Do Love Hotels Still Exist? A Deep Dive into Modern Romance

Walk through any major city in Japan, and you’ll stumble on signs for love hotels before you even notice them. But are these discreet getaways still a thing in 2025, or have they disappeared into nostalgia? Quick answer: yes, love hotels still exist, and they’re not just clinging to life—they’ve evolved.

Gone are the days when love hotels were just about secrecy and faded heart-patterned bedspreads. Many of these spots now look like themed mini resorts, complete with fantasy rooms and high-tech privacy features. If you’re traveling as a couple and craving a place that’s designed for alone time but not stuffy, a love hotel can tick all the boxes. Some people even book them just for fun, out of curiosity, or to check out wild decor you’d never see at a chain hotel.

If you’re worried about feeling awkward or running into someone you know, don’t stress. Most modern love hotels have private entrances, anonymous check-in tech, and everything you need—sometimes even automatic payment options so you don’t have to talk to a soul. Curious if they exist in your next vacation spot? Keep reading—you’ll be surprised by where these hotels have popped up across the globe.

• Where Love Hotels Started (And Why)
• Are They Still Open? The Honest Answer
• What You’ll Find in Love Hotels Now
• Why Couples Use Them Today
• Unexpected Places Love Hotels Pop Up
• Tips for Booking (or Avoiding) a Love Hotel

Where Love Hotels Started (And Why)

Most folks think of love hotels as a Japanese thing, and for good reason. The first official love hotels popped up in Osaka after World War II. Their basic purpose? Privacy. Japanese homes were—and still are—on the small side, with thin walls and lots of people under one roof. Couples wanted a place to connect without worrying about nosy neighbors or family members barging in.

The term “love hotel” actually comes from the Hotel Love in Osaka, which opened in the 1960s. It wasn’t just about a place to sleep; it was a spot made almost 100% for couples who wanted a few hours—or a night—away from everyday eyes. These hotels quickly grew in number, especially around busy city centers and transportation hubs where privacy was hard to come by. By the 1980s, Japan had thousands of them, and they’d become a normal part of urban life.

Here’s a quick snapshot just to show how massive these places were in Japan’s hotel scene even decades ago:

Besides Japan, other countries had their own versions—like “no-tell motels” in the U.S. or “hourly hotels” in Latin America—but none took it as far or as mainstream. In Japan, love hotels even have their own special laws and zoning rules. As quirky as it sounds, they fill a real need. For some people, they’re a practical fix. For others, they’re a fun break from the usual date night routine.

Are They Still Open? The Honest Answer

Let’s get straight to it: love hotels didn’t disappear. Sure, the world looks different now with dating apps and flexible work-from-anywhere jobs, but these spots are still thriving—especially in places like Japan and South Korea. In Tokyo alone, estimates put the number of active love hotels at around 3,000 in 2024. That’s not a typo. In Seoul, the number has dipped a bit as new luxury hotels open, but there are still hundreds running legally, often tucked near nightlife districts.

It’s not just an East Asian phenomenon, either. If you look at Latin America—say, Rio de Janeiro or Mexico City—modern romantic hotels and “motels” work with a similar concept, focusing on privacy and convenience for couples. These hotels often appear on local booking sites right alongside mainstream hotel chains.

The reason they’re sticking around? People still want private spaces. Whether you’re dodging roommates, parents, or just want a bit of adventure, there’s a real need filled by these hotels. During the pandemic, some places saw a dip, but by 2023, occupancy bounced back, especially in city centers.

Check out this snapshot of numbers:

New laws and online booking have modernized the business, but they’re absolutely still open. Search for romantic hotels in some cities and love hotels are on the first page—sometimes with better reviews than budget chains. No need to hunt them down in shady alleys; many have official websites, solid ratings, and even Instagram accounts showing off their craziest themed suites.

What You’ll Find in Love Hotels Now

So what’s actually waiting for you in a love hotel these days? Forget everything you think you know—modern love hotels are a different animal. Imagine walking into a space that’s totally focused on privacy, comfort, and a sprinkle of fun.

The basics: Rooms are often available by the hour or overnight. You’ll usually get a big, comfy bed, blackout curtains, and noise-blocking walls. Want a Jacuzzi, karaoke machine, or even an in-room popcorn maker? In many Asian cities, especially Tokyo, you can choose your room theme online before you even show up. Some have space themes, some look like castles, and a few are just plain wild (giant teddy bears, anyone?).

Tech is a huge part of the scene now. A lot of places offer touch-screen check-in, sliding payments through machines, and private parking garages. Ordering room service or amenities—from mood lighting to costumes—is all just a click away and keeps things anonymous. And for those worried about security, the entrances are designed to protect your privacy completely, with locked doors and sometimes even separate elevators.

Of course, good old-fashioned cleanliness matters. Compared to standard hotels, love hotels are pretty strict with cleaning between guests. You’ll almost always find fresh linens, and plenty stock up on free amenities—think toothbrushes, razors, even hair irons and beauty products for last-minute touch-ups.

• Hourly or overnight booking options for flexibility
• Large, themed rooms (from classic romance to quirky and wild)
• Advanced privacy: private parking, direct room access, and discreet check-in
• High-quality cleaning and free personal care products
• Fun extras: karaoke, massage chairs, and big-screen TVs

While most folks associate love hotels with Japan and Korea, you’ll see similar setups popping up in Brazil, Europe, and even discreetly in the US—especially in big cities. Booking online is easy, and some hotels now run as part of major romantic hotel chains rather than hidden mom-and-pop shops.

So if you’re looking to spice things up or just get some alone time without fuss, love hotels in 2025 are way more comfortable, safe, and fun than you might expect.

Why Couples Use Them Today

If you think love hotels are old news, think again. In 2025, they’re actually more popular with couples than ever, and not just for risky late-night meetups. Couples go to love hotels for all sorts of reasons, and honestly, sometimes it’s just about escaping loud roommates or nosy family. Privacy is still a big deal, especially in crowded cities where getting alone time is tough.

But there’s more to it. People want something different—something you can’t get at those generic romantic hotels. Love hotels have leaned into that by offering wild room themes (think neon jungle, planetarium ceilings, even rooms with karaoke). According to a 2024 survey from the Japan Hotel Association, about 47% of people who use these hotels do it for the novelty, not just for privacy. So yeah, couples go for a quick romantic break, but others book a few hours just to hang, binge movies, or take TikTok photos in weird rooms.

Another reason? The booking process is actually less awkward than checking into a normal hotel for ‘just a few hours.’ Most love hotels are super discreet. No long forms, no awkward stares. Some let you book online, and many use touchscreen kiosk check-ins. For tech-savvy couples or those who want zero small talk, that’s a huge win.

• Discretion: Private entrances, automated check-in, and hidden parking make it easy to be invisible.
• Themed Experiences: Each room tells a story. Whether you’re into cabin vibes or futuristic décor, there’s a space for every mood.
• Flexible Stays: Most places rent by the hour, half-day, or overnight. No judgment, no confusing rules.
• Affordable Luxury: You can score a suite with a jacuzzi or fancy lighting for way less than a five-star romantic hotel.

Love hotels aren’t just limited to Japan anymore, either. Spots in South Korea, Brazil, and even parts of Europe are starting to copy the model: short stays, cool rooms, and big emphasis on comfort and privacy.

Unexpected Places Love Hotels Pop Up

You might picture love hotels as a purely Japanese thing, but they’ve gone global in some surprising ways. Sure, Japan is the gold standard—Tokyo alone has over 3,000—but love hotels have taken root outside Asia too.

Let’s start with South Korea. Here, they’re called “motels,” and in cities like Seoul and Busan, you’ll spot them hiding in plain sight. They look like regular business hotels from the outside, but inside, you’ll find all the privacy touches, soundproof walls, even karaoke setups—popular with both locals and travelers needing a break from crowded hostels.

Brazil has its own twist: “motels” are scattered all over major cities like Rio and São Paulo. Unlike their American cousins, these aren’t for overnight truckers but for couples looking for a short, discreet stay. Some motels here boast huge themed suites, whirlpools, and the kind of neon lighting you’d expect from a movie set. Local travel sites estimate there are well over 5,000 such spots nationwide.

Even in North America, the idea pops up—just in a more subtle way. New York and Los Angeles have seen a quiet wave of romantic hotels that offer day-use rooms and discreet check-ins. These might not scream “love hotel,” but the formula is the same: privacy first, judgment-free, and, often, room service champagne at the push of a button.

Here’s a quick look at where love hotels quietly thrive today:

• Japan: Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto (thousands of true love hotels)
• South Korea: Seoul, Busan (modern motels, many with crazy amenities)
• Brazil: Rio, São Paulo, Brasília (huge themed suites, 5,000+ motels nationwide)
• Taiwan & Thailand: Both have seen a rise in stylish love hotels in the last decade
• USA: New York, LA, Miami (discreet “romantic” day-use hotels)

So, if you’re hunting for a little privacy while traveling, don’t just search for ordinary hotels. Odds are, you’ll find a love hotel nearby, whether it’s called a motel, a theme suite, or something else entirely.

Tips for Booking (or Avoiding) a Love Hotel

If you’ve never tried a love hotel before, you’ll want a smooth first experience. Booking one is way different from regular hotels. Here’s what actually matters:

• Privacy Is the Norm: Most love hotels in Japan use touch-screen kiosks or window menus where you pick a room by picture or theme. Staff usually won’t ask your name—you just pay upfront, often with cash or a card. There are almost always private entrances and exits so you don’t have to bump into people.
• Short Stays or Overnight? Decide if you want a short break (often called a “rest”—usually 2-3 hours) or a full overnight stay (“stay”). Prices depend on the duration. Weekends and evenings are pricier. Typical short rest ranges from $20–$50 USD, while overnight can go from $50–$150 USD, depending on location and room type.
• What’s Included? Rooms nearly always include towels, toiletries, condoms, and sometimes free drinks or snacks. Fancier places have karaoke, game consoles, massage chairs, or themed costumes. Double-check on the website before you book so you’re not caught off guard.
• Location Matters: In Tokyo, Osaka, Seoul, and Taipei, areas with lots of romantic hotels will have clusters close to train stations. Rural Japan? You’ll need a car—many have hidden parking garages for extra privacy.
• Online Booking Options: Not every love hotel takes reservations online, but the trend is growing—especially with travelers getting curious. Some allow advance booking through Japanese sites or third-party booking apps (look for “love hotel” or “couple hotel” categories).
• If You Want to Avoid One: Some business hotels double as love hotels, especially near red-light districts. If you’re just looking for a bed and not the whole love hotel experience, read reviews carefully and check the property’s photos for telltale signs (neon lighting, hourly rates, themed rooms).

Here’s a breakdown of room features that show up in Japanese love hotels versus standard hotels:

If you're traveling as a couple and curious, a love hotel can be fun and stress-free with a little planning. If it’s not your thing, just knowing what to look out for will help you steer clear without any surprises.