Classic Motels on Route 66
Those traveling on Route 66 have literally thousands of lodging options to choose from as they motor across the eight states along The Mother Road.
Many Route 66 roadtrippers seek out historic, vintage motels like the Wagon Wheel Motel, Blue Swallow Motel, Boots Court, La Posada in Winslow or the El Rancho in Gallup. These classic lodging facilities are typically independently-operated by "Mom and Pop" owners.
Selecting a motel or hotel can be a daunting experience!
On this page we highlight some of the popular, classic, vintage motels and hotels still in operation along the Mother Road, and present hotel listings and traveler reviews from TripAdvisor.
| This website has no affiliation with, or connection to, any listed hotel properties. Listings from TripAdvisor are provided as a starting point in your hotel research. It is always recommended that travelers do their own research and make informed decisions about the hotels they book. |
The Wagon Wheel Motel in Cuba, Missouri
The Wagon Wheel Cabins, Cafe & Station were built in the chaotic times of 1935 when the nation was barely out of the depression, and the dust bowl had destroyed millions of acres of fertile land. Robert and Margaret Martin where the first owners, purchasing the land in 1934. The Martins hired Leo Friesenhan to do the construction work. Work was done on all the buildings at the same time, and local farmers carried the stone to the site. Leo's combination of stone, design, and nearly indestructable mortar recipe has endured until modern times, giving the Wagon Wheel its spot on the National Registry of Historic Places. Today, carefully and lovingly restored, it is the oldest continuously operated motel on Route 66. It is thought to be the inspiration for the "Wheel Well Motel" in the Disney movie "Cars". Connie's Shoppe, along with the motel office, is located in what was once the Cafe. It has a mix of old and new, selected with a flair for the unique. This is where visitors can sit a spell and have a glass of wine in the evening or a cup of hot fresh coffee in the morning. Browsing for a special memento or a bit of bling is a favorite past time for Wagon Wheel guests. The Shoppe features handmade jewelry, artwork, Route 66 books, maps, postcards, calendars ... and much more! Address: East side of Cuba on Highway 66, at 901 East Washington Street
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Best Western Route 66 Rail Haven in Springfield, Missouri
At the Rail Haven, themed rooms celebrate the history of this Route 66 motel with nostalgic decor. Eight original sandstone cottages were built in 1938, 12 years after Route 66 was established in Springfield. Today, Best Western Route 66 Rail Haven features updated accommodations that honor the past while pampering travelers with modern amenities. Guest rooms feature free high-speed Internet, cable TVs, DVD players, coffee makers, refrigerators and microwaves. Address:203 S Glenstone Avenue |
Rockwood Motor Court in Springfield, Missouri
In 1929, Rockwood Court was built on Route 66 and Deverne Ruckman began operating it as a tourist camp. All six cabins, as well as the filling station, café, and remaining single car garage, are original to the property. Today, the property remains in operation and further restoration. In 2020, the restoration of the gas station and house, long operated as a restaurant, began and they will be returned to their original purposes. The stucco and rock house will become a part time residence for the owners and a part time short term stay rental. The gas station will take on the look of a filling station again and become the tenth overnight rental unit with a gas station theme. Address: 2200 W College Street in Springfield, Missouri
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Boots Court in Carthage, Missouri
The Boots Court, a historic motel, is located along the famed U.S. Route 66 in Carthage, Missouri. One of the oldest and few remaining in operation on Route 66, The Boots was constructed in 1939 by Arthur Boots. After many decades of catering to travelers, this iconic and unique Streamline Moderne motel fell into disrepair. Over the last decade, flat roof restoration was completed and partial room renovations were begun by previous owners. The nonprofit Boots Court Foundation saved the motel from possible demolition and has overseen a full restoration. The Foundation seeks to ensure the historic and architectural integrity of unique and significant properties so that they may be preserved and enjoyed by the community and visitors for generations to come. The Boots is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Boots Court is now open for Route 66 travelers to enjoy vintage charm and modern comfort. Address: 107 South Garrison Avenue in Carthage
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Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari, New Mexico
The Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari has been serving travelers along the Mother Road since 1939, and today guests enjoy a pleasant reminder of what it was like to travel across the USA on Route 66 in the “good old days.” Unlike the big corporately-owned chains, the Blue Swallow is family owned and operated. From the beautifully restored rooms, to the distinctive attached garages, to the fabulous neon display each night, a stay at the Blue Swallow is a unique experience that leaves guests rested, refreshed, and with wonderful new memories. Come take a step back to a simpler time, meet your neighbors from around the world, and relax under the glow of the neon lights in the historic courtyard of the Blue Swallow Motel. The gift shop onsite offers a large variety of goods and Route 66 materials, such as pins, patches, mugs, caps, T-shirts and more! The Blue Swallow has become one of the most sought-after lodging destinations on all of Route 66! Make your plans and reservations well in advance of your stopover in Tucumcari. Address: 815 East Route 66 Boulevard in Tucumcari
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Roadrunner Lodge in Tucumcari
The older portion of this popular lodging property, on the west side, was built in 1947 as La Plaza Court. Beginning in 2014, the owner rebuilt a previously lost part of classic Americana, and gave it the name “Roadrunner Lodge”. Today, the Roadrunner offers premium bedding, plush bathroom accessories, fast Wi-Fi, a laundry and other amenities. Route 66 travelers that call ahead or reserve online will have their room prepared for their arrival with the lights on and the radio tuned to Roadrunner Lodge Motel’s own station! Address: 1023 East Route 66 Boulevard in Tucumcari
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Motel Safari in Tucumcari
The Motel Safari opened in 1959, and today many of the original design elements are still evident, such as the quirky geometric sign, oozing brick mortar and counter stacked bricks in the facade, and square holes in the cinder block structures. Route 66 travelers enjoy mid-century modern style with today's conveniences! All rooms include free Wi-Fi, cable HDTV, and in-room Route 66 Radio. Address: 722 East Route 66 Boulevard in Tucumcari
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Hotel El Rancho in Gallup, New Mexico
"Charm of Yesterday ... Convenience of Tomorrow" R.E. Griff came to Gallup in the early 1930s and loved the stark landscapes, mesas and endless vistas. He built the Hotel El Rancho in 1936 and it soon became a popular staging area for Western movie productions. During the 1930s and 1940s over 100 Westerns were shot in the Gallup area, with numerous stars lodging at the El Rancho. The large guest list included John Wayne, Katherine Hepburn, Ronald Reagan, Mae West, Kirk Douglas and many more. Today, the popularity of the hotel remains and is a favorite stopping point for Route 66 travelers! The Silver Screen restaurant features an original ranch-style dining room with high ceilings, exposed wood beam trusses and rustic cowboy décor. The Silver Screen takes an uncomplicated approach to familiar favorites with an emphasis on traditional Southwestern flavors. It’s a fun, casual setting! The elegant 49er Lounge is a great place to unwind and cool down after a day of roadtripping on Route 66! It’s widely agreed, the finest Native American artwork is created in New Mexico. And Gallup has been at the center of it all for more than 100 years. For much of that time the Ortega family has offered outstanding Indian arts and crafts at its shops here and in Arizona. Today, The Last Trading Post located in the Hotel Rancho specializes in rugs and blankets, silver and turquoise jewelry, pottery, Katsina (Kachina) dolls and carvings, and other traditional Native crafts from some of the Southwest’s finest artists. Address: 1000 East Highway 66 in Gallup
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Wigwam Village Number 6 in Holbrook, Arizona
Located in Holbrook is one of the three remaining Wigwam Villages. The other two are located in San Bernardino, California (No. 7) , and Cave City, Kentucky (No. 2). A total of seven Wigwam Villages were constructed between 1936 and the 1950s. While passing through Cave City, Kentucky in 1938, Chester E. Lewis was impressed by the distinctive design of the original Wigwam Village constructed in 1937 by architect Frank Redford. Mr. Lewis purchased copies of the plans and the right to use the Wigwam Village name. Finished in 1950, Mr. Lewis’ village was the sixth village build, thus its designation as Wigwam Village No. 6. Today, each teepee has a private bathroom with toilet and shower, a television, air conditioner and original hand-made hickory furniture. Vintage automobiles are permanently parked throughout the property, including a Studebaker that belonged to Mr. Lewis. It continues to be operated by the Lewis family, and you can "sleep in a wigwam". In the Pixar-Disney film "Cars", the Cozy Cone Motel was inspired by the unique Wigwam Motels found along the Route, including this one in Holbrook, Arizona, and another in San Bernardino, California. Address: 811 West Hopi Drive in Holbrook
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La Posada Hotel in Winslow, Arizona
The story of this famous hotel begins with Fred Harvey, who “civilized the west” by introducing linen, silverware, china, crystal, and impeccable service to railroad travel. Harvey developed and ran all the hotels and restaurants of the Santa Fe Railway, eventually controlling a hospitality empire that spanned the continent. In the 1920s, Harvey decided to build a major hotel in the center of northern Arizona. “La Posada”—the Resting Place—was to be the finest in the Southwest. Mary Elizabeth Jane Colter was the hotel’s renowned architect. Construction costs alone exceeded $1 million, and the hotel opened in 1930. Over the years the rich and famous and movie stars have been guests ... John Wayne, Albert Einstein, Bob Hope, Amelia Earhart, Jimmy Stewart, Harry Trumans and hundreds more! It is registered on the National and Arizona Registers of Historic Places. La Posada is so much more than just a hotel and offers many intimate and peaceful environments both inside and on the grounds of the hotel. The hotel remains a popular lodging destination today for Route 66 travelers! Address: 303 East 2nd Street in Winslow
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Wigwam Village Number 7 in San Bernardino, California
Driving down Route 66, this San Bernardino motel immediately grabs your attention with its one-of-a-kind roadside architecture. In 1933 Frank Redford started developing the Wigwam “Villages” by designing teepee (tipi) shaped motel units. This was the last of seven Wigwam Motels built across the country; only three survive today. The others are located in Holbrook, Arizona and Cave City KY. In the Pixar-Disney film "Cars", the Cozy Cone Motel was inspired by the unique Wigwam Motels found along the Route, including this one in San Bernardino and the other one in Holbrook, Arizona. This one was opened in 1949, and remains open today at 2728 E. Foothill Boulevard, and welcomes travelers to "sleep in a teepee". This motel remains a unique and whimsical accommodation option with modern tee-pee guest rooms and first-class amenities. The property features free WiFi, a free parking, tea and coffee in the lobby, a refreshing outdoor pool, an around-the-clock front desk, non-smoking rooms, pet-friendly rooms, daily housekeeping and an on-site gift shop. Address: 2728 E. Foothill Boulevard in San Bernardino |
| This website has no affiliation with, or connection to, any listed hotel properties. Listings from TripAdvisor are provided as a starting point in your hotel research. It is always recommended that travelers do their own research and make informed decisions about the hotels they book. |
