Do Love Hotels Still Exist? What They Are Today and Where to Find Them

Love hotels still exist - and they’re more common than you think. Not just in Japan, but across Asia, Europe, and even parts of North America. They’re not what most people imagine. No neon signs flashing ‘romance’ or cheesy heart-shaped bathtubs (though some still have those). Today’s love hotels are clean, tech-savvy, discreet, and often surprisingly upscale. They’re not about sleaze. They’re about privacy, convenience, and control over time and space - something modern couples value more than ever.

What Exactly Is a Love Hotel?

A love hotel is a type of short-stay accommodation designed for couples seeking privacy. They’re rented by the hour or night, with no questions asked. Check-in is usually automated - kiosks, key cards, or even app-based entry. Staff rarely interact with guests. Rooms are themed, soundproofed, and stocked with amenities: mood lighting, jacuzzis, TVs with adult-friendly content, and sometimes even karaoke machines or massage chairs. Many have automatic curtains, hidden speakers, and remote-controlled beds.

The term ‘love hotel’ comes from Japan, where they’ve been around since the 1960s. But the concept isn’t Japanese alone. Similar places exist in South Korea as ‘motel’ (not the American kind), in Thailand as ‘hourly hotels,’ and in France as ‘hotels à la journée.’ In Canada and the U.S., you’ll find them under names like ‘couple’s suites,’ ‘romance packages,’ or ‘hourly motels’ - often tucked into strip malls or off highway exits.

Why Do People Use Them?

It’s not just about sex. People use love hotels for many reasons. Some are long-distance couples who only get a few hours together. Others are newlyweds who can’t afford a full-night stay at a luxury resort. Some are single parents who need a quiet, private space to reconnect with a partner without kids around. Others just want to escape the monotony of home - a change of scenery, no laundry, no chores, no judgment.

In Tokyo, a 2-hour stay at a mid-range love hotel costs around ¥5,000 ($30 USD). That’s less than a dinner for two at a decent restaurant. For that price, you get a room with a steam shower, a heated toilet seat, a 55-inch TV, and a minibar. In Seoul, you can book a room with a private karaoke booth for under $40. In Toronto, hourly suites near the airport start at $35 for two hours. The value isn’t in luxury - it’s in time, privacy, and ease.

How Have Love Hotels Changed?

They’ve evolved. Older love hotels were often seedy, with flickering lights and peeling wallpaper. Today’s versions look like boutique hotels. Many have minimalist design, natural wood finishes, and smart home tech. Some even have air purifiers, UV sanitizers, and voice-controlled lighting. In Japan, top-tier love hotels like Hotel R & B a high-end Tokyo love hotel known for its art deco interiors and 24/7 concierge service offer room service, curated playlists, and even personalized scent diffusers.

Booking is now mostly digital. Apps like Love Hotel Finder a mobile app used across Asia to locate, compare, and book hourly romantic hotels let you filter by theme (space, jungle, retro, etc.), price, amenities, and distance. You can even read real guest reviews - not just about the bed, but about the soundproofing, cleanliness, and how discreet the staff were.

Security is tighter too. No ID is required. No credit card is needed. Payment is cash-only or via prepaid cards. Many have separate entrances, private elevators, and no lobby. In some places, you walk straight from the parking lot into your room. No one asks why you’re there. No one cares.

Where Can You Find Them Today?

Japan still leads. Cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka have hundreds. Shinjuku’s Kabukicho district alone has over 300. But they’re not just in big cities. Even rural towns in Hokkaido have them - often with hot spring baths and views of snow-capped mountains.

South Korea has them everywhere. In Busan, you’ll find rooms with ocean views. In Seoul, some have built-in saunas and massage tables. Thailand’s love hotels cluster in Pattaya and Bangkok, often with Thai-style decor and rooftop pools.

In Europe, France and Spain have the most. In Paris, Hôtel de l’Amour a discreet, upscale hourly hotel in Montmartre with velvet walls and candlelit tubs is popular with tourists and locals alike. In Spain, the ‘motel’ culture is strong near highways - especially in Catalonia and Andalusia.

North America is trickier. There are no branded chains. But hourly suites exist. In Vancouver, you’ll find them in Burnaby and Surrey - often listed as ‘romantic getaways’ on Airbnb or Booking.com. In Las Vegas, some motels on the Strip offer 2-hour ‘romance packages’ with champagne and chocolates. In Toronto, the area around Pearson Airport has several 24/7 suites marketed as ‘quiet retreats.’

Are They Legal Everywhere?

Yes - but regulations vary. In Japan and South Korea, they’re fully legal and regulated. In Europe, they’re legal as long as they don’t promote prostitution. In the U.S., they’re legal unless they violate zoning laws or local decency ordinances. Some cities ban them outright. Others allow them as ‘short-term lodging’ with no mention of romance.

In Canada, there’s no federal law against them. But municipalities can restrict them. Vancouver allows hourly rentals as long as they’re not advertised as ‘romantic’ or ‘adult-only.’ That’s why you won’t find signs saying ‘Love Hotel’ here. But you’ll find places with names like ‘The Haven’ or ‘The Retreat’ - and if you search ‘hourly hotel near me’ on Google, they pop up.

What’s the Future of Love Hotels?

They’re not dying. They’re adapting. As remote work grows and urban living gets tighter, people need private space more than ever. Couples who live with roommates, aging parents, or kids need a place to be alone. Love hotels fill that gap.

New trends are emerging. Some hotels now offer ‘digital detox’ packages - no screens, just candles, books, and baths. Others partner with therapists to offer ‘connection sessions’ - guided talks for couples who want to reconnect. In Osaka, one hotel even lets you book a ‘memory-making’ package: photos, a keepsake journal, and a playlist you create together.

They’re also becoming more inclusive. Many now welcome LGBTQ+ couples. Some have gender-neutral rooms. Others offer non-binary themes - like ‘cosmic’ or ‘forest’ - that don’t rely on traditional romance tropes.

Should You Try One?

If you’re curious, go ahead. They’re safe, clean, and affordable. Just know what you’re getting. Read reviews. Check the photos. Look for mentions of cleanliness, noise levels, and staff discretion. Avoid places with no photos or no reviews - they’re often sketchy.

Don’t expect wild parties or drugs. These aren’t clubs. They’re quiet, private, and focused on one thing: giving you time with someone you care about, without interruptions.

Some people feel awkward walking in. That’s normal. But the staff don’t judge. They’ve seen it all. The moment you swipe your key card and the door clicks shut, you’re in your own world. No one else is there. No one else knows. And for a few hours, that’s enough.