The 1960s was a golden era for glamorous getaways where celebrities could bask in luxury and escape the public eye. From lavish hotels in Las Vegas to exotic beach resorts, these destinations were the playgrounds of the rich and famous. Each resort had its own unique charm, attracting stars with promises of privacy, opulence, and unforgettable experiences. Together, these iconic locations became synonymous with the glamour and decadence of the era, hosting legendary parties and famous guests. Discover the top 20 resorts that drew the biggest names of the ’60s to their doors.
1. Desert Inn
The Desert Inn in Las Vegas was more than just a hotel; it was a lavish escape for celebrities seeking a touch of desert glamour. Howard Hughes famously took over the resort in 1967, adding to its allure. Frank Sinatra celebrated numerous milestones here, often in the company of other top-tier stars.
Its sprawling grounds and elegant interiors provided a stunning backdrop for high-profile events. The Desert Inn was where stars came to unwind, indulge, and enjoy the quintessential Las Vegas experience.
2. Hotel del Charro
Tucked away in La Jolla, California, Hotel del Charro was a serene escape for celebrities in the ’60s. Frequented by icons like Richard Nixon, Elizabeth Taylor, and John Wayne, it offered a quiet refuge away from Hollywood’s hustle.
The hotel’s discreet charm and beautiful setting made it a favorite among stars seeking solace and luxury. Hotel del Charro was a place where deals were made, and friendships were forged, all under the sun-dappled California skies.
3. Round Hill Hotel & Villas
In Jamaica, the Round Hill Hotel & Villas stood out as a paradise for the rich and famous. This idyllic resort was favored by John F. Kennedy, Grace Kelly, and Cole Porter. Nestled on a peninsula, it offered seclusion and stunning ocean views.
The resort’s timeless elegance and laid-back luxury attracted creative minds and celebrities alike. It was more than a retreat; it was a place of inspiration and relaxation, where the glamour of the ’60s was alive and well.
4. Sunnylands Estate
Sunnylands Estate, known as the Annenberg retreat, was a luxurious hideaway in Rancho Mirage. Built in the mid-’60s, it became a favorite of stars and dignitaries, including Frank Sinatra and Bob Hope. The estate’s modern elegance and desert beauty offered a unique setting for high-profile gatherings.
It was a place where stars could relax and enjoy privacy away from the public eye. Sunnylands was more than a retreat; it was a cultural hub, hosting luminaries from entertainment and politics alike.
5. Sands Hotel & Casino
In the heart of Las Vegas, the Sands Hotel & Casino was the ultimate celebrity retreat in the ’60s. Known for its association with the Rat Pack – Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr.—this venue was the epitome of cool. It was a hotspot for glamorous parties and unforgettable performances. The allure of the Sands attracted a who’s who of Hollywood, including Elizabeth Taylor and Lauren Bacall.
With its opulent suites and legendary entertainment, the Sands became a symbol of Las Vegas’s glitzy appeal. Celebrities mingled with high rollers, creating a scene of dazzling excitement.
6. Arrowhead Springs Hotel
Nestled in California’s San Bernardino Mountains, Arrowhead Springs Hotel was a glamorous spa retreat. Known for its mineral hot springs, it attracted stars like Claudette Colbert and Constance Bennett. The hotel’s luxurious amenities and natural beauty made it a coveted destination.
Arrowhead Springs was not just about relaxation; it was a place for rejuvenation and escape. The serene setting and Hollywood connections made it a favorite for those seeking a touch of mountain magic.
7. Hotel Byblos
Hotel Byblos in St-Tropez was the epitome of ’60s glamour. Opened in 1967, it quickly became a celebrity magnet. Known for its legendary Caves du Roy club, it attracted stars like Brigitte Bardot, Mick Jagger, and Grace Kelly.
The hotel’s vibrant nightlife and luxurious accommodations made it a hot spot for the elite. Byblos was where the world’s most famous mingled, danced, and partied under the French Riviera’s shimmering lights.
8. The Breakers
The Breakers in Palm Beach was a timeless icon of luxury. Known for its opulence, it attracted celebrities and high society members. The resort’s grand architecture and stunning surroundings provided a perfect backdrop for glamor and style.
Throughout the 1960s, The Breakers was a place where society mingled and made memories. It was more than a destination; it was a statement, echoing the elegance of an era where sophistication reigned supreme.
9. The Flamingo & Riviera
In Las Vegas, The Flamingo and Riviera hotels were synonymous with entertainment legends. Icons like Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, and Dean Martin graced their stages. These hotels were at the heart of the city’s celebrity tradition.
Known for their electrifying performances and opulent settings, they attracted the crème de la crème of Hollywood. The Flamingo and Riviera exemplified the excitement and allure of Las Vegas, capturing the spirit of the ’60s in their vibrant atmospheres.
10. Cal-Neva Lodge & Casino
Owned by Frank Sinatra, Cal-Neva Lodge & Casino in Lake Tahoe was a celebrity magnet in the ’60s. Sinatra, along with Dean Martin, turned this resort into a haven for the elite. The lodge featured secret tunnels and a ‘celebrity room’ that added an air of intrigue.
It wasn’t just the stunning lake views that drew stars like Marilyn Monroe and Judy Garland. The promise of discretion and luxury made Cal-Neva the perfect hideaway for Hollywood’s finest.
11. Dunes Hotel
The Dunes Hotel in Las Vegas was a hotspot for stars like Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe. Known for hosting celebrity weddings, it was the site of Mary Tyler Moore and Jane Fonda’s iconic nuptials.
The Dunes offered an extravagant experience with its lavish decor and high-profile events. It was a place where celebrities gathered to celebrate, perform, and enjoy the vibrant nightlife of Las Vegas.
12. Fontainebleau
The Eden Roc and Fontainebleau hotels in Miami Beach were symbols of ’60s glamour. Known for their architecture and atmosphere, they drew Hollywood stars to sun-splashed terraces.
These hotels weren’t just about luxury; they were vibrant hubs of entertainment and style. Guests basked in the Miami sun, enjoying the lively poolside life and glamorous surroundings that defined the era.
13. Eden Roc
Eden Roc in Miami Beach was a legendary destination for stars seeking sun and style. Its distinctive architecture and lively atmosphere made it a favorite among Hollywood’s elite.
The hotel’s luxurious offerings and vibrant social scene provided the perfect getaway. Celebrities, drawn by the allure of Miami’s golden beaches, found a haven where relaxation and excitement went hand in hand.
14. Deauville
Deauville in Miami Beach was part of the glamorous quartet with Fontainebleau and Eden Roc. Known for its chic atmosphere, it was a hotspot for film stars and society elites.
The hotel’s modern elegance and vibrant energy attracted those seeking both relaxation and excitement. Deauville was not just a place to stay but a scene to be seen, capturing the essence of Miami’s thriving social landscape.
15. Carillon
Carillon in Miami Beach was another iconic destination of the 1960s. Known for its stylish ambiance, it attracted high society and celebrities alike.
The hotel’s serene beachfront and luxurious offerings made it a perfect retreat for those seeking glamour and relaxation. At Carillon, guests enjoyed a sophisticated escape where the allure of Miami’s beaches was ever-present.
16. Grossinger’s Hotel & Country Club
Grossinger’s Hotel & Country Club in the Catskills was a beloved ’60s destination. Known for hosting early performances by entertainers like Woody Allen, it was a favorite among entertainment crowds.
The resort’s vibrant atmosphere and scenic beauty made it a cherished getaway. Grossinger’s wasn’t just a vacation spot; it was a cultural icon where laughter and memories were made.
17. Concord Hotel
Concord Hotel in Kiamesha Lake was part of the Catskills’ vibrant scene. Attracting entertainers and vacationing stars, it offered a lively mix of relaxation and excitement.
The hotel’s rich entertainment offerings and stunning natural surroundings made it a magnet for those seeking both fun and tranquility. Concord was a place where memories were crafted amid laughter and song.
18. Utopia Lodge & Valeria Resort
Near New York City, Utopia Lodge & Valeria Resort offered upscale retreats for celebrities in the 1960s. Its tranquil setting and luxurious accommodations made it a favorite for weekend getaways.
These resorts provided a peaceful haven where stars could relax and recharge. Nestled in nature, they were places of quiet elegance and refined relaxation.
19. Bürgenstock Resort
Bürgenstock Resort in Switzerland was a glamorous alpine escape. Known for attracting filmmakers and elite European guests, it offered breathtaking views and luxurious facilities.
The resort’s serene beauty and sophisticated charm made it a preferred destination for those seeking both adventure and indulgence. At Bürgenstock, the world’s elite found a sanctuary amidst stunning alpine vistas.
20. Hayman Island Resort
Hayman Island Resort in Australia was an exclusive luxury retreat in the 1960s. Known for its stunning natural beauty, it attracted celebrities and high-profile travelers.
The island’s seclusion and exquisite charm made it a perfect escape for those seeking sun, sea, and privacy. Hayman Island was more than a destination; it was a dream, offering a taste of paradise to its distinguished guests.
