10 Best Roadside Motels Across the Country, According to Readers

Photo courtesy of Nancy C. Ross/Getty Images

During the early years of the 20th century, Americans rode the nation’s newly-minted highways, and roadside motels (a portmanteau of “motor hotel”) sprung up to accommodate these travelers. Many of these historic properties have been refurbished in retro-chic ways, combining their vintage charm with modern amenities.

To find the top 10 roadside motels across the country, a panel of experts teamed up with 10Best editors to select the top 10 nominees, and the top 10 winners were determined by popular vote.

Photo courtesy of Sydney Brown

#10: Skyview – Los Alamos, CA

This 1959 roadside motel, set on a five-acre hillside, is reborn with modern amenities and furnishings. The 33 air-conditioned rooms have pillow-top beds with down duvets and Frette Italian linens, flat-screen TVs, Nespresso machines, and high-speed Internet access; some rooms have indoor fireplaces and private patios.

The Norman restaurant offers food throughout the day and the bar is well stocked. Surrounded by ranches, farms, and vineyards in California’s Santa Ynez Valley, it’s a great base for visiting local tasting rooms, antique stores, art galleries, and restaurants.

Photo courtesy of Dog Bark Park

#9: Dog Bark Park Inn – Cottonwood, Idaho

Guests of the Dog Bark Park Inn can stay inside the world’s largest beagle. Stays include free self-service breakfast and Wi-Fi. Owners Dennis and Frances double as chainsaw artists; they made many of the furniture for the hotel.

Photo courtesy of Wigwam Motel

#8: Wigwam Motel – Holbrook, Arizona

Wigwam Village #6 has long been one of the most recognizable landmarks along historic Route 66. The motel opened in 1950 but has since been renovated with a host of modern amenities.

Photo courtesy of Blue Swallow Motel

#7: Blue Swallow Motel – Tucumcari, New Mexico

The Blue Swallow in Tucumcari, New Mexico has been welcoming travelers along historic Route 66 since 1939. This family-run motel offers restored rooms equipped with work desks, sitting areas, vintage lamps and telephones. dial. A classic neon sign still lights up the historic courtyard each night.

Photo courtesy of Hotel Vagabond

#6: The Vagabond Hotel – Miami, Florida

This newly renovated Miami hotel features a retro lobby and 42 retro-chic guest rooms, with in-room amenities like free Wi-Fi, terrazzo and wood floors, flat-screen TVs, furniture inspired by the 1950s and oversized walk-in showers. The property also has a swimming pool with restored tile mosaics and a cocktail bar.

Photo courtesy of Ben Yanto

#5: Stonewall Motor Lodge – Stonewall, Texas

Built in 1964 to accommodate journalists, secret service agents and celebrities who flock to the nearby LBJ Ranch, the Stonewall has recently been revived with modern technology and luxury amenities. With twelve renovated ground floor rooms, four private cabins, and five RV sites on the three-acre property, guests can plan their trips to more than 75 wineries, breweries, restaurants, and other area attractions. . To end your day, catch a breeze on the rooftop observation deck or relax under the trees with a chill by the barn equipped with a TV.

Photo courtesy of Adam Kuehl

#4: The Thunderbird Inn – Savannah, GA

Parking in the parking lot under the huge neon “Thunderbird” sign will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time to 1964 when this roadside motel first opened. However, you’ll find that this pet-friendly two-story classic is modern and state-of-the-art, with solar power, recycling, water conservation, and an EV charging station. The 42 non-smoking rooms feature flat-screen TVs, pillowtop beds with premium bedding, designer toiletries, and free internet. Free moon pies and sodas are left in rooms, and free donuts and popcorn are offered in the morning.

Photo courtesy of KC Keefer

#3: Roadrunner Lodge – Tucumcari, New Mexico

This restored Route 66 motel blends mid-century style with modern conveniences, like premium mattresses, plush towels, free Wi-Fi, and HD TVs with over 120 channels. The historic property is truly a family operation.

Photo courtesy of Sunset Motel

#2: The Sunset Motel – Brevard, NC

The Sunset Motel celebrates the allure of the open road by offering clean, comfortable accommodations and friendly service to visitors. Amenities include free Wi-Fi and cable, and chairs outside each door for guests to visit their neighbors.

Photo courtesy of Lily Larson Photography

#1: The Local – St. Augustine – St. Augustine, Florida

Owners Leila and Adam restored the former Island Shores motel in St. Augustine to its heyday in the 1950s, added app-based self-check-in/out and keyless entry, and have renamed The Local – St. Augustine. The 20 non-smoking, air-conditioned rooms have a retro vibe with lots of coral and tropical themes. Each room includes a refrigerator, microwave, safe and cable TV.

10Best contributor Rob Taylor of 2TravelDads remarks, “A nearly forgotten roadside motel on the way to the beach, the Local is freshly updated and perfect for a vintage ROSE vacation in Florida between historic St Augustine and beautiful beaches. .