On its website, The Nevada Hotel notes the property was built the same year that “Heartbreak Hotel” by Elvis Presley debuted, in 1956. However, this L-shaped motor lodge experienced some heartbreak of its own in recent times and fell into disrepair. But now, after a thorough, two-year-long renovation, the property is back and sporting a new look that’s hard not to fall in love with.

Situated on prime waterfront along Long Sands Beach in the resort town of York, Maine, The Nevada Hotel has three stories and 21 rooms, each with a dedicated deck offering ocean views. Before it was purchased for $1.6 million by husband-and-wife hotelier duo, Joe Lipton and Michelle Friar, in 2021, The Nevada was owned by the family of its original owner, Henry de la Pena, since its inception. De la Pena served on the USS Nevada, and the hotel’s name, as well as its unique shape, were inspired by his time on the battleship.

“After World War II, Henry, traveled to Florida, where his sister opened up a motel there and he came back and was like, ‘I want to open up a motel in Maine,’” said Lipton. “Motels weren’t big here yet, so this was one of the first. He named it ‘The Nevada,’ after the ship that he was on, and he built it to look like the flybridge.”

After an extensive down-to-the-studs, $2.5 million renovation, The Nevada reopened its doors in July 2024. During the remodeling process, Lipton, Friar, and the New York-based company CR Design took care to preserve the property’s nostalgic 1950s roots while modernizing the property. Its white exteriors now pop with aquamarine trim and the whole building was raised three-and-a-half feet off the ground, to protect it from coastal flooding. However, the property’s interiors are truly where Lipton and Friar’s design vision shines.

“Michelle, my wife, designed the interiors,” Lipton said. “This is all her.”

As soon as guests step into the lobby, they will find themselves immersed in an art-deco-meets-tiki-bar aesthetic, with things like bubble-shaped glass chandeliers, chartreuse-colored couches, and white tiger-patterned rugs peppering the interiors. Upon check-in, I was greeted with a complimentary cocktail from the small, but well-stocked bar behind the lobby desk — however, that was just the pleasant start to my time at the property.

Here’s everything you need to know about staying at The Nevada Hotel.

The Rooms

There are three room types at the Nevada: Glass Corner Rooms, Ocean Facing Rooms, and Garden Facing Rooms. All three kinds of accommodations feature king-sized beds, large windows, and the same art deco-inspired nautical design. My favorite, however, is the Glass Corner Rooms, which feature floor-to-ceiling windows and a large, private terrace — the perfect amenity for sunset- and sunrise-chasers. Every room also has modern amenities such as Samsung Frame Smart TVs, free WiFi, and a selection of organic pour-over coffee and tea. Bathrooms are outfitted with gorgeous walk-in showers, peacock blue tiles, and white terrazzo floors with black accents.

Food and Drink

The Nevada has one on-site eatery, Lulu’s Tiki Bar and Restaurant, named after Lipton and Friar’s daughter. The menu at Lulu’s draws inspiration from Pacific Island flavors and offers dishes like fried rice, togarashi spiced tortilla chips, and pulled jackfruit tacos seasoned with Kahlúa-flavored barbecue sauce. Be sure to pair your meal with one of their cocktails, such as the Rosemary’s Baby (a mix of gin, rosemary, honey, and lemon) or the Late Night at Lulu’s (a fun blend of butterfly pea tequila, lychee juice, lime, and lemon topped with black lava salt and pepper flakes).

However, if you’d like another option, consider checking out the Stones Throw Restaurant, located at The Nevada’s sister property, the Stones Throw Hotel. The Stones Throw Restaurant has an expansive New American menu of dishes such as buttermilk-fried chicken sandwiches, pan-seared scallops, and, of course, lobster rolls. There’s also the seasonally open, all-outdoor Little Auk at the nearby Viewpoint Hotel (also owned by Lipton and Friar), which specializes in small plates, wood-fired pizza, and cocktails served from an Airstream trailer.

Activities and Experiences

One of the biggest draws of staying at The Nevada is its proximity to Long Sands Beach, and a reservation at the hotel gives guests complimentary access to beach umbrellas and chairs on the sand. Long Sands Beach is also a famous Atlantic surf break, and you can learn to catch waves at the nearby Liquid Dreams Surf Shop, which offers lessons. However, if you’d rather not get wet, simply posting up on a lounge chair with a tiki-inspired cocktail is a great way to pass the time as well. There are also several notable hikes in the area including the Fisherman’s Walk, a 1.7-mile oceanside trail that winds in and out of historic boat houses and coastal cottages.

The Spa

While there isn’t a spa or pool at The Nevada, guests can request a van service to the property’s nearby sister hotel, The Viewpoint, which has a heated saltwater pool, a cedar sauna, a fitness center with Pelotons, treadmills, and rowing machines, as well as a full-service spa offering Maine-inspired treatments such as the Acadian Swedish Massage and the Deep Ocean Tissue Massage. Access to the pools, sauna, and fitness facility is included with the cost of a stay at the Viewpoint or The Nevada.

Location

York is located about 45 miles south of Portland, Maine, but you might have better luck finding a direct flight if you choose to arrive at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), located 67 miles south of York (about an hour-and-a-half drive). The town of York does not have a public transportation system, so you will need to rent a car to get around. However, York is fairly walkable, if you don’t mind hoofing it.

Accessibility and Sustainability

There are several accessible features at the Nevada Hotel, including ramps, elevators, and two ADA-compliant rooms. The team is also taking steps toward minimizing its environmental footprint. There are energy-efficient heat pumps in each room as well as on-demand hot water heaters. The hotel makes it a point to compost any natural waste and donates a portion of profits to projects dedicated to fighting climate change.

How to Get the Most Value Out of Your Stay

Rates at The Nevada begin at $240 per night. Since it’s independently owned, it’s not a part of any major hotel rewards programs.