Let's be honest for a second. When most people think about hotels with heart shaped tubs, they picture 1970s wood-panelling, smells of stale cigarettes, and maybe some questionable shag carpeting. It’s a vibe that feels frozen in time. You might even laugh at the idea of booking one. But here’s the thing: these tubs are actually having a moment right now, and it’s not just because people love retro irony.
People are tired of sterile, minimalist hotel rooms that look like a corporate boardroom. They want something weird. They want something that feels like an actual escape from the real world. Whether you’re looking for a legitimate romantic getaway or just a hilarious weekend with your best friend, the heart-shaped tub is the undisputed king of themed hospitality.
It’s about the nostalgia.
Actually, it’s about more than that. It’s about a specific type of American kitsch that started in the Poconos and refused to die. If you’ve ever scrolled through TikTok and seen someone soaking in a giant red tub surrounded by mirrors, you’ve seen the "Land of Love."
The Poconos origin story you probably didn't know
Morris Wilkins. That’s the name you need to know. Back in 1958, Wilkins was the co-owner of Cove Haven Resort in Pennsylvania. He wanted to create something that screamed "romance" for the post-war honeymoon crowd. So, he built a heart-shaped bathtub out of wood and fiberglass. He didn't even patent it at first, which he later regretted because once the 1960s and 70s hit, every "honeymooner" hotel in the country wanted one.
The Poconos became the epicenter. It was the "Honeymoon Capital of the World." At one point, Cove Haven and its sister resorts, Paradise Stream and Pocono Palace, were the only places you could find these things. They weren't just tubs; they were symbols of a specific kind of optimistic, slightly cheesy American dream.
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Then things got even wilder. Wilkins decided a tub wasn't enough, so he built the "7-foot tall Champagne Glass Whirlpool Bath-for-Two." If you think a heart tub is over the top, you haven't lived until you've climbed a carpeted staircase to sit inside a giant acrylic flute.
Why modern travelers are obsessed with the kitsch
Travel trends are weirdly cyclical. We spent the last decade obsessed with "boutique" hotels—lots of grey, lots of Edison bulbs, lots of industrial steel. It got boring.
Gen Z and Millennials started hunting for "authentic" experiences, and ironically, nothing feels more authentic than a room that hasn't changed its decor since the Ford administration. It's called "New Kitsch." It’s the reason why places like the Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo or the various Cove Haven resorts are seeing a surge in bookings from people who weren't even born when these tubs were first installed.
It's about the photo. Let’s not pretend otherwise. A red heart shaped tub is basically built-in production design for social media.
But there’s also a psychological element. There is something inherently less "serious" about a room with a giant red tub. You can't really walk into a room like that and worry about your spreadsheets or your mortgage. It forces you to be present in the absurdity of the moment. It’s a vacation from reality, not just a vacation from your house.
Real spots where you can still find the magic
If you’re looking for the real deal, you have to go to the sources. You can’t just find these at a Marriott.
Cove Haven Resorts (Pennsylvania)
This is the holy grail. They have the original "Champagne Towers" and the "Harbour Towers." The tubs here are often huge, red, and surrounded by mirrors on the ceiling. It’s a lot. If you have sensory issues with 1970s patterns, maybe skip it. But if you want the "Land of Love" experience, this is the only place that truly delivers. They’ve leaning hard into the nostalgia lately, recognizing that their "outdated" look is actually their biggest selling point.
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The Madonna Inn (San Luis Obispo, California)
This place is legendary for a reason. Every room is different. They have the "Caveman" room with rock walls, and yes, they have rooms with pink heart-shaped tubs. It’s less "Poconos kitsch" and more "over-the-top Victorian fever dream." The attention to detail is actually insane—the carvings, the custom stained glass, the floral carpets. It’s a family-owned landmark that proves maximalism never truly goes out of style.
Sybaris Pool Suites (Illinois/Indiana/Wisconsin)
Sybaris is a bit different. It’s a chain of "couples only" resorts. It feels a bit more like a private club. They are famous for their "swimming pool suites," where you have a private heated pool inside your room, often accompanied by—you guessed it—a whirlpool tub shaped like a heart. It’s more private, less "public resort" than the Poconos.
Adventures in On-Property Theming
You can also find them in random roadside motels across the Midwest and the South. Places like the Designer Inn and Suites in Iowa or the Best Western Galena. These are often "theme suites" where you can choose between a "Space" room, a "Jungle" room, or the "Romantic" room.
The "Ick" factor: Addressing the elephant in the room
Let’s talk about hygiene. It’s the first thing everyone asks. "Are those tubs clean?"
Honestly, the concern is valid. Whirlpool jets can be a breeding ground for bacteria if they aren't maintained properly. However, these resorts know their reputation depends on this. Most of the reputable themed hotels use heavy-duty commercial cleaners specifically designed for jetted tubs.
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If you're worried, do the "purge" test when you arrive. Fill the tub with hot water, add a bit of dish soap or a dedicated cleaner if you brought one, and run the jets for ten minutes. If the water stays clear, you’re good. if you see "black flakes," call the front desk.
Also, keep in mind that many of these properties are older. The carpet might be worn. The wallpaper might have a seam showing. If you're expecting a 5-star Ritz-Carlton experience, you're going to be disappointed. You're paying for the atmosphere, the history, and the sheer weirdness of it all.
How to book the right room (Because titles are confusing)
When you're searching for hotels with heart shaped tubs, the search results can be a mess. Hotels often use euphemisms. Look for terms like:
- "Celebrity Suite"
- "Fantasy Suite"
- "Honeymoon Whirlpool Room"
- "Champagne Tower Suite"
Check the photos carefully. Many hotels have updated their rooms and replaced the heart tubs with standard rectangular jacuzzis to look more "modern." It’s a tragedy, really. If you don't see a photo of the tub in the specific room category you're booking, call the hotel and ask. "Does this specific room have the red heart tub?" Don't be shy. They get asked this ten times a day.
Actionable steps for your kitschy getaway
If you're ready to dive into the world of themed tubs, don't just wing it. These places book up fast, especially on Valentine's Day or weekends in October (the Poconos are beautiful in the fall).
- Verify the Tub Type: Call the front desk. Web photos are often "representative" of the hotel, not the specific room. You don't want to show up for your "Heart Suite" and find a standard white tub.
- Bring Your Own Vibes: The lighting in these older resorts can be a bit harsh. Bring some battery-operated tea lights or your own bath bombs. (Note: Check the hotel policy on bath bombs first—some oils can mess up the whirlpool jets).
- Check the "Couples Only" Rules: Some of the most famous heart-tub resorts, like Cove Haven and Sybaris, are strictly for couples or adults. This means no kids, and sometimes they have specific rules about who can check in. Read the fine print.
- Embrace the Aesthetic: Don't go in trying to be "cool." This is the time to wear the cheesy robes, order the room service champagne, and take the mirrored-ceiling photos. The whole point is to lean into the fun.
- Look for Mid-Week Deals: These resorts are expensive on Saturdays but often half-price on a Tuesday. If you have a flexible schedule, you can stay in a high-end "Champagne Tower" for a fraction of the cost.
The reality is that hotels with heart shaped tubs represent a fading era of American travel that is being rediscovered by a new generation. They aren't for everyone. They are loud, they are often pink, and they are definitely not subtle. But in a world of cookie-cutter hotel rooms, there is something deeply refreshing about a place that isn't afraid to be a little bit ridiculous.
Find a resort that has been maintained with love. Avoid the sketchy $40-a-night motels unless you're prepared for a very "gritty" experience. Stick to the classics like Cove Haven or the Madonna Inn, and you'll understand why these tubs have survived for over sixty years. It’s not just a bath; it’s a time machine.