Mid Mod Getaways
These 5 luxury and boutique hotels offer an MCM home away from home.
These five luxury and boutique hotels offer a Mid Century Modern home away from home, whether you’re looking for an urban adventure or a rustic retreat.
Craving a change of scenery?
Whether you file these away for future reference or you’re able to get out now, these five Mid Century Modern hotels from Chicago to Portland and beyond are worth the trip.
/ The Watergate / Washington DC
If the name and location has you thinking Richard Nixon, you’re right. It’s not just this hotel’s décor that has history. Designed by Italian architect Luigi Moretti, the hotel opened in 1967. Its modern style was a subject of controversy and consternation. Then on June 17, 1972, five men broke into the Democratic National Convention in the Watergate complex and hid out in Room 214 of the Watergate Hotel.
Decades later, the hotel nods to the history that is forever tied to its name. Room 214 is now named and preserved as The Scandal Room. But today the hotel also offers luxurious Mid Century Modern accommodations. Now the drama is all in the décor, smartly appointed and refreshed by designer Ron Arad. To learn more about the hotel’s history or to book a visit, see thewatergatehotel.com.
/ The Jupiter Hotel / Portland, Oregon
Located in Portland’s Central Eastside Entertainment District, The Jupiter Hotel is for urbanites who love MCM style. It’s pet friendly, so you can bring your furry friends along, and each room is equipped with chalkboard doors and chalk. Side rooms and an outdoor courtyard afford places outside your room to hang out and enjoy the MCM ambience. To book, visit jupiterhotel.com.
/ The Robey /
Chicago, Illinois
The Robey combines two historic buildings in Chicago. One is a 1929 Art Deco skyscraper designed by Perkins, Chatten & Hammond as an office building. The second is a 1905 Hollander Fireproof Warehouse. The skyscraper houses The Robey’s Tower Rooms, lobby and rooftop spaces. Belgian designers Nicolas Schuybroek Architects and Marc Merckx Interiors transformed the office building into a sophisticated MCM hotel. The former warehouse nods to its past by retaining industrial touches “with boutique finishes and customdesigned furniture brought to life by DELORDINAIRE architects.” It now houses The Robey’s Annex rooms. To book a stay, including for a day- use work space, visit therobey. com.
/ The Fredonia /
Nacogdoches, Texas
This hotel dates back to April 1955 in Nacogdoches, which purports to be Texas’ oldest town. Hotel Fredonia was originally a community- owned hotel, and a successful one at that. In 2016, new owners Barbara and Richard Dewitt oversaw a renovation that refreshed the hotel’s Mid Century Modern roots. The team comprised architect Army Curtis and interior design by Amy Still and owner Barbara Dewitt. Today the Fredonia Hotel is on the National Register of Historic Places and, along with its MCM design, offers amenities such as two outdoor pools— including one with an outdoor movie screen— a business center, and pet- friendly rooms. To learn more, visit thefredoniahotel. com.
/ Kate’s Lazy Meadow /
Catskill Mountains, New York If you’re craving a rustic retreat, Kate’s Lazy Meadow might be just the ticket. Inside the cabins, enjoy the playful 1950s design by owners Kate Pierson of the band B- 52s and Monica Coleman. Outside, enjoy the soothing sights and sounds of the Esopus River and the Catskill Mountains. They offer pet- friendly options as well. Book a minimum two- night stay at lazymeadow. com.