6 Unique Boutique Hotels in Europe with 70s-Inspired Design
If you love the charm of nostalgia, the vintage vibes of the 70s, or just want to immerse yourself in a different era, then these retro hotels across Europe are calling your name. I’m a big fan of places that transport you to another time, and these unique stays are perfect for anyone who wants to sleep, eat, and relax in style that takes you back. From quirky decor to classic designs, here are six vintage-inspired hotels in Europe that let you experience the 70s in a way that feels surprisingly fresh.
1. Hotel de la Ville, Rome
Tucked away in the heart of Rome, Hotel de la Ville oozes 70s glamour with its luxurious yet cozy vibe. It’s been recently refurbished but retains that classic vintage charm with plush velvet sofas, rich colors, and bold, retro patterns. Why we love it? You’re staying in one of the city’s most iconic spots with a rooftop that has one of the best views of the Spanish Steps. It’s perfect for enjoying a cocktail while soaking in the old-school Rome charm.
2. The Dean Dublin
For something that feels effortlessly cool but also nostalgic, The Dean in Dublin blends a bit of mid-century modern and 70s flair. The rooms are a playful mix of bold colors, vintage furniture, and contemporary art, but it’s the retro-styled lounge that’s the real star. The vibe here is a cool, laid-back atmosphere that mixes old-school charm with a youthful twist. Plus, you can’t beat the vibe of their rooftop bar, perfect for catching the sunset in true retro style.
3. Hotel Majestic, Barcelona
Hotel Majestic is one of those places where you walk in and immediately feel like you’re stepping into a 70s movie set—classic, elegant, and timeless. Located on the famous Passeig de Gràcia, it’s a high-end option for anyone who wants vintage luxe with a touch of modern. The stunning mosaic floors and art deco details throughout the hotel will make you feel like you’ve walked back into Barcelona’s golden age. And the rooftop pool? Perfect for sipping a cocktail and feeling like you’re on top of the world.
4. Mama Shelter, Lisbon
Tucked into a colorful corner of Lisbon, just a few streets up from the electric trams and tiled façades of Intendente, Mama Shelter Lisbon is the kind of place that doesn’t take itself too seriously—and that’s exactly the charm. It’s got that soft 70s vibe running through every detail: warm colors, velvet textures, a little funk, a little fun. Think retro light fixtures, bold wallpaper, and rooftop sunsets that make you forget to check your phone.
The rooms feel like staying in someone’s creative loft—mismatched, cool, a little weird (in the best way). You’ll find local touches mixed with Mama’s signature pop-art playfulness, and if you’re anything like us, you’ll spend way too much time picking your favorite chair in the lobby or spotting little design details that make you smile.
You’ll wake up to Lisbon’s soft light pouring in, wander down for a coffee and maybe a pastel de nata, and ease into the day with no real rush. The rooftop is perfect in spring and early summer—laid-back tunes, a view over terracotta rooftops, and a breeze that makes you want to stay out way past sunset.
It’s not polished, it’s not luxury—and that’s kind of the point. It’s just good energy, in a good part of town, with all the cozy corners you need to slow down and feel inspired again.
5. The Zetter Townhouse, London
Step into The Zetter Townhouse, where 70s elegance meets quirky charm in one of London’s coolest neighborhoods, Clerkenwell. The rooms are like a time capsule, filled with antique furniture, velvet curtains, and retro wallpaper. The atmosphere is perfect for those who love the eccentricities of vintage style but with a little modern flair. The bar downstairs is a must-visit, with a cozy vibe that feels like stepping into a hidden 70s lounge.
6. Vander Urbani Resort, Ljubljana
Hidden along the Ljubljanica River in the heart of the city’s car-free old town, this boutique hotel blends retro flair with modern architecture—and it just works. It’s a stay for those who love vintage details, local design, and a room that feels like part gallery, part home. Think raw concrete walls, antique mirrors, bold color pops, and rooftop views over medieval rooftops.
You’ll wake up to birdsong echoing off pastel buildings, sip espresso at a riverside café by 9am, and be wandering art galleries by 10. There’s no rush here. Ljubljana is one of Europe’s most underrated cities for slow travel, and spring/summer is its best-kept secret.
🎨 Things to explore nearby:
Browse Metelkova Art Center, a creative squatter community turned cultural hub with live music, exhibitions, and endless graffiti.
Spend an afternoon floating down the river or sketching scenes from Ljubljana Castle with a picnic.
Visit Špica Park or the Botanical Garden with a book and no real plan.
Which of these vintage hotels will you visit this summer?
Mama shelter in Lisbon