Classic road trip motels are a nostalgic reminder of the golden era of travel, where simplicity, character, and charm defined a night’s stay. These motels, often located along legendary routes like Route 66 or nestled in scenic small towns, offer a unique experience that transports travelers back in time. In this article, we’ll explore some of the must-visit classic motels, where vintage neon signs still glow and cozy rooms invite you to rest after a long day on the road. Whether you’re drawn by history, charm, or the adventure of a classic American road trip, these motels offer an unforgettable stay.
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Blue Swallow Motel – Tucumcari, New Mexico (Route 66)
The Blue Swallow Motel is a quintessential Route 66 destination, known for its vintage neon sign and classic mid-century charm. Built in 1939, this family-owned motel offers individually themed rooms, each featuring hand-painted murals and vintage decor that transports guests back to the heyday of the Mother Road. Located in Tucumcari, New Mexico, the motel is a favorite among Route 66 enthusiasts for its nostalgic ambiance and affordable pricing, with rooms averaging around $80 per night. The Blue Swallow offers a friendly, small-town experience with amenities like garages for each room, complimentary Wi-Fi, and the chance to connect with other road-trippers.
Wigwam Motel – Holbrook, Arizona (Route 66)
The Wigwam Motel in Holbrook, Arizona, is one of the most iconic stops on Route 66, featuring rooms shaped like teepees. Part of the historic “Wigwam Villages,” this motel offers a truly unique lodging experience with 15 concrete teepees, each equipped with modern conveniences like air conditioning and private bathrooms. Located along Route 66, it’s a must-stop for travelers seeking a nostalgic slice of Americana. Rates typically range between $70 and $90 per night, making it an affordable and fun roadside attraction. The motel’s kitschy charm, along with its proximity to the Petrified Forest National Park, makes it a perfect stop for any road trip.
Madonna Inn – San Luis Obispo, California (Highway 101)
The Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo is a legendary stop on California’s Highway 101, offering 110 uniquely themed rooms, each with its own distinctive decor. From the “Caveman Room” to the “Love Nest,” every room at this whimsical inn is an experience in itself. Built in 1958, the Madonna Inn has become a landmark for travelers seeking something out of the ordinary. Rates range from $200 to $400 per night, and the inn offers amenities like a spa, horseback riding, and a famous pink dining room. The lavish decor and over-the-top design make this motel a destination in itself for road trippers along the Central Coast.
El Rancho Hotel – Gallup, New Mexico (Route 66)
El Rancho Hotel in Gallup, New Mexico, is a classic Route 66 stop that has hosted Hollywood legends like John Wayne and Katherine Hepburn during the golden age of Western filmmaking. Built in 1937, this historic hotel offers rustic, Western-style rooms and a grand lobby featuring a stone fireplace and vintage memorabilia. Located right off Route 66, El Rancho is a step back in time, offering rooms for around $90 to $120 per night. Guests enjoy a bar, restaurant, and a rich history that’s felt in every corner of this vintage road trip motel.
Thunderbird Lodge – Redding, California (Interstate 5)
The Thunderbird Lodge in Redding, California, is a classic 1950s-era roadside motel located conveniently along Interstate 5. Known for its neon sign and retro decor, this motel offers clean, comfortable rooms with modern amenities such as free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and mini-fridges. Rates average around $80 to $100 per night, making it a budget-friendly option for road trippers. The Thunderbird Lodge is centrally located in Redding, offering easy access to nearby attractions like the Sundial Bridge and Lassen Volcanic National Park. Its vintage vibe and affordable rates make it a great stop on any road trip through Northern California.
The Sunset Motel – Asheville, North Carolina (Blue Ridge Parkway)
The Sunset Motel in Asheville, North Carolina, is a retro gem located just off the Blue Ridge Parkway. Built in the 1950s, this motel has been lovingly restored with vintage decor and modern comforts, offering a nostalgic yet comfortable experience for travelers exploring the scenic Appalachian Mountains. Rooms are cozy and affordable, ranging from $80 to $150 per night, and include free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and kitchenettes in some units. The Sunset Motel’s charm, proximity to downtown Asheville, and access to the Blue Ridge Parkway make it a perfect road trip stop for those seeking a classic roadside experience.
Motel Safari – Tucumcari, New Mexico (Route 66)
Motel Safari is another Route 66 classic, located in the heart of Tucumcari, New Mexico. This 1959 motel features mid-century modern design, complete with its iconic camel logo and retro neon sign. Rooms have been updated to include modern amenities like flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi, and comfortable bedding, while still retaining the vintage charm that Route 66 travelers love. Rates typically range from $70 to $100 per night. Motel Safari’s friendly service, clean rooms, and central location along Route 66 make it a must-visit for those driving the iconic highway.
Red Garter Inn – Williams, Arizona (Route 66/Grand Canyon)
The Red Garter Inn in Williams, Arizona, offers a unique combination of Route 66 history and proximity to the Grand Canyon. Housed in a restored 1897 saloon and bordello, this bed-and-breakfast-style motel offers rooms decorated in Victorian decor, providing a cozy, historic experience. Prices range from $100 to $150 per night, including breakfast. Williams is the “Gateway to the Grand Canyon,” making this an ideal stop for road trippers on Route 66 who plan to visit one of the world’s greatest natural wonders.
Big Texan Motel – Amarillo, Texas (Route 66)
The Big Texan Motel in Amarillo, Texas, is part of the famous Big Texan Steak Ranch, known for its 72-ounce steak challenge. The motel offers a kitschy, Western-themed experience, with rooms designed to resemble a Wild West saloon. Located right off Route 66, this motel is a fun and affordable stop for road trippers, with rates ranging from $70 to $120 per night. Guests can enjoy amenities like an outdoor pool and, of course, the opportunity to try the steak challenge next door. The Big Texan Motel’s quirky decor and friendly atmosphere make it a must-see for Route 66 travelers.
Safari Inn – Burbank, California (Highway 101)
The Safari Inn in Burbank, California, is a classic mid-century motel known for its iconic neon sign and vintage style. Built in 1955, the Safari Inn has been featured in numerous movies and TV shows, making it a must-visit for film buffs and road trippers alike. Rooms are spacious and equipped with modern amenities, and the motel features a rooftop pool with views of the Hollywood Hills. Rates average around $160 to $200 per night. Located along Highway 101, the Safari Inn offers easy access to Hollywood, Universal Studios, and the greater Los Angeles area, while still maintaining its retro charm.
The Shady Dell – Bisbee, Arizona (Historic Route 80)
The Shady Dell in Bisbee, Arizona, offers a unique retro lodging experience with a collection of vintage aluminum travel trailers from the 1940s and 1950s. Each trailer has been restored and outfitted with period-appropriate decor, giving guests a truly nostalgic experience. Located along Historic Route 80, The Shady Dell offers a unique blend of history and comfort, with rates starting around $100 per night. Guests can enjoy a communal fire pit and record players in some trailers. It’s a perfect stop for travelers looking to experience the quirky side of classic American road trips.
Motel 6 – Williams, Arizona (Interstate 40)
While Motel 6 may be a chain, the Williams, Arizona, location offers a classic roadside motel experience with a prime location near both Interstate 40 and Route 66. It’s an affordable option for those visiting the Grand Canyon, with rates typically ranging from $60 to $90 per night. The motel offers simple, clean rooms with modern amenities like free Wi-Fi, and it’s pet-friendly, making it a convenient stop for road trippers. Its proximity to the Grand Canyon Railway and historic downtown Williams adds to its appeal for road travelers seeking both comfort and affordability.
Stardust Lodge – South Lake Tahoe, California (U.S. Route 50)
The Stardust Lodge in South Lake Tahoe offers a retro-inspired mountain lodge experience, located right off U.S. Route 50. This classic 1950s motel has been updated to include modern amenities like kitchenettes, flat-screen TVs, and complimentary bikes and snowshoes for guests. Rates range from $120 to $200 per night, depending on the season. Its central location provides easy access to Lake Tahoe’s beaches, casinos, and ski resorts, making it a perfect stop for road trippers looking for both adventure and relaxation. The Stardust Lodge’s retro charm and outdoor-friendly perks make it a standout in the Tahoe area.
Route 66 Motel – Barstow, California (Route 66)
The Route 66 Motel in Barstow, California, is a classic roadside stop, complete with neon signs and vintage cars displayed in the parking lot. Built in the 1940s, this motel offers a nostalgic experience for travelers exploring the famous highway. Rooms are simple but comfortable, with rates ranging from $50 to $90 per night, making it a budget-friendly option for road trippers. The motel’s quirky decor, which includes old gas pumps and Route 66 memorabilia, makes it a must-see for anyone looking to soak up the history of the iconic highway.
Austin Motel – Austin, Texas (South Congress Avenue)
The Austin Motel, located on the trendy South Congress Avenue in Austin, Texas, is a retro-chic motel that has been a fixture of the city since 1938. Known for its iconic neon sign and vintage decor, the Austin Motel offers a fun and stylish place to stay, with rooms ranging from $150 to $300 per night. The motel features an outdoor pool, a mid-century modern design, and easy access to Austin’s music scene, restaurants, and shopping. Its unique blend of vintage charm and modern amenities makes it a favorite among road trippers and locals alike.
The Lincolnville Motel – Lincolnville, Maine (U.S. Route 1)
The Lincolnville Motel in Maine offers a cozy, retro vibe with its minimalist decor and classic roadside motel design. Located along U.S. Route 1, the motel is a perfect stop for travelers exploring the scenic coastal highways of New England. Rooms are stylishly simple, with rates averaging around $100 to $150 per night. The motel features a communal fire pit, hammocks, and beautiful views of the nearby Camden Hills. The Lincolnville Motel’s vintage charm and serene setting make it a great option for those seeking a peaceful road trip experience.
Timberline Lodge – Government Camp, Oregon (Highway 26)
The Timberline Lodge, located on the slopes of Mount Hood along Highway 26, is a historic mountain lodge that offers a unique blend of rustic charm and vintage elegance. Built in 1937 as part of the Works Progress Administration (WPA), the lodge features hand-carved wood accents, stone fireplaces, and breathtaking mountain views. Rates range from $160 to $300 per night. The lodge’s proximity to outdoor activities like skiing, hiking, and mountain biking makes it a popular destination for road trippers exploring the Pacific Northwest. Its historic significance and beautiful design make Timberline Lodge a must-see.
Ocean Park Motel – San Francisco, California (Great Highway)
The Ocean Park Motel in San Francisco is a classic 1930s Art Deco motel located just a block from the Pacific Ocean. This family-owned motel offers vintage charm with updated amenities, making it a perfect stop for travelers exploring California’s coastal highways. Rooms are cozy and affordable, with rates ranging from $120 to $180 per night. The motel’s proximity to Ocean Beach, Golden Gate Park, and other San Francisco attractions makes it a convenient and scenic stop for road trippers. The Ocean Park Motel’s Art Deco style and beachside location add to its enduring appeal.
Moonrise Hotel – St. Louis, Missouri (Route 66)
The Moonrise Hotel in St. Louis, Missouri, offers a modern twist on the classic Route 66 motel experience. Located along the historic route, the Moonrise Hotel features a retro-futuristic design, with eclectic decor and a rooftop bar offering views of the Gateway Arch. Rooms are stylish and comfortable, with rates averaging around $200 per night. The hotel’s location in the vibrant Delmar Loop neighborhood makes it a convenient base for exploring St. Louis. With its playful design and nod to the city’s space-age history, the Moonrise Hotel offers a fun and modern take on the classic road trip motel.
This article originally appeared on MyCarMakesNoise.
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