The Holiday Music Motel, a 1952 roadside hotel restored in 2009, is located in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. This unique property is known as the world's only operational motel that hosts live music and songwriting retreats, broadcasting music created on-site through its own radio station. Designed with Cubist Modern architecture and vintage neon, the motel offers a retro charm. It provides a distinctive lodging experience for music enthusiasts, artists, and travelers seeking a unique stay, with easy access to downtown Sturgeon Bay’s attractions.
Should you book Holiday Music Motel?
A retro motel experience with on-site live music and a unique, artist-focused atmosphere.
Best for
- Music lovers
- Artists and writers
- Unique stays
- Downtown Sturgeon Bay access
Maybe not ideal for
- Guests seeking standard hotel amenities
- Travelers wanting a quiet, traditional motel
Retro rooms and amenities
Guest rooms feature original Simmons metal furniture, private bathrooms with vintage tiling, and modern amenities like flat-screen TVs and free WiFi. Designated pet-friendly rooms are available. A common area kitchenette, The Breakfast Nook, offers a space for guests to prepare their own meals.
Live music and radio
The motel hosts live music events and songwriting retreats, with over 1,500 songs written and recorded on-site. Its radio station exclusively broadcasts music created within the motel's walls, offering a constant soundtrack to your stay.
Historic downtown location
Situated in the heart of historic downtown Sturgeon Bay, the motel is steps from the waterfront, galleries including Margaret Lockwood Gallery, shops, restaurants, and theaters. Nearby parks and marinas offer further exploration.
Rooms & rates
Queen Bed - Second floor
28.0 m² · 1 queen bed
Air conditioning · Attached bathroom · Flat-screen TV · Coffee machine · Free Wifi · Free toiletries
Standard Double Room
28.0 m² · 1 full bed and 1 queen bed
Air conditioning · Attached bathroom · Flat-screen TV · Coffee machine · Free Wifi · Free toiletries
What you'll enjoy
Gallery
Amenities & facilities
Most popular facilities
- Non-smoking rooms
- Free Wifi
- Free parking
- Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms
Great for your stay
- Parking
- Private bathroom
- Air conditioning
- Pet friendly
- Bath
- Free Wifi
- Free parking
- Non-smoking rooms
Private bathroom
- Toilet paper
- Towels
- Bath or shower
- Toilet
- Free toiletries
- Hairdryer
- Bath
- Shower
Bedroom
- Linens
- Wardrobe or closet
- Alarm clock
Outdoors
- Outdoor fireplace
- Picnic area
- Outdoor furniture
Kitchen
- Coffee machine
- Electric kettle
- Refrigerator
Location
30 North 1st Avenue, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235, United States, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
Holiday Music Motel is located in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin.
5 sights nearby; the nearest beach, Dunlap Reef, is 0.5 mi away.
Things to do nearby
- Margaret Lockwood Gallerygallery200 ft
- Door County Museum and Archivesmuseum0.2 mi
- Martin Parkpark0.2 mi
- Graham Parkpark0.2 mi
- Harbor Club Marinamarina0.2 mi
Straight-line distances from the property · data © OpenStreetMap contributors
What guests say
9.1 / 10 · Wonderful on Booking.com, from 159 guest reviews
Holiday Music Motel earns overwhelmingly positive sentiment for its immaculate 1950s retro aesthetic, unbeatable walkable location in Sturgeon Bay, and genuinely warm staff. Guests who embrace the nostalgic character and prime downtown access tend to leave delighted, while those prioritising modern amenities or spacious rooms should temper expectations.
Reviews scoring 9–10: 27 · average 9.6
They wrote about: location, staff, cleanliness
Reviews scoring 7–9: 3 · average 8
They wrote about: room, noise, staff
No reviews in the selected score range.
Good to know
House rules
- Check-in
From 3:00 PM to 12:00 AM
Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card at check-in.
You need to let the property know what time you'll be arriving in advance.
- Check-out
Until 11:00 AM
- Cancellation/ prepayment
Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Enter your stay dates and check the conditions of your selected option.
- Age restriction
The minimum age for check-in is 18
- Pets
Pets are allowed on request. Charges may apply.
Frequently asked questions
What are the check-in and check-out procedures?
The motel offers private check-in and private check-out services for guests.
Is parking available at the hotel?
Yes, the hotel provides free parking for guests, including accessible parking options.
Are there dining options on-site?
The motel has a common area kitchenette called The Breakfast Nook, where guests can prepare their own breakfast basics or reheat food.
Does the hotel offer WiFi?
Yes, free WiFi is available to guests throughout the property.
Can I bring my pet?
Yes, the Holiday Music Motel offers designated pet-friendly rooms.
What room amenities are provided?
Rooms include air conditioning, private bathrooms, coffee machines, refrigerators, flat-screen TVs with streaming services, and free toiletries.
What attractions are nearby?
The Door County Maritime Museum is an 8-minute walk away. The Margaret Lockwood Gallery is just 0.06 km from the property.
How far is the hotel from Green Bay Airport?
The hotel is located 52 miles from Green Bay–Austin Straubel International Airport.
Is there live music at the motel?
Yes, the motel hosts live music events and songwriting retreats, and features an on-site radio station.