1970s modernism elements with the architectural heritage and art scene of the Windy City. Works from mid-century modern artists such as Josef Albers, Ellsworth Kelly, Frank Stella and Donald Judd adorn the walls, while style influences are showcased in details such as lighting fixtures, furniture and millwork. Guest rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows to draw the eye to the Chicago skyline as well as minimalistic bathrooms with freestanding marble tubs.
Le Méridien Etoile
Paris
Redesigned to incorporate mid-century modern accents in 2016, Le Méridien Etoile offers an elegant ambiance. Located in the bourgeois 17th arrondissement and within walking distance of the Arc de Triomphe and Champs Elysées, Le Méridien Etoile is currently the largest hotel in Paris. Julie Frank, global director of design for Le Méridien Hotels, describes the decor as “timeless chic,” highlighting its ’40s- and ’50s-inspired style. Walnut and oak finishes, black and stainless steel accents and modular furniture create a mid-century aesthetic, while Parisian cultural accents instill a sense of place. The property also recently redesigned its Jazz Club Etoile, originally opened in 1975, using bold hues and vintage furniture.
The Flamingo Conference Resort and Spa
Santa Rosa, California
Built in 1957, this classic mid-century modern-style hotel, a Santa Rosa historic landmark, has been updated over the years into an upscale hideaway for those traveling to California’s wine country. Designed to mirror the iconic Flamingo Las Vegas, the hotel was a hot spot for Hollywood’s elite in its heyday. The Flamingo’s exterior features classic mid-century modern elements of glass and stone with polished flagstone paths traversing curving glass-enclosed hallways filled with greenery. These halls lead from building to building and are set around a tree-lined pool. While the property’s interior offers a more eclectic style, it features old-school accents, earth tones and rustic art.
The Surfjack
Honolulu
True “Mad Man” aficionados will likely recall Don Draper’s infamous trip to the Hawaiian Isles. And the Surfjack would have been the perfect spot for him to brainstorm an inspiring ad campaign while enjoying plenty of time in the sun. A boutique property in Honolulu, on the island of Oahu, the Surfjack puts a Hawaiian twist on mid-century modern design, blending ’60s beach culture with modern touches. The theme carries over to the stylish guest rooms, which feature details such as handmade wallpaper, reed ceilings and hand lettering throughout. What’s more, the property’s surfboards offer a gracious welcome to visitors.
The Durham Hotel
Durham, North Carolina
Originally a mid-century era bank, the Los Angeles-based design firm Commune Design turned this building into a modern escape in the heart of Durham, the home city of Duke University, maintaining its foundation while reinventing it as a stylish and contemporary retreat in the city. Don’t miss the fantastic rooftop overlooking the city, where you guests can enjoy morning yoga, movie nights and even Southern-style oyster roasts. There’s even vinyl records from local indie store, Merge Records, at the hotel entrance for yet another retro touch.
The Sunburst Calistoga Hotel
Calistoga, California
Set in the center of California wine country sits this boutique hotel in the town of Calistoga, a laid-back area known for its healing hot springs. A motel-style property with bright pops of color, The Sunburst Calistoga features furnishings that pay homage to the mid-century modern era, along with its own mineral pool and Jacuzzi. Spacious rooms offer separate sleeping and sitting areas. Snuggle up in the in-room marshmallow lounge sitting chairs, bike to a local winery or enjoy a quick walk into Calistoga for a locally inspired meal at a favorite haunt like Johnny’s Calistoga Restaurant & Bar.
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10 Mid-Century Marvels: Modern Hotels That Would Make Don Draper Drool originally appeared on usnews.com
