Turn Back Time With a Stay at a Charming Retro Motel in Maine

Many people yearn to escape the constant rush of everyday life, where everything seems to move in fast-forward. If you’re interested in a getaway where time slows down and nostalgia greets you around every corner, consider staying at The Nevada Hotel in York, Maine. It’s located right across the street from Long Sands Beach on the southern coast of the state.

Unlike the typical inns you’ll find dotting New England, The Nevada is a restored 1950s motel turned into a boutique hotel. In fact, it was one of the initial beachfront motor motels in the entire state, according to the property’s website. 

The curvy building was originally built in 1951 by a World War II veteran who wanted it to resemble the USS Nevada battleship, writes England-based author Ellie Seymour in her book Vintage Motels: America’s Most Iconic Motels, Beautiful Restored, which features 40 mid-century American motels that have been restored into boutique hotels. 

The Nevada Hotel was a popular lodging option for surfers and families back in the day, writes Seymour, but its condition deteriorated over the years. Eventually, it was set to be demolished and replaced with apartments. Not wanting that to happen, local residents Joe Lipton and Michelle Fria acquired the property and fully restored it in 2024. 

Here’s an excerpt about the restoration from Seymour’s book Vintage Motels: America’s Most Iconic Motels, Beautiful Restored, used with permission: “The renovation project was epic and involved future-proofing the structure by lifting it up and out of the flood zone, adding a third storey, while carefully preserving the original 1950s aesthetic, the classic U-shape design and familiar teal and white exterior that gives the Nevada its character.”

Inside the renovated hotel, you’ll find 21 rooms, each with a king bed and a modern bathroom. You’ll also get sweeping views of Long Sands Beach, which you can admire from your dedicated deck. Guests can choose from three different types of rooms: premium glass corner rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, ocean-facing rooms, or garden-facing rooms. 

Amenities at The Nevada Hotel include elevator access, a mini-fridge, water bottle refill stations, a co-working space, and pour-over coffee and tea. Guests can also rent beach umbrellas, chairs, surfboards, boogie boards, wetsuits, and stand-up paddle boards.  

As a bonus, you’ll find plenty of local art sprinkled throughout the property. The owners of the hotel also donate proceeds to Giving Green, an organization focused on climate change.

If you’re in the mood for dining, head to the modern tiki bar and pan-tropical restaurant, Lulu’s (named after the owners’ daughter). The menu has a wide range of tasty options, ranging from al pastor tacos and lobster sliders to soba noodle bowls and fried rice bowls. The drink menu also spans the gamut with its various cocktails, and you can also choose beer or wine. 

Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, soak in some nostalgia, or enjoy a slower pace of life along the beach, The Nevada Hotel is a top place to stay in Maine. It perfectly blends retro charm with modern comforts to give guests an unforgettable getaway. Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.