Remember a time when hotels were more than just a place to sleep? Back in those days, a stay at a hotel meant being greeted by quirky, memorable touches that made each visit feel like an adventure. So, let’s look at 20 forgotten hotel features that added warmth, character, and a dash of nostalgia to travel.
Key Drop Chutes
Back in the day, hotels didn’t have sleek key cards. Instead, they had these hefty metal keys that you’d drop into a chute by the elevator or front desk on your way out. There was just something so satisfying about hearing that key thud as it disappeared down the chute.
Vibrating Beds
Coin-operated vibrating beds promised a touch of “luxury” back in the 1950s and ’60s, offering a gentle massage to weary travelers. For a few cents, guests could activate the bed’s built-in motor for a buzzing relaxation session. It was quirky, a bit odd, and gave many travelers a novel experience.
Hallway Telephones
Before in-room phones became standard, hallway telephones were the main method of communication for hotel guests. Each floor typically had a communal phone where guests could place calls, which added a social aspect to the stay as they bumped into fellow travelers waiting their turn. Plus, these phones connect people in more ways than one.
In-House Shoe Shine Machines
Finding an in-house shoeshine station was a perk for many business travelers who needed polished shoes before important meetings. These self-serve machines, often tucked in hotel lobbies or hallways, ensured guests could shine up in seconds. It was a charming nod to a time when a polished look spoke volumes.
Radiator Heating Systems
Old-school radiator heating wasn’t just functional but lent a cozy, vintage charm to hotel rooms. The hum and hiss of steam radiators warming the room had a soothing, almost nostalgic quality, reminding guests of a time before silent climate control. While a bit noisy, these heaters were symbols of traditional hotel stays, especially during winter.
In-Room Record Players
Long before digital playlists and Bluetooth speakers, some hotels offered in-room record players with a curated selection of vinyl records. Guests could play everything and set the vibe in their room to match their mood. This feature brought a personal touch to music, letting travelers wind down to authentic sounds rather than piped-in audio.
Dumbwaiters for Room Service
In hotels where room service was truly a luxury, dumbwaiters served as a fun way to deliver meals directly to guest floors. These mini-elevators transported food from the kitchen to each level to ensure prompt and quiet service. Watching a meal arrive via a little lift rather than a person sure gave an old-world charm.
Rooftop Garden Restaurants
Rooftop gardens used to be an inviting feature, often featuring lush plants and winding paths. They were places where guests could unwind, away from the busy streets below. Some even hosted evening dances and made them enchanting spaces that turned ordinary stays into memorable getaways.
Coin-Operated TVs
It’s hard to believe TVs were once a pay-per-view affair. Guests would insert coins to power the TV for a limited time to add an interactive twist to entertainment. Though short-lived as a concept, it gave people a reminder that screen time was once a precious, carefully rationed luxury.
Shared Baths
Imagine guests enjoying the privacy of their rooms, only to bond over a hallway trek in pajamas, toothbrush in hand, praying they’d beat the morning rush to the tub. Hard to imagine now, but back then, these bathroom runs added a dose of spontaneity to budget travel and gave people a sense of community.
In-Room Iceboxes
Before mini-fridges took over, iceboxes were the trusty sidekicks for keeping snacks and drinks cool. Each day, a bellhop would drop off a fresh ice block to create a quirky little moment of connection with the hotel staff. It was a simple yet charming setup, a nostalgic nod to a time when cold storage felt like a true luxury.
Built-In Radios
Some mid-century hotel rooms were fitted with built-in radios, allowing guests to tune into local stations directly from their bedside tables. The radios often had preset channels, which offered a slice of local culture and news. This brought a warm, nostalgic feel to the rooms.
Cocktail Lounges with Live Pianists
These lounges with live piano music were the peak of hotel sophistication. In these dimly lit nooks, anyone could unwind with a drink while soaking up soft and soothing melodies that made time seem to pause. It was the perfect touch of class to turn each evening into a scene straight out of an old movie.
In-Room Coffee Percolators
Hotel rooms once featured percolators, allowing travelers to brew their own coffee and fill the air with the irresistible aroma of fresh brew. This slow process transformed a warm morning routine into a delightful ritual. Unlike today’s quick-brew machines, percolators took their sweet time to invite guests to each moment of anticipation.
Concierge Postcard Service
Sending postcards was a travel ritual, and many hotels offered concierge postcard services where staff would mail cards on behalf of guests. It was a small but thoughtful feature which can never be replaced by an email. The service lent a personal touch that let guests share their journey with a handwritten note.
Door Knocker Signs for Service
Door knocker signs like “Do Not Disturb” or “Makeup Room” were more than simple requests; they were charming, quirky details of hotel stays. The physical signs, often hand-carved or unique to the hotel, added a touch of personality, and many guests felt a particular satisfaction in flipping them to signal their needs.
Valet Clothes Pressing
In-house valet services that pressed clothes for guests made many feel like royalty. This amenity was perfect for business travelers, so they looked sharp for meetings. Notably, the service, which has faded in favor of DIY irons, added elegance to the guest experience.
Telegram Services
Imagine checking into a hotel and discovering you can send a telegram—yes, a telegram! It’s like texting but with pen and paper and a bellhop delivering it with flair. Sure, it takes longer than a text, but there’s something nostalgic about sending a message with real weight. That’s what hotels in the past had—a telegram service.
House-Made Chocolate on Pillows
Hotels once placed house-made chocolates on pillows during evening turndowns, a small but indulgent touch. This tradition was a way of pampering guests and reminding them that relaxation was a top priority. The thoughtful gesture wrapped up each day with a bit of sweetness.
Elevator Operators
In the era of manual elevators, hotel guests enjoyed the charming presence of elevator operators—friendly faces who whisked them up to their floors. Not only did these operators push buttons, but they also shared local tips and exchanged pleasantries for a delightful experience.
