One retro item that works as well or better than modern ones are digital alarm clocks from the 80’s.

This is a rare opportunity to evangelize for one of my favorite products! Philips HF3520 Wake-Up Light With Colored Sunrise Simulation. Totally changed my mornings. (Not for vacation rentals, of course, given the price point. And I have a 5 year old model. But I love these things.)