Summer is the season for road trips, when families, couples
and groups of friends head out to explore the far reaches of the USA from
behind the wheel.
Individually owned roadside motels, which once dominated the
landscape in the United States, were often the accommodation of choice (and
usually the only option) in the middle of the 20th century. Designed
specifically for the convenience of travelers taking long-distance automobile
trips, these hotels went by several names: motor inn, motor court, motor lodge
and motor hotel, which is usually abbreviated to the most popular term,
“motel.”
Today, these car-friendly establishments, a decidedly unique
creation of the 20th century often graced with neon signs and
eye-catching architecture, are far less common. However, there are still some
properties that blend quirky mid-century style with 21st-century
cool. Here are 16 standouts.
West Coast Motels
The Astro, Santa Rosa,
California: This Sonoma County motel, which opened in 1963, leans
heavily into its midcentury roots, with furniture and art from that era gracing
guest rooms and a collection of vintage books and toys ready to provide
diversion for guests. The Astro even has a bicycle sommelier to help cyclists
get the most out of their visit.
Cuyama Buckhorn, Buckhorn, California: Situated in
California’s high desert, this 1952 gem offers firepits, a restaurant, a
swimming pool and 21 guest rooms with custom-built furniture and semi-private
patios.
Skyview Motel, Los Alamos, California: Located near
San Luis Obispo, this refurbished hilltop property dates to 1959 and features a
restaurant, a swimming pool conveniently close to the retro “Motel” sign (ideal
for selfies) and even its own vineyard, which is the source of the Skyview’s
house rose.
Surfsand Resort,
Cannon Beach, Oregon: About 80 miles south of Portland, this 1967 motel
wrapped up a $12 million renovation in 2024 and offers nightly beach bonfires,
bicycle access, and a vintage 1933 penny arcade in the lobby.
The Wigwam. (Photo Credit: The Wigwam)
Arizona Motels
Americana Motor Hotel, Flagstaff, Arizona: The cast and
crew of the movie “Easy Rider” checked into this hotel back in 1969, and today,
guests at this property can still indulge in some Route 66 cool — including
neon signage and 1970s-inspired guest room décor. The new Highway to Hops
package includes a mini fridge stocked with local beers.
The Wigwam, Litchfield Park, Arizona: A member of Historic Hotels of
America, the Wigwam first opened in 1918 as a corporate retreat for Goodyear
employees. Today, the hotel — which is located in Phoenix’s West Valley — is
home to a 26,000-square-foot spa, four dining venues, three pools, three golf
courses and nine tennis courts.
New Mexico Motels
Blue Swallow Motel, Tucumcari, New Mexico: Vintage neon
signage beckons at this Route 66 classic, where you can buy an old-fashioned
plastic motel keychain in the gift shop. Management even offers guided property
tours.
El Vado, Albuquerque, New
Mexico: First opened in 1937, El Vado serves up Route 66 charm and interesting
diversions; local vendors and live musicians often appear at the motel’s
outdoor space, El Vado Plaza.
Hotel Zazz,
Albuquerque, New Mexico: A colorful, creative reimagining of the
roadside experience, Hotel Zazz features fun touches, including daily Popsicle
happy hours, poolside movie screenings and a hip speakeasy.
Astro Motel. (Photo Credit: Astro Motel / Sonoma County Tourism)
Midwest and Midsouth Motels
Bardstown Motor Lodge, Kentucky: Located in the heart of
bourbon country, this recently renovated motel keeps the retro vibe alive with mid-century
modern furnishings; it’s also home to the Bardstown Swim Club, a pool with
cabanas and a bar.
Best Western Route 66 Rail Haven, Springfield, Missouri: Don’t be
fooled by the major brand affiliation. This motel celebrates its one-of-a-kind
heritage with eight sandstone cottages that date to 1938 and themed rooms — travelers
can opt to reserve the room where Elvis Presley once slept, which is now furnished
with a pink Cadillac-inspired couch.
The Classen Inn, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma: This
restored 1963 motor lodge offers vibrantly decorated guest rooms and
photo-worthy signage. It’s home to the Superette, a lounge-style take on a
classic midwestern convenience store.
New York Motels
Blue Fox Motel, Narrowsburg, New York: This 1950s Catskills
motel, located about two hours from New York City, heats up in the summer with pool
parties and live music. The Blue Fox added a new pickleball court and poolside
pizza bar this year.
Silver Sands Motel & Beach Bungalows, Greenport, New
York: This sprawling Long Island motel offers beachfront bungalows and
refurbished, mid-century hotel rooms. The property, which operates completely
free of fossil fuels, is home to an oyster bar that opens for the warmer
months.
Americana Motor Hotel heated pool. (Photo Credit: Practice Hospitality)
Southern Motels
Hotel Palms, Atlantic Beach, Florida: This handsomely refurbished 1947
beachside motel offers amenities, including free loaner bikes, rooms with bunk
beds and free movie nights. The ocean is just two blocks away.
Thunderbird Inn,
Savannah, Georgia: Originally opened in 1964, the Thunderbird Inn has become a
retro-chic hub, with guest-pleasing extras including free hot popcorn, Moon
Pies and RC Cola. Accommodation options include a king suite furnished with a
vintage typewriter.
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