Planes, Trains & Automobiles: 3 Hotels That Travel Through Time
Planes, trains, and automobiles hotels aren’t something you hear about every day — but some hotel stays actually tell the story of travel itself.
In this special mash-up episode, I’m taking you through three hotels that feel connected to travel history — from railroad roots in Wilmington, to aviation history in Dearborn, to full-on car culture in Daytona Beach.
If you like hotel reviews with a theme (and some actual personality), this one’s for you.
Let’s get into it!
🎥 Prefer to watch instead of read?
This blog is based on my YouTube episode: “Planes, Trains & Automobiles: 3 Hotels That Travel Through Time.” This Planes, Trains & Automobiles hotels episode connects three hotel stays tied to the history of transportation.
And if you want the deep-dive teen reviews for each stay, I linked all three full reviews below.
Stop #1: Trains — Aloft Wilmington at Coastline Center (Wilmington, NC)
This historic hotel sits inside the former Atlantic Coast Line Railroad headquarters — making it the perfect “train stop” for this travel-themed hotel journey.
If you’ve ever stayed in a hotel and thought, “Wait… this building has HISTORY,” this is that.
The Aloft Wilmington at Coastline Center is built inside a historic building (built in 1884) that used to be the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad headquarters until the 1950s — and the hotel still shows off that railroad-era character, even though the train tracks are long gone.
This stay was also my first time ever staying at an Aloft… and it ended up being one of the most unique teen-friendly hotels I’ve stayed at.
Why it felt “train-themed” in the best way:
- Historic building + modern industrial Aloft vibe
- Lobby energy that actually feels fun (games, hangout spaces, card table potential)
- Right on the Wilmington Riverwalk — meaning you can do a lot without driving
Teen highlights:
- Upgrade win: 2 Queen Suite with a balcony
- Balcony views of the Cape Fear River and Battleship North Carolina
- Nintendo Switch hookup was easy (plug-and-play vibes)
👉 Read the full hotel review here:
Aloft Wilmington at Coastline Center – Teen Hotel Review
Stop #2: Planes — The Dearborn Inn, Autograph Collection (Dearborn, MI)
Aviation history meets classic hospitality at this legendary hotel built by Henry Ford near the original Ford Airport.
This one isn’t just a historic hotel — it’s literally connected to early aviation history.
The Dearborn Inn opened in 1931 and was built by Henry Ford near the original Ford Airport. It’s known as one of the early “airport hotel” stories in the U.S., and even today it still feels like a time capsule — just upgraded.
This stay was also a personal milestone for me: my 100th different Marriott property.
Why it’s the “planes” stop:
- Built with aviation history nearby
- Historic significance recognized on site (including a U.S. Department of the Interior plaque)
- The whole property feels like old-school travel history — but updated
Teen highlights:
- Staff were next-level (seriously one of the best welcomes I’ve had)
- Room/suite experience felt special and milestone-worthy
- Wi-Fi was insanely fast (it ranks #2 on my Hotel Wi-Fi Speed Leaderboard)
- So much to do nearby, especially The Henry Ford Museum + Greenfield Village
👉 Read the full hotel review here:
The Dearborn Inn, Autograph Collection – My 100th Different Marriott Stay
🎬 Want every walkthrough video from this stay in one place?
Dearborn Inn Media Hub (room, suites, gym, restaurant, bar)
Stop #3: Automobiles — THE DAYTONA, Autograph Collection (Daytona Beach, FL)
Located across from Daytona International Speedway, this hotel celebrates American car culture and racing history.
Now we’re stepping on the gas.
THE DAYTONA is basically a full hotel experience built around racing and car culture — and it sits directly across from Daytona International Speedway inside the ONE Daytona complex.
Even if you don’t care about NASCAR, the vibe is impossible to miss. Everything is themed — but in a way that still feels stylish and fun, not cheesy.
Why it’s the “automobiles” stop:
- Speedway across the street
- Racing design details everywhere (cars, art, lighting, atmosphere)
- ONE Daytona location makes it feel like a high-energy travel base
Teen highlights:
- Room upgrades have been consistent on repeat stays
- Easy gaming setup + strong teen-friendly tech experience
- One of my favorite pool areas from any stay
- Food and theming at Blue Flame is genuinely memorable
👉 Read the full hotel review here:
THE DAYTONA, Autograph Collection – Legendary Revisit Review
(And if you’re curious, that post also links to my original Daytona review.)
Why These Planes, Trains & Automobiles Hotels Matter
These three hotels reminded me why I like travel content that has meaning behind it.
Each stay felt connected to a different era:
- Railroads → travel hubs, history, old buildings reused in a modern way
- Aviation → early airport culture + iconic American travel history
- Automobiles → speed, road trips, and high-energy destinations
It’s not just about where you stay.
Sometimes it’s about what the place represents.
Want the Full Reviews?
Here are the three full reviews linked again so you can go deeper:
- Aloft Wilmington at Coastline Center (Wilmington, NC) – Full Review
- The Dearborn Inn, Autograph Collection (Dearborn, MI) – Full Review
- THE DAYTONA, Autograph Collection (Daytona Beach, FL) – Revisit Review
And if you want every Dearborn video tour in one place:
Final Thought
This Planes, Trains & Automobiles hotels mash-up reminded me why I love hotels that tell a bigger travel story.
— Mateo
This Teen Travelz
Explore more:
USA Hotels – Teen Hotel Reviews
Autograph Collection Hotels – Teen Hotel Reviews