
Vibrant Googie motels dotting the highways. The glamour of in-room televisions. Hotel lobbies packed to the brim with services. The era where telegram rooms needed to exist are now long past, but the times had their charm. Lobbies buzzed with full-service offerings like shoe-shine stands and barber shops, and hotels were more than just places to sleep.
For musicians and performers who frequently lived on the road, these forgotten features made grueling tours bearable. The rise of in-room entertainment, including radios and televisions, and iconic design trends like Googie architecture, were signs of the time – rapidly changing times, at that. Today, many of these 11 features and fixtures are largely forgotten (or completely mundane – like in-room TVs.)
11. The Venetian Room Era

From the 1940s to the 1970s, hotel nightclubs offered guests a uniquely intimate entertainment experience. Among the most iconic venues of this era was the Venetian Room at the Fairmont San Francisco. This venue became synonymous with luxury, featuring richly adorned interiors with plush red décor, elegant table settings, and a house orchestra that set a sophisticated tone. Guests dined on gourmet meals while sipping cocktails, all within arm’s reach of legendary performers.
The Venetian Room regularly hosted icons like Ella Fitzgerald, Tony Bennett, and Frank Sinatra, creating an atmosphere where world-class entertainment met exclusivity. The intimate setting allowed guests to experience live performances in a way modern concert venues rarely replicate. This era highlighted the integration of luxury hospitality and live entertainment, cementing the Venetian Room’s legacy in hotel and music history.
10. The Smoking Room Disappeared

Smoking rooms were once a standard offering in hotels, complete with glass ashtrays and complimentary matchbooks. These spaces catered to a culture where smoking was a social norm and an integral part of the travel experience. Guests could smoke freely in designated areas without inconvenience, creating a relaxed atmosphere.
As health awareness increased, smoking rooms gradually disappeared, and most hotels adopted smoke-free policies. While this shift has created healthier environments, the memory of smoking rooms remains a cultural artifact, recalling an era when hotels accommodated virtually every guest preference.
9. The Long Forgotten Guest Log

Before the advent of computerized check-ins, hotels maintained handwritten guest logs as a central record of arrivals. Guests signed their names in ornate ledgers, often prominently displayed in the lobby, creating a sense of ceremony upon check-in. This practice offered a personal touch, as staff and other guests could glimpse the diverse travelers staying at the property.
Over time, concerns about privacy and efficiency led to the transition to digital systems, relegating handwritten logs to history. For those who experienced them, these ledgers symbolized a bygone era of travel, where guest interactions felt more personal and less transactional.
8. Old Phone Systems, Like PBX

Before cell phones became ubiquitous, hotels relied on PBX (Private Branch Exchange) phone systems to manage guest communications. These systems allowed guests to make room-to-room calls or request external connections through an operator at the front desk. Though functional, the setup often limited privacy, as calls were routed and monitored centrally.
The advent of personal mobile phones and internet-based communication rendered PBX systems largely obsolete. This transition marked a significant evolution in how guests stay connected, making the days of relying on the front desk operator a nostalgic part of hospitality history.
7. Metal Room Keys

Before plastic key cards became standard, hotels issued metal room keys attached to colorful, oversized plastic tags. These tags often displayed the hotel’s name, address, and room number, combining practicality with a touch of branding. Guests routinely returned their keys to the front desk when leaving for the day, reinforcing a personal connection with hotel staff.
The system also provided a unique convenience: if guests accidentally took their key home, they could simply drop it in any mailbox, and it would be returned to the hotel. This small but thoughtful detail exemplified the personalized hospitality of the time. Though replaced by digital solutions, the tactile charm and practicality of metal room keys remain fondly remembered.
6. The Telegram Room

In the 1950s and 1960s, hotels served as vital communication hubs by establishing dedicated telegram rooms. These rooms catered to the needs of business travelers and tourists by providing a fast, reliable way to send and receive urgent messages. Staffed by skilled operators, these spaces featured equipment to type and transmit telegrams swiftly, ensuring efficient communication.
Telegram rooms exemplified the importance of service and convenience in mid-century hospitality. Business professionals relied on these facilities to maintain connections, while leisure travelers appreciated the sense of security in being reachable. As technology evolved, telegram rooms faded into history, but they remain a testament to the resourcefulness and adaptability of the hotel industry in meeting guest needs.
5. Wacky, Colorful Comforters

In the mid-20th century, hotel rooms featured brightly colored comforters with bold floral or geometric patterns. These vibrant designs lent a cheerful and inviting ambiance to guest rooms, contrasting with the neutral tones and minimalist aesthetics that dominate modern hotels. The tightly tucked beds were not just functional but also reflected an attention to detail that made guests feel cared for.
While contemporary bedding prioritizes simplicity and luxury materials, some travelers fondly recall the charm of these colorful spreads. They evoke a sense of nostalgia for a time when hotel décor embraced personality and individuality rather than uniformity.
4. Dense Lobbies Full of Services

Hotel lobbies of the past served as bustling hubs of activity, and were full-service sections of the hotel. Barber shops, shoe-shine stands, and full-service concierge desks created an atmosphere of convenience and luxury. Guests could handle personal errands, relax, or socialize without leaving the premises, enhancing the overall hospitality experience.
Although modern hotels have shifted toward streamlined services and wellness-focused amenities like spas and gyms, the vibrant lobbies of yesteryear remain a cherished memory. They reflect a time when hotels prioritized personalized service and community over efficiency.
3. The Radio Station Hotels

During the mid-20th century, some hotels expanded their offerings by integrating full radio stations into their operations. One prominent example was the Hotel Harrington in Washington, D.C., which hosted WGMS, a station renowned for its classical music programming. This unique addition transformed the hotel into a hub of cultural engagement, broadcasting concerts and music programs that elevated its atmosphere. Guests enjoyed an exclusive connection to the world of radio, with live music often drifting through the hotel’s halls.
This innovative feature blurred the lines between media and hospitality, creating a dynamic experience for travelers and locals alike. Hotel guests could encounter radio personalities on-site, adding an unexpected layer of excitement to their stay. The integration of WGMS not only reflected the creativity of the time but also positioned hotels as active cultural contributors, not just passive accommodations.
2. Ever-Present Googie Styling

During the 1950s and 1960s, Googie architecture became a defining feature of American motels. This futuristic design style utilized bold angles, exaggerated shapes, and vibrant neon signage to attract attention from highway travelers. Inspired by the Space Age and a burgeoning car culture, these structures epitomized the optimism and adventure of the postwar era. Motels designed in the Googie style invited families to explore the open road, blending modernity with whimsy.
Googie motels often featured atomic-themed motifs, sweeping rooflines, and starburst patterns, making them iconic symbols of American road trips. While many of these motels have been replaced or remodeled, their design aesthetic remains immortalized in vintage postcards, photos, and surviving examples. They continue to inspire retro design enthusiasts and serve as a visual reminder of mid-century American innovation and exploration.
1. In-Room TVs: Once Luxurious, Now Expected

In the 1960s and 1970s, having a television in a hotel room represented the height of luxury. These analog TVs, equipped with rabbit-ear antennas and basic channel dials, provided an exciting entertainment option for travelers. For many guests, especially those without televisions at home, flipping through channels during a stay added an extra layer of comfort and indulgence to their trip.
Some early in-room TVs featured additional functions, such as built-in radios, offering a multipurpose entertainment hub. This innovation marked a significant milestone in hospitality, bridging the gap between home conveniences and travel experiences. While today’s flat-screen smart TVs are standard, the nostalgia for these early sets reminds travelers of an era when even simple amenities felt groundbreaking.