Kitsch is back. If you thought the era of the red velvet, heart shaped bed hotel died with the 1970s, you haven't been paying attention to how people travel lately. There’s this weird, wonderful resurgence of "retro-romance" that’s moving away from the sterile, gray-toned minimalism of modern Marriotts and toward something that actually feels like a core memory.
Let’s be real. It’s a bit ridiculous. You walk into a room and there it is—a massive, plush, crimson heart staring you in the face. It’s loud. It’s unapologetic. And honestly, it’s exactly what a lot of couples are looking for when they want to escape the grind of their 9-to-5 existence. This isn't just about a place to sleep; it’s about a vibe that feels like a time capsule.
Historically, this whole trend can be traced back to Morris Wilkins. Back in 1958, he co-founded Cove Haven Resort in the Poconos. He was the guy who literally invented the heart-shaped tub and the heart-shaped bed. He didn't do it because he was an architect; he did it because he was a marketer who realized that people wanted a physical manifestation of "romance." Since then, the concept has morphed from a niche honeymoon gimmick into a cult-classic travel category.
The Cultural Shift Toward The Heart Shaped Bed Hotel
Social media changed everything for these properties. Five years ago, travelers were obsessed with "clean" aesthetics—white linens, marble bathrooms, and succulents. Now? Everyone wants character. They want "ugly-cool." When you post a photo of a heart shaped bed hotel on your feed, it stops the scroll. It’s high-contrast, high-energy, and frankly, it’s fun.
The Poconos still remains the spiritual home of this movement. Resorts like Cove Haven, Paradise Stream, and Pocono Palace are the "Land of Love" originals. They’ve leaned hard into the nostalgia. You aren't just getting the bed; you're getting the 7-foot tall champagne glass whirlpool bath. It sounds like something out of a parody movie, but there is a genuine, unironic joy in these spaces. They represent a time when "luxury" meant being bold, not being subtle.
It’s not just the US, though. Japan has been doing this for decades in their "Love Hotels." In districts like Shinjuku's Kabukicho, you can find rooms that are basically adult playgrounds. The variety is staggering. You might find a room that looks like a spaceship, but tucked in the corner is that classic crimson heart. It’s a different cultural context, focusing more on privacy and short-term escapes, but the iconography is identical.
Why We Are Obsessed With Kitsch
Why does this work? Psychologically, these rooms break the "third wall" of travel. Most hotels try to make you feel like you’re at home, just slightly wealthier. A heart shaped bed hotel does the opposite. It reminds you that you are not at home. It’s a stage set.
Modern travel has become so homogenized. You can wake up in a hotel room in Berlin and it looks exactly like one in Boston. That’s boring. The heart-shaped bed is a middle finger to boredom. It’s a reminder that romance can be silly and performative.
Wait, is it actually comfortable? That’s the question everyone asks. Honestly, it depends on the property. At the high-end legacy resorts, they’ve updated the mattresses. You’re getting high-density foam or hybrid coils cut into that specific shape. However, in some of the older, "vintage" motels you find along Route 66, you might be sacrificing lumbar support for the sake of the aesthetic. It’s a trade-off. You’re buying the experience, not necessarily an orthopedic sleep session.
More Than Just the Poconos
While Pennsylvania owns the trademark on the vibe, you can find these gems scattered in unexpected places.
- The Adventure Suites in North Conway, New Hampshire. They have a room called the "Victorian Spa" that features a heart-shaped tub and a level of detail that is genuinely impressive.
- The Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo, California. While they are famous for their rock shower and pink everything, their approach to romantic furniture is legendary. It’s maximalism at its peak.
- Belton Oceanview Hotel in the UK. Even across the pond, the "honeymoon suite" with the iconic bed remains a staple for people doing the seaside getaway thing.
The reality is that these hotels are becoming "destination stays." People aren't just staying there because they need a bed near the airport. They are traveling hundreds of miles specifically for the room. That’s a powerful shift in the hospitality industry. It’s the "Instagrammability" factor, sure, but it’s also a desire for tactile, physical novelty in a world that’s increasingly digital and flat.
Practical Realities of Booking
If you’re actually going to do this, don't just book the first thing you see on a discount travel site. These hotels are often older. That’s part of the charm, but it can also be a drawback if the management hasn't kept up with maintenance.
Check recent guest photos—not the professional ones from 1994 that are still on the website. You want to see the current state of the velvet. Is it worn out? Is the "Champagne Tower" tub actually functioning? Real-time reviews on platforms like TripAdvisor or specialized romantic travel forums are your best friend here.
Also, consider the "theme." Not all heart shaped bed hotels are red. Some are pink, some are leopard print, and some are surprisingly classy with white leather and gold accents. Know what kind of "vibe" you’re signing up for.
What People Get Wrong About These Resorts
A big misconception is that these places are only for newlyweds in their 20s. Actually, if you spend a weekend at a place like Cove Haven, you’ll see a massive range of ages. You have couples celebrating their 50th anniversary who stayed there in 1975 and want to relive it. You have Gen Z couples who think the whole thing is "ironically cool" but then realize they actually love it.
Another myth: It’s all "seedy." While there are certainly some run-down motels that give off a "shady" vibe, the major players in this space are massive, well-oiled machines. They have spas, golf courses, nightly entertainment, and high-end dining. It’s a full-resort experience wrapped in a neon-red heart.
Maintenance and the Future of the Shape
You’d think it’s easy to maintain a heart-shaped bed. It’s not. Finding custom linens is a nightmare. Most of these hotels have to special-order their sheets and bedspreads from specific manufacturers because you can’t exactly go to Target and buy "King Size Heart" fitted sheets.
This scarcity is part of why the trend almost died out. It was too expensive to maintain the custom furniture. But as "boutique" stays become the gold standard, hotel owners are realizing that the extra cost of custom linens is worth it for the premium they can charge for the room. A standard room might go for $150, but put a heart-shaped bed and a fireplace in there? Suddenly it’s a $450-a-night "Experience Suite."
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How to Find the "Real" Experience
- Look for "Original" Resorts: If the hotel was built in the 60s or 70s and has been continuously renovated, that’s the sweet spot. You get the authentic architecture with modern plumbing.
- Check the Tub Specs: In the world of heart-shaped beds, the tub is usually the co-star. If it doesn't have a whirlpool or some kind of lighting feature, you're only getting half the experience.
- Read the Fine Print on "Adults Only": Many of the most famous heart-shaped bed destinations are strictly 21+. This changes the entire atmosphere of the resort. It’s quieter, more focused on couples, and generally more curated.
There is something deeply human about the desire to stay in a room that is so blatantly designed for affection. It’s kitschy, yes. It’s over-the-top. But in a world that often feels cold and overly corporate, a bright red heart-shaped bed is a localized rebellion. It’s an invitation to stop taking yourself so seriously and just enjoy the absurdity of a romantic getaway.
Whether you're heading to the mountains of Pennsylvania or a neon-lit street in Tokyo, the heart shaped bed hotel remains the ultimate symbol of a specific kind of travel: one that prizes feeling over fashion. It’s not for everyone, but for those who get it, nothing else compares.
Actionable Next Steps for the Romantic Traveler
- Verify the Mattress Age: Before booking, call the front desk and ask when the themed suites were last renovated. A "vintage" bed shouldn't mean a "sagging" bed.
- Book Mid-Week: These niche resorts often have massive price drops (up to 40% off) between Tuesday and Thursday compared to Valentine's Day or holiday weekends.
- Check for Package Deals: Most legacy resorts like the Pocono properties include breakfast and dinner in the rate, which significantly changes your budget calculation.
- Pack for the Aesthetic: If you're going for the photos, remember that the lighting in these rooms is often "moody" (lots of reds and purples). Brighter clothing colors tend to pop better against the dark velvet backgrounds.