Martinis, Mokes and Mid-Century Modern: 16 Hotels for the Ultimate Vintage Girls’ Summer Vacation
After years of fast, over-documented travel, 2026 is ushering in something quieter and far more considered. Call it a new golden age, or call it hush-pitality. Either way, the shift is clear: trips are becoming less about capturing everything and more about actually being there. We are putting our phones down long enough to enjoy the people in front of us. “Grandma hobbies” have re-entered the chat for a reason: cards, reading, long walks, proper conversations, the art of doing very little and doing it very well. The appeal is not nostalgia for nostalgia’s sake. It is a return to a slower, more social pace that feels better.
Hotels are responding in kind. Across the U.S. and Europe, a new wave of properties, along with a revival of old ones, are channeling the glamour of mid-century resort life. Imagine pink loungers, packed cabanas, and palm frond-clad salóns that still expect you to arrive dressed for dinner. Caftans worn from poolside to evening, oversized sunglasses, a sense that the day has structure but no rush. Call it Vintage Girls’ Summer. A return to a Riviera state of mind where days are sun-warmed, plans revolve around each other, and the setting does most of the work. Coastal drives, bike rides to lunch, sailing afternoons, and dinners that might justify a second outfit, or at least the suggestion of one.
You’re officially invited to the Holiday: VR Summer Club ☀️🦢: a collection of spaces and stays devoted to this exact way of gathering, from French wedding weekends to rooftop hotels with lunch served from retro lunchboxes, seaside trains and 70's poolside parties in Mallorca (→ explore the full collection). Below, is just one stop inside the collection. A lineup of hotels that understand the golden age of hospitality.
Reported by: Pallavi Mehra
This is how you do luxury on a vintage girls’ trip! Situated alongside the serene Kiawah River, The Dunlin is a boutique property evocative of a grand Southern summer home. Named after an arresting local shorebird, this hotel is just 20 miles from Charleston. Spread over 2,000 scenic acres, the retreat boasts 72 cottage-style guest rooms and suites and two riverfront bungalows. The Dunlin is home to 20 miles of riverfront, picturesque nature trails, and flora- and fauna-rich marshlands, along with two inviting restaurants and a tranquil spa. The Dunlin’s Coastal Safari, Southern Sips Cocktail Class, Picnic, and Mahjong & Musings would be perfect for a girls’ trip!
Private martini service, anyone? Municipal Grand is a 44-room boutique hotel in Savannah’s North Historic District, situated within a restored 1961 mid-century bank building. The property marries Savannah’s architectural heritage with a more playful, cocktail-forward energy, which is anchored by Municipal Bar (the lobby bar), Sun Club (rooftop bar and lounge), and The Hot Eye (a moody, subterranean cocktail den). Moreover, the chic property recently introduced a new “For the Girls” package in partnership with Joyride Boat Club, which includes a Property Martini Service (martinis and fries served either in-room or at the bar), a two-hour private boat cruise through Savannah’s waterways, and a vintage car rental. Sign us up!
Established in 1919, Hotel El Roblar showcases a Californian take on Golden Age glamour, featuring Spanish Mission-inspired architecture. The property is located in the heart of Ojai, a quaint town known for its awe-inspiring natural beauty, farmers’ markets, wine and olive oil tastings, outdoor dining, and live music, making it an ideal destination for an analog, activity-driven escape. The 50-room hotel boasts two eateries, including the old-school Condor Bar, a well-manicured Spanish walled garden, and a ruffle, cabana-lined pool. Spend the day biking around the town of Ojai with your girlfriends on the property’s complimentary vintage bicycles.
The Shelborne Hotel first opened its doors in 1941 as a sumptuous Miami Beach retreat. Over the years, it hosted the likes of Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, and The Beatles. In 2024, the property underwent a $100 million renovation, which features modern sophistication and celebrates its storied history. The hotel is now home to 251 elegant guest rooms and suites, each inspired by Miami and its Art Deco heritage. The hotel’s pool, which boasts a landmark Art Deco diving platform and expansive Beach Club, featuring private cabanas and chaise lounges, is the spot for a leisurely girls’ getaway. Ahh, the life.
Unveiled in summer 2024 following the full reimagination of a classic mid-century motor lodge, The Beachside is a mid-century boutique destination. Situated minutes from Jetties Beach and an easy stroll to downtown, the hotel embodies a playful yet polished take on the great American summer, with a nostalgic spirit. The hotel’s interiors feature neutral hues, woven natural materials, scalloped details, and striped textiles with a layout centered around a heated outdoor pool and courtyard. You can spend the day biking around Nantucket on the hotel’s complimentary cruiser bikes, after which you can gather for cocktails and light bites at the guest-only Swim Club. Can it get any more fun?!
Private tarot card readings with your girls? Yes, please! Situated on the beach near the center of Montauk, Marram is a boutique retreat. The inviting hotel features 96 guest rooms, an open communal lounge, and a South American café, Mostrador, helmed by renowned chef Fernando Trocca. For the perfect vintage girls’ summer vacation, opt for the hotel’s creative workshops, such as painting or jewelry making, nature walks, and RetroSpec cruiser bikes. Additionally, you can also book experiences like private tarot card readings, guided nature walks, catamaran charters, and crystal workshops.
Marrying mid-century nostalgia with the spirit of Hawaii, Wayfinder Waikiki transports guests to a more relaxed, analog era of travel. Vintage-inspired design details, from striped poolside loungers to thoughtfully curated interiors, set a timeless, transportive tone. The hotel’s coffee bar, B-Side, adds to the ambiance with its off-the-beaten-path feel, vinyl-spinning soundtrack, and design reminiscent of classic album covers. Your crew can fully unplug with in-room record players after a day of surfing, or explore Waikiki in style with a spin in the hotel’s open-air Moke.
For a relaxed yet fun vintage girls’ weekend, make your way to Lafayette Hotel, a landmark of San Diego’s history situated in the city’s North Park neighborhood. The Lafayette Hotel is a two-and-a-half-acre Colonial-style hotel constructed in 1946 by entrepreneur Larry Imig as a sanctuary for Hollywood celebrities. The Lafayette Hotel’s most recent $31 million renovation includes eight new food and beverage outlets. Begin your day at the iconic Lafayette Pool, followed by brunch at Beginner’s Diner and bowling at the Gutter. End your night with cocktails at the Lobby Bar, dinner at Quixote, and a nightcap and jazz show at Lou Lou’s Jungle Room.
This Relais & Châteaux property offers a modern take on the “golden age” getaway. The historic, adults-only desert retreat mixes heritage, glamour, and analog ease in a setting where days are sun-soaked and time slows down in all the right ways. Originally founded in 1896, the 1,100-acre oasis channels a Riviera-like nostalgia through the lens of the American West, where palm-lined paths, mineral hot springs, and open-air dining invite guests to dress up and disconnect. The property’s new Top of the Lodge accommodation (3-bedroom, 4-bathroom suite) serves as an ideal home base for group getaways, accommodating up to eight guests with panoramic mountain views and a warm, communal layout. We also love their complimentary group activities that include paddleboard yoga, meditation, pickleball lessons and guided hiking excursions.
Faraway Nantucket blends historic island charm with a fresh, design-forward perspective. Centered around garden courtyards and lantern-lit lounges, the 58-room boutique hotel offers a walkable, social base for the harbor, shops, and beaches. To vacation like the Kennedys, Faraway Nantucket is once again bringing back the quintessential “East Coast” summer, with sailboats in the harbor, breezy bike rides through town, and evenings by the water. Aye Aye, Captain!
Originally unveiled in the roaring twenties as a trendy waterfront retreat developed by local banker Fred B. Dunn, this historic hotel quickly became a playground for Hollywood legends such as Elizabeth Taylor and Babe Ruth. Presently, the hotel has been reimagined to include elevated dining destinations, including Sky Room, Nettuno, HALO Rooftop, Alter Ego, and La Sala. Grab a drink or two at Alter Ego, the hotel’s speakeasy-style jazz lounge, which is reminiscent of the hotel’s 1920s roots. It is the perfect destination for a group looking to celebrate the history of California’s beautiful coast.
Paying homage to Savannah’s quiet charm, Hotel Bardo is a reimagined landmark steps from the verdant Forsyth Park. This Michelin Key property embodies understated glamor. Think chic poolside loungers, minimalist, well-appointed guest rooms and suites, and trendy eateries and bars. The property offers a Girlfriends Getaway package, which includes a fabulous Champagne welcome, dinner reservations at the charming eatery—Saint Bibiana, and relaxing massages with a two-night stay. Count us in!
Perched along the edge of Somes Sound, and the Acadia National Park, The Claremont Hotel offers a kind of summer vacation that feels both timeless and entirely your own. Originally built in 1883, this heritage property has that unmistakable, nostalgic pull. Housing guest rooms, cottages, cabins, and full vacation homes, the hotel is designed for a group vacation. Go on a boat tour aboard the Lady Clare, a beautifully restored, 47 foot, 1948 wooden boat or have a leisurely meal at Little Fern or Fish Camp. Moreover, you don’t want to miss their daily yoga sessions. Namaste!
A contemporary interpretation of a luxurious residential estate, this scenic property is home to a 10-acre setting in the center of Austin. This hotel and social club marries European elegance with Texas hospitality. Reimagined by well-known designer Ken Fulk, the property’s interiors are sumptuous, and feature aesthetically pleasing furnishings. Grab sharing plates and cocktails at Lutie's Garden Restaurant, which serves delectable seasonal dishes crafting using the freshest locally sourced ingredients. Yum!
Located on the picturesque Harbour Island, this hotel showcases the vibrancy of The Bahamas with its bright and bold interiors. The property’s guest rooms, cottages, and private residences are conceptualized for easy island living. Expect arresting decor pieces and a fun, tropical design style. Begin your day at the serene beach, spend the afternoon with margaritas at the Beach Bar or the oceanfront pool followed by a game of tennis, padel or pickleball. If you’re looking for more adventure, go on a fishing trip or a boat excursion.
If your girls’ trip Pinterest board includes tiled courtyards, late dinners, and a little bit of mystery, Esmé Hotel is your spot. Set along Española Way, the hotel feels like a hidden Mediterranean pocket in the middle of South Beach, all terracotta walls, carved wood doors, and glossy green zellige bathrooms that make getting ready feel like part of the night. Rooms lean cozy and romantic, with options to take over Casa Matanza if your group wants something a bit more private (and a little moodier). Rooftop pool afternoons that turn into Golden Hour at The Roof (spritzes, margaritas, small plates), wood-fired dinners at The Drexel, then Bamboo Room for tiki cocktails and vinyl sets. Add live music, Jazz Sundays, and a lineup of bars and restaurants built into the property, and you have a setup that covers the full night without overthinking it, with the beach and everything else just a short walk away.
Banana leaves pressed into the skyline, pink stucco and ornate supper clubs, a girls’ trip that feels lifted from another era of resort life, where afternoons revolve around the pool and evenings call for a reservation somewhere swanky and a round of espresso martinis. Send the text, pick the dates, and make it official before the group chat turns into “we should’ve.”
You're invited to Holiday: VR Summer Club
💋 Girls’ Trip Ideas: Browse our favorite girls’ getaway editorials, destination roundups, hotel guides, and trip-planning inspiration for every kind of escape. [Right this way →]
🌞 VR Summer Club Collection: Step into our sunniest collection of the season, filled with resort towns, celebratory stays, and summer plans with excellent taste. [Right this way →]
🌴 Search more venues for your next getaway: From poolside hotels to design-forward resorts and private estates, discover places made for gathering beautifully. [Right this way →]
🍹 More Summer on the Magazine: Read seasonal editorials, hosting guides, destination stories, and warm-weather roundups for every kind of summer agenda. [Right this way →]
🛎️ Room Service by Venue Report: Planning a pool-forward trip for a crew? We’ll match you with group-friendly stays that get the vibe right—plus we’ll block rooms, find deals, and help you host like a pro. Free of charge.https://www.venuereport.com/room-blocks/ [Right this way →]
