The following list identifies motels that the blog author has enjoyed staying in over the years and found to be wonderful representations of classic motor travel lodging. Each has its own unique persona that is a very welcome respite from chains and name brands.
Many of these are historic treasures that still welcome guests and quickly remind one of a more-relaxing bygone era while providing modern amenities. Often, their signs are among the most intriguing and unique in the community – especially for us neon lovers! As more are stayed in and enjoyed, they will be added to the list. Peace!
Blue Pine Motel – Panguitch, Utah – A lovely motel that’s just a short distance from Bryce Canyon National Park.
Boulder Twin Lakes Inn – Boulder, Colorado – A restful location away from the hubbub of the city.
Broken Arrow Campground and Inn – Custer, South Dakota – A perfect, peaceful location in the Black Hills away from the crowds. A small inn and cabins are available.
Canyon Lodge Motel (1962) – Seligman, Arizona – Nice lodging in the town that inspired the Pixar movie Cars.
Cat Mountain Lodge & Roadside Inn (2010/2018) – Tucson, Arizona – Great eco-friendly lodging located in a beautiful area just west of the city. – Added 5/27/24
Circle R Motel (1950s) – Salida, Colorado – A fun place to stay and situated in one of Colorado’s most endearing towns. Be sure to check out nearby downtown Salida!
Dusty Boots Motel – Cloudcroft, New Mexico – Quiet, unique, cowboy themed motel in the mountains.
El Vado Hotel (1937) – Albuquerque, New Mexico – A fabulous restoration of a classic Route 66 motel with cute shops and quick-serve dining near Old Town and the BioPark.
Healing Waters Resort & Spa (1950) -Pagosa Springs, Colorado – Lodging combined with sooting hot spring pools and spa. – Added 5/27/24
Laughing Lizard Inn – Jemez Springs, New Mexico – Set in the lovely Jemez Canyon/Mountains. – Added 5/27/24
Lincoln Motel (1939) – Chandler, Oklahoma – A Route 66 classic motel!
Marin Lodge (early 1960s) – San Rafael, California – Conveniently located north of the Golden Gate Bridge. – Added 5/28/24
Red Rock Motel (1958) – Page, Arizona – Charming lodging in the historic part of Page.
The Skylark (1955) – Palm Springs, California – Beautiful mid-century modern lodging in the desert. – Added 5/28/24
Ute Bluff Lodge and Cabins – South Fork, Colorado – Easily accessible to many Colorado trails and mountains.
Wagon Wheel Motel (1938) – Cuba, Missouri – A Route 66 classic motor court. Full of charm.
White Sands Motel – Alamogordo, New Mexico – A wonderful classic motel near White Sands National Park and the mountains.
If you enjoy staying in classic motels and motor courts as much as this author does, here are three book options on their in American history that are available via Amazon.com*
*A link has been provided for each book to Amazon.com. A small commission is earned from purchases that are made using the above links to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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