When it comes to quirky charm and vintage vibes, nothing beats a classic Route 66 motel. With neon signs that glow like campfire stories waiting to be told, these roadside retreats are living souvenirs from America’s golden age of road trips.
For nearly a century, the fabled highway known as Route 66 has lured dreamers, drifters, and road trip junkies from Chicago to Santa Monica. And along the way is a treasure trove of nostalgic stays that are anything but ordinary.
Since 1926, Route 66 has been more than a strip of asphalt stretching across eight states. As the centennial dawns, it remains a living museum of mid-century Americana. One of its most iconic features? The vintage Route 66 motels and hotels, each with its own tale to tell.
From pink Cadillac beds worthy of The King to teepees-turned-suites, these unforgettable accommodations are destinations in their own right. If the Mother Road is calling, these historic motels and hotels might just be the reason you finally answer.
What’s Your Favorite Vintage Stay Along Route 66?
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Best Western Route 66 Rail Haven, Springfield, Missouri
Since 1938, the Best Western Route 66 Rail Haven has been a welcome pit stop for travelers cruising the Mother Road. Originally a humble tourist court, this Springfield staple has evolved into a modern motel without losing its throwback charm. From its glowing neon sign to the vintage cars parked out front, the whole place screams classic Americana.
Step inside and you’ll find that the retro vibes don’t stop at the curb. The Elvis-themed suite is a standout — complete with a pink Cadillac footboard that doubles as a couch and a décor fit for the King himself. Whether you’re an Elvis superfan or just in it for the kitsch, it’s an unforgettable stay.
And because no road trip is complete without a solid breakfast, fuel up at nearby Casper’s Diner, a Springfield icon serving up legendary chili since 1909. For an extra dose of nostalgia, swing by the Route 66 Car Museum. From muscle cars to convertibles, it’s packed with vintage rides that once ruled this legendary highway.
Blue Swallow Motel, Tucumcari, New Mexico
Pulling into the Blue Swallow Motel feels like stepping into a postcard from the 1940s — in the best way possible. Since 1939, this Route 66 gem has been a favorite for travelers looking to soak up the nostalgia of America’s golden age of road trips. With its glowing neon sign, this cozy motor court motel is the kind of place that makes you want to leave your phone in the glove box and live analog for a bit.
Owners Robert and Dawn Federico have lovingly maintained the property, keeping its vintage soul alive, and motel guests will be hard pressed to find more friendly service along the historic route. Each of the 12 guest rooms is filled with period furnishings and retro charm — no cookie-cutter hotel vibes here. And yes, the garages attached to each room are still intact, decked out with hand-painted murals that are as unique as the guests who park there.
While you’re in Tucumcari, don’t miss the town’s colorful Route 66 murals. Quirky roadside stops like La Cita Mexican Restaurant (that sombrero roof!) and Tee Pee Curios add even more character to this unforgettable stretch of the Mother Road.
The Imperial, Albuquerque, New Mexico
If Mad Men had taken a detour through New Mexico, they would’ve checked into The Imperial. This 1964 roadside gem in Albuquerque’s East Downtown has been reimagined for today’s traveler — without losing its retro cool.
The rooms blend mid-century flair with modern-day comfort. Think bold geometric patterns, vintage-style furnishings, and pops of color that scream 1960s. But don’t worry — you’ll still have modern amenities like a smart TV, plush bedding, and all the comforts you want after a long day on the road.
Beyond the guest rooms, the Imperial turns up the charm with a hip cocktail lounge, an on-site food hall featuring local eats, and boutique retail shops perfect for browsing. The outdoor swimming pool and lounge chairs offer a sunny slice of retro relaxation, complete with that unmistakable Route 66 motel vibe. It’s a stylish throwback that channels mid-century charm without making you give up a strong Wi-Fi signal.
Wigwam Motel, Holbrook, Arizona and San Bernardino, California
Where else can you sleep in a concrete teepee under the glow of neon lights? Only at the Wigwam Motel — or should I say motels, plural. These iconic stays in Holbrook, Arizona, and San Bernardino, California, are two of just three surviving locations from a once seven-strong chain that dotted the American roadside.
In Holbrook, the Wigwam Motel has been welcoming Route 66 travelers since 1950. Each of its 15 wigwams is a 32-foot-tall concrete and steel cone, decked out with a bold red zigzag and hand-made hickory furniture inside. The layout is modest — no-frills but full of character. Parked vintage cars flank the property, and the classic neon sign out front makes nighttime feel like a scene from a mid-century movie.
In Southern California, the San Bernardino location adds palm trees and sunshine to the mix. The teepees here are nearly identical, but the vibe leans a little more surf than desert. Either way, both vintage motels serve up the kind of offbeat charm that helped make Route 66 legendary.
La Posada Hotel, Winslow, Arizona
Part historic hotel, part living museum, La Posada Hotel is where railroad elegance meets Route 66 adventure. Designed by Mary Colter — one of the most influential architects of the American Southwest — this 1930s masterpiece was the final grand hotel built by the Fred Harvey Company. And while it first catered to upscale train passengers, it didn’t take long for Route 66 travelers to check in.
As trains lost steam and road trips gained traction, La Posada found itself perfectly positioned at the intersection of old-school rail travel and the rise of the American highway. Today, it embraces both histories with equal flair. You can hear the rumble of trains just behind the property that is within walking distance of Winslow’s “Standin’ on the Corner” park — a wink to the Eagles’ famous lyric.
Inside, La Posada oozes 1930s charm with period furnishings, thick adobe walls, and colorful tile work. The hotel restaurant, The Turquoise Room, is a destination in itself, serving up modern Southwestern dishes with a side of elegance. Whether you arrive on four wheels or ride the rails, La Posada offers a rich, restful slice of the past — without skimping on modern-day comfort.
High Country Motor Lodge, Flagstaff, Arizona
Part retro retreat, part mountain lodge, the High Country Motor Lodge in Flagstaff is like a love letter to both Route 66 and the rugged beauty of Northern Arizona. Originally a 1962 Howard Johnson, this updated stay leans into its mid-century roots while offering all the comforts a 21st-century road tripper craves.
Each of the 120 guest rooms and suites channels retro cool with warm wood accents, bold patterns, and in-room tape decks complete with curated mixtapes. But it’s not all throwback — guests also enjoy plush bedding, Malin + Goetz bath products, and cozy touches that make it hard to leave. Bonus: With Flagstaff as your base, it’s a scenic drive from here to the Grand Canyon making the lodge a perfect overnight for adventurers headed that way.
Outside, the spirit of the Mother Road lives on in the communal courtyard where you’ll find fire pits, lawn games, and an outdoor pool. And when the sun goes down, the real magic begins. Flagstaff is the world’s first International Dark Sky City, which means stargazing here is the kind of jaw-dropping experience that makes you forget your phone exists. The lodge’s outdoor courtyard invites you to soak it all in with lawn games, fire pits, and a sparkling pool. There’s even a Nordic spa for hydrotherapy under the stars and a
El Trovatore Motel, Kingman, Arizona
Built in 1937 as a humble service station and expanded into a tourist court just two years later, El Trovatore Motel has been greeting Route 66 travelers since the glory days of road trips. Back then, it was one of the first roadside motels in Arizona to offer air-conditioned rooms — a serious perk in the scorching desert heat.
Perched on a bluff with sweeping views of the rugged Arizona landscape, this historic Route 66 landmark is easy to spot thanks to its towering neon sign and dramatic 100-foot spire. But what really sets it apart is the world’s longest Route 66 map — a 206-foot mural that wraps around the building and visually traces the highway’s path from Chicago to Santa Monica.
Step inside and you’ll find rooms themed around Hollywood’s golden age, with tributes to stars like Clark Gable, Audrey Hepburn, James Dean, and Marilyn Monroe. And like any good vintage stop along the ghost highway, El Trovatore comes with a few legends of its own — including whispered tales of things that go bump in the neon-lit night.
Sleep Tight on the Mother Road
More than just pavement and roadside attractions, Route 66 is a living, breathing story told in flickering neon, weathered signs, and motels that have decades of history etched into every room. These vintage stays are part of the journey. They offer a peek into the past and a cozy place to rest before the road calls again.
So whether you’re road-tripping westward with the windows down and the playlist cranked, or just detouring for a dose of nostalgia, these vintage stays will remind you why the Mother Road continues to captivate travelers nearly a century later. Pack your bags, grab a map, and let Route 66 show you the kind of hospitality that never goes out of style.
What’s Your Favorite Route 66 Motel or Hotel?
Did you sleep in a teepee? Spot a ghost? Or maybe lounge poolside under a neon glow straight out of 1957? I want to hear all about it! What historic Route 66 motel or hotel stole your heart (or at least gave you a great night’s sleep)? Drop your stories, tips, and can’t-miss recommendations in the comments below — because no one knows the Mother Road quite like the folks who’ve traveled it.
Portions of this article originally appeared on Food Drink Life.
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- Find low fares with airfarewatchdog and Skyscanner
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- Or take the scenic route on an epic road trip in a rental car or an RV from Outdoorsy
- From hotels to private homes, find the perfect accommodation with Hotels.com or Vrbo
- Travel in style with a suitcase, carry-on, backpack, or handbag from eBags
- Save on tickets to attractions, sightseeing tours, and more with CityPASS, Tiqets, and Viator
- Don’t leave home without travel insurance from AXA
- Discover the sights, history, and culture of your destination with an interactive scavenger hunt
- Need something else to plan your perfect trip? Visit my travel resources page for more trusted partners. Happy wandering!
I’m leaving for a Route 66 trip soon! Thanks to these hotel suggestions, I’ve had an easy time planning where to stay. I can’t wait to stay at the La Posada Hotel and explore the town of Winslow!
Two awesome stops along the Mother Road!