As someone who travels a lot, I’m always looking for unique places to stay and these WWII-inspired hotels and vacation rentals are exactly what I mean.
It used to be pretty rare to run across WWII-themed hotels or rentals. (Okay, maybe “war” isn’t the most relaxation-inducing theme for a hotel; I get it.) So, I decided to seek them out for myself. Turns out, there are more out there than I initially thought.
If you want to turn your visit to some of the world’s inspiring World War II sites into a more immersive experience, these hotels and rental properties are for you. If you want to pretend you’re back in the Fightin’ Forties or to just be able to say you’ve spent the night on a submarine, start here.
WWII hotels & rentals in the United States
A ton of the WWII-inspired hotels and rental properties on this list can be found right here in the United States. And I’m going to start with the biggest.
1. The Higgins Hotel – New Orleans, Louisiana
Technically a part of the National WWII Museum in New Orleans, the Higgins Hotel is a World War II history buff’s dream stay. Its name honors Andrew Higgins whose name you may know from the more than 20,000 amphibious boats he designed and built in New Orleans.
The Higgins Hotel is directly across the street from the National WWII Museum–the United States’ official World War II museum as designated by Congress. The details at this place are astonishing–from the artwork and décor, to the menus and music, to the bedspreads and beyond.
This beautiful hotel offers:
Book your stay at the Higgins Hotel New Orleans here.
2. The Hangar Hotel – Fredericksburg, Texas
The Hangar Hotel in Fredericksburg, Texas isn’t just a place to stay, but a place to experience. It was designed specifically to resemble a 1940’s World War II airplane hangar.
The Hangar Hotel has 50 rooms, a hotel bar and lounge, and a 1940’s-themed diner too. All décor and furniture are reminiscent of the period and this hotel even features actual WWII aircraft and artifacts. But the best part? It’s literally located off an airport runway and you can even fly in for your visit.
Also, being located in Fredericksburg, this hotel is just a 10-minute drive to the National Museum of the Pacific War, the only museum solely dedicated to the Pacific theater of World War II in the continental US.
3. Converted WWII Train Car – Maryville, Tennessee
About half an hour south of Knoxville, TN, you’ll find this unique rental property on the edge of the Smoky Mountains.
Known as Platform 1346, this rental was once a troop train kitchen car during World War II. Now, it’s an adorable “tiny home” with an open floor plan, wood floors, modern industrial furnishing, a patio with fire pit, and everything else you need for a unique stay. It’s really cute too; check out the photos in the link!
Book your stay here in the converted WWII train car.
4. Sub BnB, WWII submarine – Manitowoc, Wisconsin
Located at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum in Manitowoc is the USS Cobia. This fully restored WWII submarine is the best preserved submarine in the country and is capable of sleeping up to 65 people.
If you’re looking for a unique stay, this is definitely it. You can sleep in bunks in the crew’s quarters, torpedo rooms, officer’s room, and other locations throughout the ship. Guests will have access to the entire submarine and the museum during their stay. You’ll get a personalized behind-the-scenes tour as well at private screenings of selected WWII and maritime movies. (Maybe skip Das Boot.)
Board games and cards are provided in the crew’s mess but, honestly, exploring your very own WWII submarine sounds like entertainment enough.
Get more information on Sub BnB here.
5. Harbord Kourt Motor Inn – Coleman, Texas
The Harbord Kourt Motor Inn is a small private cottage in Coleman, Texas that was once home to a flying school during World War II.
This small cottage features modern furnishings and conveniences, but with an emphasis on World War II patriotism. You won’t find a full kitchen (it does have a microwave and refrigerator though) but you will find plenty of local WWII memories and artwork.
Book your stay at the Harbord Kourt Motor Inn here.
6. 1941 Restored Vintage Caboose – Lock Haven, Pennsylvania
Smack dab in the middle of Pennsylvania is the town of Lock Haven and the next entry on our list of WWII hotels—this 1941 Restored Vintage Caboose.
Parked at a historic train station is the chance to spend the night in a WWII-era train caboose. This stay comes with bedroom and bathroom, cute kitchen and dinette, and tons of vintage touches. It has been fully restored to its original specs but features modern conveniences like flushing toilets. (Woo hoo!)
While in Pennsylvania, be sure to check out the incredible WWII Weekend festival in Reading.
WWII hotels & rentals in the UK
Another place where you can find tons of WWII hotels and rental properties is in the United Kingdom. Here are some of the most interesting places to stay in the UK for history buffs likes us.
7. St. Ermin’s Hotel – London
Located in Westminster, St. Ermin’s Hotel is where (in 1940) Winston Churchill held the first meeting that would establish the SOE—the Special Operations Executive. The SOE was formed to conduct all kinds of covert operations, sabotage, reconnaissance, etc. Think of it as the British WWII version of the CIA.
From that first meeting onward, St. Ermin’s became the de facto headquarters for British intelligence with the SOE on floor 4 and MI6 on floor 6.
Today, this hotel’s covert history is still sprinkled throughout the property in the form of small exhibit spaces, the artwork on the walls, and at the Caxton Bar where Churchill used to enjoy champagne and host meetings.
Book your stay at St. Ermin’s Hotel here.
8. The Stafford – London
From 1939 to 1945, The Stafford London served as a setting of the Better ‘Ole Club—a social club for American and Canadian military officers stationed here and other important folks like the Prince of Wales. Additionally, the hotel’s wine cellars also served as air raid shelters throughout the war.
Today, you can explore these historic wine cellars and check out their “Museum 1940-1941” which contains a plethora of WWII artifacts and other historical memorabilia from the times.
Book your stay at The Stafford London here.
Also read: WWII Sites in London: 24+ Incredible Museums, Monuments & More
9. The Corrugated Cottage – Somerset, England
Built in 1940, the Corrugated Cottage once housed the Women’s Land Army—a group of women who worked on local farms to assist with the war effort. Today, you can rent this cottage and have the entire place to yourself.
Just a few miles from Glastonbury, this cottage retains many of its original details. You’ll love the 1940’s mint green kitchen appliances (at least I do), vintage furnishings, record player (featuring selected LPs), and claw-foot tub.
And, as you’d expect, the Corrugated Cottage features its own garden and air raid shelter. You may even be visited by some of the locals of the badger, fox, and owl varieties (magical!).
Book your stay at the Corrugated Cottage here.
10. WWII Radio Control Tower – Jersey
I’m all about these cliff top observation towers-turned-overnight rentals. Given their nature, they offer some of the best seaside views around. This one is on the island of Jersey, just on the other side of the Cotentin peninsula from the D-Day sites of Utah Beach.
It was built during World War II by German forces and includes original observation windows and steel doors. Today, it boasts gorgeous 360° views and accommodation spread out over 6 floors connected by a spiral staircase. You can read more about its history on the history tab of the listing.
This control tower rental offers three double bedrooms with ensuite shower for each, oven, refrigerator, and microwave, central heating, parking, free WiFi, and a secluded location.
Book your WWII Radio Control Tower stay here.
11. The Control Tower Bed & Breakfast – Walsingham, England
If you like the idea of staying overnight in a control tower, let’s keep the fun going. This one in Walsingham, England is on a former airfield and is actually an all-vegetarian bed and breakfast.
It was originally built in 1943 as a standard air tower controlling takeoffs and landings. It was part of the No. 100 (Bomber Support) Group which was responsible for electronic warfare development and operation, i.e. using such things as radio or radar signals against the enemy. Incredible stuff.
The building resembles its original self on the outside, but the inside presents a more modern feel (with some art deco touches and period furnishings here and there). There are a handful of different suites available and all are devoid of TVs and other “high-tech gizmos.”
They pride themselves on offering only locally-sourced, organic vegetarian breakfasts, locally baked biscuits and tea, and natural toiletries from the nearby town. Actually, their breakfasts seem like reason enough to stay there in the first place.
Book your stay at the Control Tower Bed & Breakfast here.
12. The Bunker Ventnor – Isle of Wight
This rental property is located in a former WWII RAF radar station. It was built into a hillside overlooking the English Channel and offers incredible views from every room. (I mean, that was kind of the point from the very beginning!)
Beyond that, this entirely livable property is completely furnished and offers tons of space and tranquility. It sleeps up to 8 guests across 3 bedrooms, is dog-friendly, and has pretty much anything else you could wish it to have.
Check out the Bunker Ventnor here.
13. The Bunker – Cornwall, England
This former WWII operations bunker in Sennen is surrounded by idyllic countryside. Given its original purpose, it’s actually quite hidden which makes this stay that much more interesting.
It has been completely brought up to modern standards and promises a comfortable and relaxing stay. It sleeps 6, offers a full kitchen, and includes a huge private garden and patio and tons more. It’s just two miles from the beach and about the same to the famous Lands End.
Check out the Bunker in Sennen here.
14. Standby Generator Bunker – Dorset, England
For a bit more space and something totally unique, head over to Dorset to check out this former RAF Standby Generator Bunker. Once used to detect and track enemy aircraft during WWII, this bunker now sleeps 6 in the beautiful Dorset countryside.
This award-winning retreat offers tons of living space, serene views, and includes all the amenities you could ask for. Perfect for families with children and/or travelers with dogs.
Check out this awesome bunker stay here.
15. Transmitter Bunker – Dorset, England
It’s true—Dorset is apparently rental bunker central. This next one is another former Grade II-listed RAF radar transmission bunker with amazing sea views. Decommissioned in 1956, it’s perfect for stays of four people (and their dogs). It even includes a “museum cupboard” where you can find more information about the history of this particular bunker.
It comes fully furnished with a full kitchen, a comfortable patio area, fireplace, and even a dishwasher.
Check out the Transmitter Bunker here.
16. RAF Wainfleet Tower – Lincolnshire, England
This former RAF Wainfleet Control Tower is located on a former weapons range and training center. Sounds like a natural spot for a luxurious, relaxing stay, right?
It was redeveloped into a unique rental property in 2010 and offers, obviously, some of the most beautiful views. It includes all the essential amenities: washer and dryer, private hot tub, and comfortable accommodation for up to six people (and their doggos).
Need a little more space? The property also has a former military Squadron aircraft and a Westland Lynx Helicopter that you can actually book to sleep in.
Check out the RAF Wainfleet Tower here.
17. Carriage 101 – West Sussex, England
Tucked away in the West Sussex countryside is this restored WWII ambulance train carriage-turned-overnight accommodation. This cozy stay is ideal for up to four adults and two children (and their dogs of course).
This vintage-styled train car has a fully-equipped kitchen, patio with firepit and barbecue, and all the necessary extras.
Check out Carriage 101 here.
18. The Gun House – Devon, England
Another cozy property you can rent is the Gun House, ideal for two people looking for a romantic hideaway. This rental, inside a former WWII guard tower, boasts panoramic sea views, inventive design, and easy beach access.
You really have to see the photos of this place to see how incredibly they have renovated this unique space. Check them out here.
WWII hotels & rentals in France
You can also find a number of incredible WWII hotels and rental properties across the Channel over in France. I’ll start with my personal favorites.
19. D-Day Aviators – Arromanches, Normandy
My absolute favorite place to stay when visiting Normandy is the D-Day Aviators Bed & Breakfast in Arromanches-les-Bains in the Gold Beach sector. This charming B&B is run by two local pilots who have a serious passion for WWII aviation. They run two properties here in Arromanches and both of them are like its own D-Day museum. I kid you not—original artifacts, beautiful artwork, and crazy details.
The breakfasts are fresh and homemade and served in the most beautiful dining space, surrounded by historical details and authentic aircraft parts. (And with some lovely big band in the air!) The whole scene feels like you’ve time traveled.
Both properties are located in the very center of Arromanches so you can walk everywhere you need to go here. Plus, they’re just a few steps off the peaceful beach. I can’t rave about this place enough and I can’t wait to stay here again soon.
Book your stay at D-Day Aviators or D-Day Aviators Le Manoir here. Anything you want to know about staying here, just ask!
20. Ferme Delaunay – Saint-Côme-du-Mont, Normandy
Another personal favorite of mine is La Ferme Delaunay (the Delaunay Farm) in the Utah Beach sector. This old farmhouse was the location of an actual D-Day battle and you can still see the scars of history all over it. (My favorite part was when my host asked if I wanted to see all the bullet holes from where the Americans were shooting at the Nazis who’d posted up in the upper windows. Easiest yes of my life.)
This absolutely delightful bed and breakfast is, again, run by the loveliest local family. It offers spacious rooms, ample free parking, and, again, a fresh and delicious breakfast each morning.
Situated right between the Utah and Omaha Beach landing sectors, its super easy to get to and close to many of the best WWII sites to see in both areas.
Book your stay at La Ferme Delaunay here.
21. Spirit of 1944 – La Cambe, Normandy
This guesthouse in the commune of La Cambe is just a short drive from Omaha Beach and many of the other best D-Day sites in Normandy. The property and rooms are simply beautiful with an emphasis on World War II history and memorabilia. Like many on this list of WWII hotels, Spirit of 1944 aims to take you back to a bygone era, but with all the modern comforts of the 21st century.
Spirit of 1944 offers a handful of themed guest rooms, but my favorite is the Eisenhower room with its understated WWII homage. The rooms are cozy, the kitchen is delightful, and the property is French countryside perfection.
Book your stay at Spirit of 1944 here.
22. Domaine Airborne – Angoville-au-Plain, Normandy
Very close to Ferme Delaunay is another great WWII hotel you can book—Domaine Airborne. Like Delaunay, Domaine Airborne is another historic farmhouse that saw some action on D-Day. Prior to the invasion it had been taken over by a few dozen German soldiers and would be the site of some violent fighting after the American paratroopers dropped in.
Today, it’s a gorgeous rental property that highlights its WWII history. Stay in one of the modest themed rooms and enjoy breakfast in the “mess hall.” The location is great and the reviews are excellent.
Check out Domaine Airborne here.
23. German Bunker for 20 people – Saint-Pabu, Brittany
If you and your group of friends or family want a truly unique stay while exploring France, look no further than this former German bunker that can accommodate up to 20 people!
Though it is equipped with modern furnishings and such, I gotta warn you this isn’t going to be the luxury experience many of the other WWII vacation rentals on this list offer. However, it’s probably going to be one of the most fun and memorable. But maybe the best part is that it has air conditioning—a rarity in France.
Take a look at the photos on the booking page and you’ll see this is some true bunker living. (I’m getting giddy just thinking about how interesting it would be to experience a stay here. I just need to find 19 more WWII nerds to join me.)
Book your unforgettable German bunker stay here.
More WWII hotels & rentals around Europe
Outside France and the UK, there are still a few more interesting WWII hotels and vacation properties you can rent for brag-worthy stays.
24. Grand Hotel – Zell am See, Austria
If you’re a Band of Brothers fan, you’re already familiar with the Grand Hotel in Zell am See, Austria. After landing in Normandy on D-Day and fighting their way across Europe through the Netherlands and Belgium, the men of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment finally set up their end-of-war occupation headquarters here at the Grand Hotel.
The 101st Airborne used this building as their headquarters for the next few months, but U.S. forces continued to occupy the hotel for the next ten years. Today, there isn’t much left inside the hotel that tells of its wartime role (Austria isn’t too keen on remembering its WWII history, if you know what I mean), but it’s still a prominent, popular, and historic hotel worth checking out.
Check out the Grand Hotel here for your next stay in Zell am See.
25. Wolf’s Lair Hotel – Gierłoż, Poland
That Wolf’s Lair? Yes, THAT Wolf’s Lair. It’s true; Hitler’s famous bunker complex in eastern Poland’s remote woods also has a hotel. But if you read my post on the truth about visiting Hitler’s Wolf’s Lair, you already know that’s not the weirdest thing about this place. But I digress.
So yes, the former Guard Battalion building at Hitler’s former Wolf’s Lair bunker has been turned into a hotel (and completely renovated in August 2025). It’s decorated in a 1940s theme and offers single rooms, double rooms, and even a couple of apartments. You get free admission to the historical site too. (See all the info here.)
The rooms look pretty nice but… you’re still sleeping in Hitler’s former bunker in the super creepy woods where the visitors are a little too excited about Hitler for my taste. Not to mention, they are still finding corpses buried here. Just read my post on visiting the Wolf’s Lair before you commit to this place, that’s all I’m saying.
26. Villa Feltrinelli – Gargano, Italy
One of the more interesting WWII hotels out there is the Grand Hotel Villa Feltrinelli on the shores of Lake Garda. From what I can tell though they do keep their WWII history hidden, and understandably so. Villa Feltrinelli was where Benito Mussolini spent his last couple of years.
Once referred to as “Mussolini’s Castle,” Villa Feltrinelli was the mandated hideout for Mussolini from 1943 to 1945. It was here that he was, more or less, held captive to do the Nazi’s bidding. And you can stay here for only $2000 – $4000 a night.
This you-gotta-see-it-to-believe-it property offers 13 extravagant guest rooms and 4 private cottages, a lakeside pool, private dock and boat tours of the lake, a 2-Michelin-starred restaurant, a croquet green, and plenty of parking for your Lamborghini.
The building’s WWII paint job has been covered up but much of this incredible structure remains as it always has. Its controversial history may not be so obvious but there’s no denying the role Villa Feltrinelli played in World War II.
For more on Villa Feltrinelli’s WWII history, see this page. See more about staying here on Tripadvisor.
27. REVERB Hotel at the Bunker – Hamburg, Germany
Originally built as a flak tower and command bunker during World War II, the enormous Hamburg Bunker is now a hotel (and retail space and bars and restaurants). This place is now completely modern with an industrial vibe but there’s no mistaking what this building used to be.
Part of the Hard Rock Hotel brand, this hotel offers tons of great rooms, access to the rooftop garden, restaurant and bars on site, and even free use of musical instruments (hopefully in a sound-proof room).
Check out the REVERB Hotel Hamburg here.
28. MONTOWNIA Hotel – Gdańsk, Poland
What is today the MONTOWNIA Hotel in downtown Gdańsk was originally built as the “U-Boat Hall” in the 1930s. During WWII, this building served as an assembly plant and storage facility for German U-boat production. In the decades since, the building has taken on several different roles, but today has been artfully remade into a large hotel and experience space that includes a food hall and more.
But the best part is that it still maintains its wartime industrial look and feel. Many of its original historical elements were purposefully incorporated into the new design like the authentic brick façade from 1936/38 and the historic railway tracks that would move ship parts. On the 3rd floor there’s even a small museum dedicated to the building’s wartime history.
Book your stay at the MONTOWNIA Hotel here and be sure to check out all the amazing WWII sites in Gdańsk here.
More info for your next trip
- Hotels: Find great places to stay on Booking.com (my go-to). Expedia and Hotels.com are worth checking too. VRBO is best for apartment rentals.
- Rental cars: Check out the best rental car deals here.
- Local tours & activities: Check out all the great local options from Viator and Get Your Guide here.
- Don’t forget a handy guidebook and one of these must-have customs and culture guides!
Like this post? Have questions about staying in a WWII hotel? Let me know in the comments below. Have a great trip!
Save this info, pin this image:
A tip for Travelers in Hamburg, Germany.
On the top of an enormous WW2 Flak bunker, there is now a hotell.
REVERB by Hard Rock Hamburg
I was recently there and visisted the place. Very impressive building. There is a viewing platform on top with free entrance.
Thank you, Egil! That was one I hadn’t heard of yet. I recently did a major update to this post and included that one. 🙂
Love that you called out the USS Cobia in Manitowoc! I extended a Chicago work trip to visit there. While I did not stay over night, I can’t recommend the museum enough. I had a fantastic private tour from a Cold War sub vet. You can also go to Beerntsen’s after your visit – it’s a traditional confectionary / ice cream parlor right out of the 1930s. It’s a 3 minute walk from the sub!
That’s so great to hear, Alexa! I love when you can find true historic gems like that ice cream parlor. Amazing.
I can’t disagree with you that people who travel a lot are always searching for unique places to stay because I am one of them. I can say that i am a globetrotter and can’t live without travelling. But it is so important to me to bring some variety to my trip. To tell the truth, it is a great surprise for me that there are hotels inspired by the Second World War which bring you back to the atmosphere of Fightin’ Forties. I think it will be an absolutely atypical experience for me. Thank you very much for your selection of such hotels, it was so useful. Frankly, next year I’m planning to go to New Orleans and I feel that I need to stay at The Higgins Hotel because it is so close to the National WWII Museum that I really want to visit. Also, the fact that it is the recently built hotel attracts me and I really want to see all the details there that you mentioned above.
I am very excited to one day stay at the Higgins Hotel as well – it’s such an interesting concept and so beautiful!