Your Travel List Needs These 30 Retro American Motels

Retro motels

The first motel opened in 1925 in San Luis Obispo, California, providing a place to stay overnight while on long road trips. This marked the beginning of the motel industry, which grew rapidly alongside the increasing popularity of automobile travel. By the mid-century, motor lodges (motel combines the words 'motor' and 'hotel') could be found up and down America's highways. And now, they're having a moment again, with decades-old motels being spruced up for modern travelers, while retaining fun retro touches. Here are 30 of our favorites you can stay in right now.

Click through the gallery to see where you'll be staying on your next US road trip...

Drifter Hotel, New Orleans, Louisiana

This Big Easy motel describes itself as an 'exercise in modernized nostalgia' – and that’s pretty much on the money. The cool, low-rise property has mid-century flair, with a neon sign, streamlined furniture, and spaces filled with eclectic work by local artists. But the real crown jewel is the pool area: you’ll feel as though you’ve been whisked back to the 1950s as you sun yourself beneath a pastel umbrella and a disco ball. 

The Downtown Clifton, Tucson, Arizona

Immediately south of this desert city’s center, you’ll find The Downtown Clifton. The quirky digs have their roots in the 1940s, when a laid-back motel was first built along historic US Route 80 – and, happily, a 2019 restoration has not dulled the property's vintage charm. Rooms have a Southwestern-style vibe – think wicker furnishings and geometric-patterned textiles – plus retro touches like record players. The Red Light Lounge (pictured) is a top place for a sundowner too.

Bluebird Spa City Motor Lodge, Saratoga Springs, New York

There are plenty of reasons to visit Saratoga Springs: a thriving arts scene, live music, and this top-notch motel. It’s intended to resemble an artist’s studio, a place where retro meets modern. You'll find cool black-and-white photographs here, plus whitewashed bricks and a pool painted on the ground in the communal area. There’s a rooftop seating area and free bikes for lodge guests too.

Vagabond Hotel, Miami, Florida

Magic City isn't light on cool, retro accommodations – and this stylish motel is a winner. It's the real deal, dating back to 1953, when it first opened as a motel and restaurant-turned-lounge that attracted the likes of Sammy Davis Jr and Frank Sinatra. The property has had some modern updates, but it's still reminiscent of the era, with its funky signage and bold splashes of color. The coastal-themed pool bar is a top spot to hang out too.

The Dive Motel, Nashville, Tennessee

There are no holds barred when it comes to design at this retro-chic motel in Music City. You'll find fluffy pink throws, psychedelic walls, and spinning disco balls in the rooms, plus a wood-clad bar with grass-green booths and vintage TVs. But the best place to be is by the pool, sunbathing under a lemon-yellow umbrella.

Austin Motel, Austin, Texas

The retro theme of this place makes itself known from the get-go: a giant neon sign glitters in red and yellow above the entrance. Inside, the vibe continues, with gloriously kitsch patterned wallpaper in the bedrooms, while the pool area is extra colorful with a buzzy bar. The motel also has a top location in Austin's South Congress neighborhood, with its indie boutiques and lively night spots.

Beck’s Motor Lodge, San Francisco, California

Beck’s Motor Lodge places you within the Castro District, the beating heart of LGBTQ+ culture in San Francisco, filled with long-running bars. It was opened by its namesakes, Bill and Francis Beck, back in 1958 and its giant sign and bold blue-and-orange color scheme still turns heads today. Settle down on the rooftop sundeck and watch the neighborhood go by.

Thunderbird Inn, Savannah, Georgia

Tucked away in the Hostess City of the South, Thunderbird Inn was built back in 1964 and its low-rise architecture is typical of a mid-century motel – that's earned it a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. It got a revamp in 2016 and now has eye-popping blue, yellow and red accents and colorful artworks. The place is pet-friendly too.

The Lodge on the Cove, Kennebunkport, Maine

New England charm and a retro vibe combine at this fun spot in Kennebunkport. The place originally opened as a motel in the 1960s, but modern updates have given rooms a coastal theme, plus pops of lime green and bubblegum blue throughout. It prides itself on its family-friendly atmosphere, with lawn games, a good-sized pool, and a location close to the marina (kayak rentals are available). 

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The Astro, Santa Rosa, California

This Santa Rosa motel first opened in 1963, though it's since been tastefully remodeled by the owners of local restaurant The Spinster Sisters. Today guests will find rooms filled with mid-century curios from vintage cameras to artworks, plus sleek Eames chairs. Before opening its doors to the public again in 2017, it housed evacuees who were displaced during the devastating Tubbs Fire.

Holiday Music Motel, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin

This cheerful spot was the first-ever motel in Wisconsin's Door County, opening its doors back in 1952. It's stood the test of time, not without a few updates, and today it offers bright digs that place music at the fore. The motel hosts collaborative songwriting retreats, has its very own radio station – exclusively broadcasting the music created here – and hosts regular live performances too.

Amigo Motor Lodge, Salida, Colorado

The name hints at the friendly vibe of this place – and guests won't be disappointed. It's had more than 60 years to perfect its hospitality, but full renovations in 2016 mean the place is looking shiny and new. The decor is rustic and Southwestern in style, though the low-rise architecture and bold sign is a nod to its mid-century roots.

Phoenix Hotel, San Francisco, California

This motel is one for music fans: a who's-who of rock 'n' roll greats have stayed at this 1950s motor lodge, from David Bowie to Kurt Cobain (the Great American Music Hall is just across the way). It still looks the part too, especially with its updated 2018 design still looking fresh. Palms fill the pool area here, ringed by rooms with bright red doors. The room decor has plenty of 1950s accents and the low-lit restaurant lays on a seasonal menu by respected chef Anthony Tadeo.

Atomic Motel, Astoria, Oregon

The peach and aqua-blue tones of this Oregon motel immediately plunge you into the 1950s. It's purposely decked out to give off mid-century vibes, with vintage-style posters in bedrooms and rainbow-coloured furniture. Best of all, beloved local diner Pig 'n' Pancake is right next door, so you can continue the retro theme at your mealtimes.

Calistoga Motor Lodge and Spa, Calistoga, California

Another mid-century motel that's gone through a serious makeover in recent years, Calistoga Motor Lodge's decor still gives a nod to a bygone era. Rooms and common spaces take inspiration from the 1950s through to the 1970s, with pastel tones, quirky light fixtures, and patterned tilework. It's ideal for unwinding too: there are no less than three geothermal pools, plus a spa with a garden. You're also ideally placed in Napa wine country.

Unscripted Durham, Durham, North Carolina

Once a 1960s motor lodge that operated under the name Jack Tar Hotel, this property has been whipped into swish boutique lodgings with a retro edge. Life centers around The Patio, an elevated pool area with a bar serving craft cocktails. Rooms have a modern-vintage feel with daring patterned wallpaper and teal and mustard finishes. What's more, the property is pet-friendly too. 

Ohio House Motel, Chicago, Illinois

The Ohio House Motel dates back to 1960 and today it's an unexpected find in the Windy City's upscale River North neighborhood. It almost faced the wrecking ball, but happily it escaped demolition and was revamped instead. It's not lost its retro appeal, though: its giant sign, distinctive diamond-emblazoned roof, and bold pops of red draw in modern travelers.

Wagon Wheel Motel, Cuba, Missouri

This huddle of stone buildings looks a little different from the USA's other retro motor lodges – but they're part of what's been dubbed the 'oldest continuously operated motel' on historic Route 66. The Wagon Wheel Motel opened back in the 1930s and was updated when it came under new ownership in 2009. Rooms are snug and simple and onsite Connie's Shop sells all sorts of treasures, from jewelry to Route 66 memorabilia. 

Starlite Motel, Kerhonkson, New York

New York's Catskills aren't short on great lodgings. If you're after a classic motor lodge though, head to Starlite Motel in the Hudson Valley. It dates back to the 1960s and though it's had plenty of updates since then, the eye-catching motel signs, popping pastels, and low-rise blocks are a nod to decades gone by. The free popcorn in rooms is a nice touch too. 

Quail Park Lodge, Kanab, Utah

Location is a top draw for this cute motel in the city of Kanab: it places you within easy reach of Zion and Bryce Canyon National Park. It's well worth sticking around for the property itself too, though. It's got a cheerful, retro style, with crayon-colored furniture, Route 66-themed artwork, and a winking neon sign.

Palm Springs Rendezvous, Palm Springs, California

One of the oldest motels in the mix, Palm Springs Rendezvous was built back in the 1930s and expanded in the 1950s. In its heyday, the property played host to starlets including Marilyn Monroe and Gloria Swanson, and it's no wonder when you see the location, overlooked by the San Jacinto Mountains. Its stepped Bermuda-style roof and cheerful blue accents will whisk you back to the mid-century too. 

The Red Caboose Motel, Ronks, Pennsylvania

Few motels are more unique than this one. It's been open since the 1970s, when the property was made up of just 19 crimson cabooses. Fast-forward some five decades and there are now 38, plus a mail and a baggage car. The long-serving restaurant is beloved too: stop by for a menu of American classics including wings, pot roast, meatloaf and ribs.

Lincolnville Motel, Lincolnville, Maine

This cute string of huts is a stone's throw from West Penobscot Bay, in the little Maine town of Lincolnville. And they really are part of the furniture here: the lodgings opened as a motel back in the 1950s and are fresh from an upgrade in 2015. Still, though, record players and books in place of in-room TVs will make you feel like you're in the 1950s. The alfresco pool is a boon too. 

Mellow Moon Lodge, Del Norte, Colorado

Mellow Moon Lodge fashions itself as an 'upscale but down-to-earth roadside hotel'. It began life in the 1940s as the El Rancho Motel, though it's since been entirely restyled by its former owner, designer Jessica Lovelace. After purchasing the property in 2022, current proprietor Lauren Coleman has continued to revitalize the property. Today, guests will find a stylish and whitewashed bolthole nestled in the San Luis Valley. Make the most of the rental bikes and strike out into the wilderness. 

Stonewall Motor Lodge, Stonewall, Texas

Oenophiles will love the location of this quirky motel, which is set along Highway 290, in Texas' wine country. Stonewall opened as a motel in the 1960s and was once a hub for traveling reporters – there was even a darkroom for photojournalists. Now it's been turned into a chic boutique hotel with plenty of mid-century touches, including art from the 1960s.

Downtowner Boutique Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada

You're spoilt for choice when it comes to finding a base in Vegas – but you'll feel like you've stepped back in time with a stint at this nostalgic motel. The style is mid-century modern through and through, with gold accents, wood furniture, and funky artwork and there's a slew of great eating and drinking spots nearby. Located Downtown, the cool hotel puts you a stone's throw from the buzz of Fremont Street.

The Saugatuck Retro Resort, Saugatuck, Michigan

'Come for the night. Stay for the decade,' that's the motto at this down-to-earth motel in the leafy city of Saugatuck. It was built back in the 1950s – in the golden age of the motel – and a facelift has faithfully restored it to its mid-century glory. It's set on five green acres, with a sizeable pool, so you'll find it quite a task to leave.

The Gondolier Inn, Naples, Florida

The Gondolier Inn was a family affair from the start, opened by husband and wife team Henry and Leona Harer in 1958. And it remained in the Harer family right up until 2018. Now it's owned by designer Kristen Williams, who gave the property a makeover, while remaining faithful to its 1950s roots. The pastel-pink facade and striped awnings are charming, and the leafy backyard is a favorite hangout spot for guests.

Thunderbird Hotel, Marfa, Texas

The quirky desert town of Marfa is known as a cool creative outpost, drawing artists and art-lovers from around the States. And this quirky motel is another reason to make a pitstop. It styles itself as 'a classic mid-century roadside hotel,' complete with the staple neon sign and record players available for rent. The outdoor spaces are lovely too: there's a sleek pool, fire pits, and cruiser bikes for hire.

Motel Safari, Tucumcari, New Mexico

Dubbing itself a 'Route 66 classic for over 60 years', this cool motel first opened along the Mother Road back in 1960. Its distinctive Googie architecture style still has modern guests whipping out their camera, as do the eye-catching geometric sign and splashes of neon. Today, rooms have mod cons, including HD TVs and Keurig coffee makers, and the patio is a nice spot to wind down after a day on the road.

Now take a look at America's best roadside attractions

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