1920s-30s: Art Déco

Since the 1930s, the Carlyle has been a landmark of Manhattan's sophisticated Upper East Side, hosting royalty, heads of state, and Hollywood legends. John F. Kennedy, for instance, stayed at the Carlyle so many times that it was nicknamed New York's White House. In the mid-1990s, the hotel’s manager reportedly shared an elevator ride with Princess Diana, Michael Jackson, and Steve Jobs. This 35-story Art Deco hotel has been owned by the Hong Kong-based Rosewood Group since the early 2000s—and it's more stylish than ever. Over nine decades after its opening, the Carlyle has unveiled its highly anticipated three-year renovation, led by award-winning designer Tony Chi. The guest rooms are inspired by Manhattan's glamorous prewar era, featuring subtle Art Deco details—a nod to the hotel's original designer and the pioneer of modern baroque style, Dorothy Draper. Even the Bemelmans Bar, the city's most famous hotel bar, continues to serve up a splash of bygone glamour with every cocktail.

1940s: Classic Modernism

Julius Hirtzberger

For the American magazine "Esquire," it's already decided: Lafayette is the Hotel of the Year 2024—and "perhaps the best reason to visit San Diego." But let’s take it from the top: the hotel first opened its doors in July 1946, with comedian Bob Hope as its inaugural guest. The hotel pool was designed by Johnny Weissmuller, Olympic swimming champion and legendary Tarzan actor. In 1986, Tom Cruise sang the Righteous Brothers' "You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’" in the movie Top Gun—a scene filmed in the hotel’s bar. After that, the hotel fell into obscurity, with talk of demolition circulating in recent years. However, following a nine-month, $31 million renovation, Lafayette has regained its former glory. Its maximalist design, crafted by the Post Company, harkens back to the hotel’s heyday in the 1940s. And indeed, staying here feels less like being a hotel guest and more like stepping into the shoes of a film star—ready at any moment to serenade the crowd at the bar.

1950s: Mid-century design

Matt Kisiday

Hoxton Vienna has only been open for a few months, yet guests are instantly transported to another era—specifically, Vienna in the 1950s. The building was originally designed during this decade by architect Carl Appel as part of the city's post-war reconstruction and long served as the "Gewerbehaus" for the Chamber of Commerce. The transformation into a hotel stayed true to the style of the historic building, with its natural stone facade, while the interior draws on 1950s aesthetics, enhanced by elements of the Wiener Werkstätte. The sense of spaciousness and openness is amplified by the lighting along the grand staircase. Features include a club in the basement, an auditorium on the ground floor, and a rooftop bar with a restaurant that also boasts the city’s largest outdoor hotel pool. The operators clearly got a lot right, as the Hoxton has seamlessly integrated into the neighborhood, creating a new hotspot for both locals and visitors.

1960s: The Space Age

If you're a fan of 1960s design and lifestyle, there's no better destination than New York's JFK Airport—specifically, TWA Hotel. This Sixties dream in white and chili red was recently brought to life from the former TWA Terminal, an icon of modern architecture designed in 1962 by Eero Saarinen. TWA, the airline that marketed itself as the carrier for the rich and famous, aimed to set new standards, and its Trans World Flight Center became a symbol of Jet Age glamour (and, after its bankruptcy in 2001, a reminder of its decline). With a $265 million investment, the terminal has been reconstructed, restored, and renovated—you can even check in at the original counters, now as a hotel guest. The red-carpeted tubular walkway that once led to the gates now connects you to the rooftop infinity pool and the hotel rooms, which feature 1960s classics like Saarinen's iconic Womb Chair. And with soundproof, seven-layer-glass windows, your night will fly by in perfect silence. TWA Hotel is the only hotel at JFK Airport that's within walking distance or accessible via the AirTrain.

1970s: Individualist postmodernism

Steve Herud

The Max Brown hotel chain is celebrating its 10th anniversary, and it’s marking the milestone not with cake and gifts but in its own unique way: by opening a new property. Following locations in Amsterdam, Berlin, Düsseldorf, and Vienna, there’s now a Max Brown hotel in the fashion capital of Milan. The new property is dedicated entirely to the 1970s. To preserve the authentic vibe, interior designer Saar Zafrir reused much of the original furniture from the previous hotel. A prime example is the integration of the Togo sofa, an iconic 1973 creation by Michel Ducaroy, alongside a vintage billiard table. The bar, reception desk, gilded lamps in the lobby, as well as wooden chairs and nightstands, were carefully renovated or preserved, contributing to the hotel’s authentic atmosphere. The Max Brown Missori is far more than just a place to stay—it’s a journey back to the 1970s, evoking a deep sense of nostalgia.

1980s: Memphis Design

Mondrian Hotel on Sunset Boulevard has been around in one form or another since 1959, when the building first opened as an apartment complex before being converted into a hotel in 1985. From that point on, it became a magnet for stars like Keith Richards, the Beastie Boys, and Billy Idol, who practically lived at the hotel bar—a gathering place where music legends partied the nights away. Today, the hotel still exudes star power, even after multiple redesigns. The result is a creative fusion of 1980s style and Alice in Wonderland whimsy, featuring the building’s signature 30-foot mahogany doors, a mushroom-shaped reception desk, and chandeliers resembling rabbit ears. The hotel’s main attraction is the sun-drenched rooftop pool, complete with underwater music and breathtaking views of the city. By night, the rooftop transforms into the Skybar, an iconic L.A. hotspot for electrifying DJ sets and vibrant parties. Once a haven for 1980s rockstars, the Mondrian is now a modern classic retaining the spirit and energy of that legendary era.