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The Dive Motel Brings Legit 70s-Era Swagger to Nashville

By Mike Richard Apr 21, 2021 2:54 AM

As the saying (sort of) goes, “Everything old is cool again.” With the passing of enough time, things once considered old and decrepit are reborn as “vintage chic.” It’s true in every aspect of design, from fashion to cars to travel. The 1970s are having a moment at the moment, and it seems we’re all once again fascinated by disco-era flash. Now, a newly opened retro-chic Nashville motor inn is diving feet-first back into the nostalgic novelty of the decade.

In the same way that Mad Men recaptured the ’60s and Bad Times at the El Royale inspired us to revisit Route-66-flavored road-tripping (minus the non-stop bloodshed), The Dive Motel is a pitch-perfect study in ’70s kitsch. The lobby lounge is awash in leather booths, disco balls, a glitter-speckled bar, and checkered tile flooring — all surrounded by floor-to-ceiling wood paneling. It’s part disco club and part old-school bowling alley chic with a liberal dose of seedy gentleman’s club sex appeal.

Each of the 23 rooms features a unique, retro decor with period design staples like shag carpeting, mustard yellow recliners, brass accents, and garish, floor-to-ceiling nature murals. Room categories run the gamut from basic Cabins to chic Pool and Penthouse Suites. The rustic cabins feature a muted, pared-down aesthetic designed to cater to the urban cowboy while the Suites are bright, bold, and unabashedly gaudy. The flagship Honeymoon Suite, for example, boasts an in-your-face condiment-inspired color scheme, shag carpeting, side-by-side, six-foot soaking tubs, a sunken platform bed, and twin disco balls.

Despite the “motel” moniker, in-room amenities are surprisingly modern and upscale. Guests can expect minibars curated by Rainbow Caviar, EO bath products, and Wright brand mattresses and bedding. Every room is equipped with a “Party Switch” that cues up a disco ball to the sounds of the motel’s Dive Radio with four unique channels: Sex, Drugs, Rock & Roll, and Sleep. Overnight guests also have year-round access to the on-site Swim Club with a heated pool, hot tub, and swanky sun deck.

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Nightly rates start at $160 for entry-level Cabins, while the Honeymoon Suite runs almost twice as much. Guests looking to see what the fuss is about without an overnight stay can opt for a classic cocktail at the Dive Bar lounge or purchase a day pass to the swim club. Either way, if you’ve been eager to dust off those six-inch platform shoes with the goldfish in the heels, the time is now.

Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He’s kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South… Read Full Bio

Copenhagen: Five days in Scandinavia’s most livable city

City, Architecture, Building

Some trips spend years on your wish list before they finally happen. Copenhagen was one of those destinations for us. We had talked about visiting Denmark for years, drawn by its reputation for clean design, remarkable quality of life, and a city where bicycles outnumber automobiles. When we finally spent five summer days there in 2026, we discovered something even better. Copenhagen isn’t just attractive—it is remarkably easy to enjoy. Everything works. Public transportation is outstanding, the harbor is alive with boats, the food is excellent, and almost every neighborhood feels welcoming, safe, and effortlessly stylish. And, in the summer, everyone is living outside and basking in the sun. This was reinforced for us when my wife chatted with an American woman who had spent the last four summers in the city with her family. She felt that it was both an exciting change from suburban America but also safe enough to give their kids a longer leash than they would at home.

If you’re thinking about a first visit, here’s what stood out.

Copenhagen was just named the world’s most livable city. After spending half my year here, I’m not surprised.

Copenhagen

Every few months, I swap Ohio for Copenhagen.

For roughly five or six months of the year, Denmark’s capital becomes home. My boyfriend lives here, which means I’ve had the rare opportunity to experience Copenhagen beyond the typical long weekend itinerary. I’ve settled into routines that make the city feel familiar, from stopping by Netto for groceries to grabbing what I still maintain is the best cinnamon roll I’ve ever had from Lagkagehuset. I’ve spent warm afternoons swimming at Ofelia Plads and Nordhavn, wandered through neighborhoods that rarely make first-time visitor guides, and discovered that some of the city’s best moments happen when there’s no plan at all.

These 2026 island getaways are surging in popularity right now

Sandals St. Lucia Grande

Expedia just released its latest set of data: The 2026 Island Hot List, a trending list that compiles the emerging islands travelers are searching for before they become the next big thing. According to the newExpedia data, interest in these rising island destinations is up 55% on average year-over-year, while social media mentions have climbed 20% as travelers look for new experiences, better value, and fewer crowds. If you ask me, this is pretty surprising to hear it’s up 55%, especially when I thought islands were already one of the most popular year-round travel destinations.

Ranked #1 on Expedia’s 2026 Island Hot List is St. Lucia, an island I first fell in love with back in 2023 when I went on my honeymoon there. Once you visit here, it’s pretty easy to see why it’s ranked the best for romantic escapes. This destination has been a popular spot for anniversary and honeymoon trips for a long time now — and it doesn’t appear to be slowing down. As travelers move beyond crowded Caribbean hotspots, many are willing to take the extra trek to destinations like St. Lucia for it’s dramatic scenery, romantic resort options like Sugar Beach, and soft adventure focus.