The Hotels.com Retro Beach Motelier will receive a $10,000 stipend (fulfilled as 10 x $1,000 Hotels.com gift cards) to spend the rest of summer traveling back in time to the best retro beach motels across the USA. The suggested itinerary includes cozy coastal gems dripping in nostalgia, like The Pearl Hotel in San Diego and Vagabond Hotel in Miami. And because no one can apply sunscreen solo, a guest of their choice will join them on this bicoastal beach hop.

Instead of spending vacation scrolling their smartphone and listening to podcasts by the pool, our Motelier will indulge in offline activities, like documenting the trip “for future generations.” And we’re not talking on the gram, but with a classic polaroid camera (instant film and camera provided). The IRL photo album of the trip may even appear on Hotels.com – because pics, or it didn’t happen.

The Hotels.com Retro Beach Motelier will also be armed with old-school seaside accessories to help them unplug and unwind, including high SPF zinc, striped umbrellas, vintage sunnies, a cooler for beachside beverages, and a solar-powered AM/FM radio. Plus, we’ll award them a $5,000 “salary” (a Visa gift card) to spend on beachside snacks their grandparents would approve of: frozen custard, salt water taffy and snow cones.

How to Apply
If you’re ready to hit the beach like it’s 1950 and enjoy kitschy poolside flair and analog experiences, go to www.hotels.com/beachmotel to apply to be our Retro Beach Motelier by August 5 at 11:59 p.m. CT. The most qualified Retro Beach Motelier will be selected and notified by August 12. Must be 21+ to apply, check out the full contest rules here.

Cambria Beach Lodge in Cambria, California.

Best Retro Beach Motels in America

Looking for some good old-fashioned beachside fun this summer? Hotels.com has selected the 10 best retro beach motels across America based on overall design, location, value and guest reviews. These properties feature incredible guest ratings (7.5 or higher), ocean views and plenty of vintage flair and décor.

• Waikiki Village Retro Hotel – Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
  • From $179/night
• Casa Morada – Islamorada, Florida
  • From $375/night
• Sound View Greenport – Greenport, New York (Long Island)
  • From $563/night
• Parker Beach Lodge – South Yarmouth, Massachusetts
  • From $195/night
• Vagabond Hotel – Miami, Florida
  • From $169/night
• Cambria Beach Lodge – Cambria, California
  • From $269/night
• The Montauk Beach House – Montauk, New York (Long Island)
  • From $512/night
• LOGE Westport – Westport, Washington
  • From $129/night
• The Pearl Hotel – San Diego, California
  • From $230/night
• Lincolnville Motel – Lincolnville, Maine
  • From $180/night

So that everyone can enjoy the retro vibe on their next beach trip, Hotels.com is currently offering Rewards members 30% off or more on select beachside stays and an extra reward stamp toward their next reward night through July 25. Book by 11:59 p.m. GMT 7/25/2022. Excludes taxes and fees. Stay between 7/19/2022– 9/30/2022. Limited availability.