Tips to Score Vintage Hotel Memorabilia Online

From eBay to Facebook Marketplace, here's how to find affordable hotel decor and collectibles.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 7:42pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A bold, geometric Art Deco-inspired illustration depicting the grand, sweeping architecture and design of a classic luxury hotel, rendered in a sleek, streamlined style without any text or identifiable elements.Vintage hotel memorabilia can transport design enthusiasts to the glamour and sophistication of iconic properties, even on a budget.Beverly Hills Today

Freelance writer Sarah Lyon shares her top tips for tracking down affordable hotel memorabilia online, including checking sites like eBay, Etsy, and Facebook Marketplace, as well as browsing used bookstores and flea markets. Lyon has had success finding unique pieces like ashtrays, prints, and coffee table books from iconic hotels like The Plaza, The Beverly Hills Hotel, and The Ritz Paris.

Why it matters

For design enthusiasts and hotel aficionados, collecting vintage hotel memorabilia can be a fun way to bring the luxury and nostalgia of iconic properties into one's own home. With the right strategies, these unique decor pieces can often be found at affordable prices, allowing more people to enjoy a touch of that hotel magic.

The details

Lyon recommends regularly searching sites like eBay and Etsy for hotel-themed items, from ashtrays and photos to coffee table books. She also suggests checking local flea markets and Facebook Marketplace, as hotel collectibles can sometimes turn up in unexpected places. When shopping secondhand, Lyon advises carefully inspecting items to ensure they are in good condition. She also shares a DIY tip - framing vintage hotel matchbooks, postcards, or room keys can create a personalized piece of memorabilia.

  • Lyon has been sourcing hotel memorabilia for years.
  • She discovered a framed print of The Plaza Hotel in Paris while traveling there last summer.

The players

Sarah Lyon

A New York City-based freelance writer who produces interior design, travel, and lifestyle content for outlets like Apartment Therapy, Architectural Digest, and The New York Times.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I have long appreciated a beautifully designed hotel. While many of the properties I admire are a bit out of reach for an overnight stay, I've been fortunate enough to wander through their lobbies or enjoy a cocktail at the bar to get a taste of their magic.”

— Sarah Lyon, Contributing Writer

“Just be sure to review an item's condition if a price seems too good to be true, since you likely won't be able to examine the piece in person or return it if there's an issue. Why end up with a chipped champagne glass when you can possibly pay $10 more for one in pristine condition?”

— Sarah Lyon, Contributing Writer

The takeaway

Collecting vintage hotel memorabilia can be a budget-friendly way for design enthusiasts to bring a touch of luxury and nostalgia into their homes. With patience and the right search strategies, unique pieces like ashtrays, prints, and coffee table books from iconic hotels can often be found at affordable prices online and at local flea markets.