Enjoy Retro Style at the Little Mod Hotel

Surround yourself in your favorite décor in fun, retro-styled rooms at this rescued property.

What was once old can be new again. This is especially true of a 1960s-themed hotel in Charlottesville, Virginia, aptly named the Little Mod Hotel. Guests staying here can bask in the hotel’s mid mod aesthetic, complete with retro-style mini fridges, record players (boasting vinyl records, of course) and plenty of nostalgic style that make this hotel a truly distinctive Mid Century Modern gem. But while it feels timeless now, the Little Mod wasn’t always so charming.

Vintage Vibes

First a hotel, the location was converted into apartments in 1964, only to become a beautiful hotel once again when owner Bill Chapman decided to save it. “The hotel owner used to jog by the building all the time and thought it would be great to restore the hotel back to its glory days,” says Jim Shideler, general manager of the Little Mod Hotel and the Oakhurst Inn.

Photo by Anna Kariel Photography The hotel exterior got a fresh crisp white coat of paint to perk up the building after languishing for so long as a derelict apartment complex for so many years. The food truck, the Mod Pod, is just steps away from the hotel entrance.

With its vibrant vintage designs and atomic-era hues, Chapman wanted to create a one-of-a-kind hotel experience for guests. Every detail of Little Mod was fine tuned. “What people rave about the most is our retro style,” Shideler says. From the colorful bathroom tile by Modwalls to the multicolored umbrellas on hand in each one of the hotel’s 15 rooms, all the hotel’s designs were carefully considered. Guests wanting to enjoy the mid mod atmosphere longer can opt for an extended stay in one of the five studio apartments on site. These feature a sitting area and sofa and kitchenette.

For even more 1960s vibes, there’s an attached food truck. It’s a refurbished airstream that Chapman dubbed the Mod Pod, and it serves tasty breakfast treats and lunchtime street tacos.

Blast From the Past

Yet, Little Mod is more than a return to vintage MCM style; it’s also a return to a Mid Century Modern mindset about travel. In the 1960s, both roadside hotels and motels were richly individualized, no two were alike, and people loved staying in these iconic architectural feats enhanced by their attention-grabbing neon signs. This was a time before hotel chains dominated the American landscape and everything was much less commercialized.

mint vinyl record player in seating area of Little Mod Hotel — Like all the hotel rooms, the lobby is equipped with a retro-styled record player and many vinyl records to choose from.

guest bedroom at the Little Mod Hotel with MCM style furniture — Little Mod’s hotel rooms combine vibrant colors with a retro feel that still recognizes the importance of modern technology. Flat-screen TVs and the option of a keyless entry Are such contemporary tech the hotel includes for its guests.

Jump to today, when many people are starting to prefer themed or boutique hotels again. “Travelers these days are looking for a unique experience when it comes to hotels as opposed to the typical chain with hundreds of rooms,” Shideler says. At the Little Mod, guests are sure to have a wonderful time. Even Fido is welcome. “We supply dog beds, dishes and treats,” Shideler says. “We cater to creating an interesting experience for all our visitors.”

guest bathroom at the Little Mod Hotel with colorful mosaic tile — The bold colors in The mosaic tile from modwalls is a standout feature. it reaches all the way to the ceiling to maximize the pops of atomic-era color schemes.

tacos from the Mod Pod at the Little Mod Hotel — Steps away from the hotel is the locally beloved food truck, the Mod Pod, made from a refurbished airstream. Breakfast and lunch, comprised of handhelds like unique street tacos, smoothies and sandwiches, are served daily.

Things to Do in Charlottesville

Here are some must-see spots Jim Shideler recommends around town.

Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello. “Charlottesville is known for its historical architecture,” Shideler says. And there might be no better place to see it than Monticello. Known for its unique architecture and botanical gardens, Monticello is the historical home of Thomas Jefferson. Private and public guided tours are available.
University of Virginia. Little Mod actually sits on “The Corner,” a collection of shops and restaurants that into the historic campus of the University of Virginia. “This is another great site to see the area’s architecture,” he says.
Fralin Museum of Art. For those wanting to see art and architecture on the more contemporary side, stop by this museum located steps from the hotel on the university’s campus. Rotating art exhibits showcase diverse artists and cultures.

For more on Little Mod Hotel, visit littlemodhotel.com. Looking for more MCM accommodations for your next road trip or vacation? Read on for Mid Century Modern Hotels from Chicago, Portland and More, This Atomic Era AirBnb Recreates a Cult-Classic Film and MCM Coastal Rentals for an Unforgettable Vacation.

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