The next time you find yourself on the open road, here are 10 retro motels and motor lodges offering authentic, mid-century lodging experiences and aesthetics that will take you back to a historic time in America without sacrificing the comforts and luxuries of today.
1. Americana Motor Hotel | Flagstaff, AZ
Built in 1962 and recently reopened in July 2023, Americana Motor Hotel on Route 66 in Flagstaff, Ariz. combines the experiences of yesterday’s roadside hotel with reimagined, modern aspects of today. The motor hotel features a retro-futuristic design where roadtrippers can touch down to stretch their road-weary legs and enjoy a host of amenities before launching off to explore Northern Arizona’s wide-open spaces and natural wonders.
2. Austin Motel | Austin, Texas
Located in Austin, Tex., Austin Motel opened its doors in 1938 and has been welcoming guests ever since. The motel’s landmark neon sign, ’50s-style outdoor pool, modern conveniences and classic mid-century roadside motel architecture bring guests back to the days of American road travel.
3. Beck’s Motor Lodge | San Francisco, CA
In San Francisco, Calif., roadtrippers can stay in the historic Beck’s Motor Lodge that still holds onto to its beginnings dating back to the 1950s when rooms were just $5 a night. While it costs over $5 to stay in one of the lodge’s renovated guest rooms today, Brittany, who operates the lodge, still offers affordable accommodations and the same friendly service that her grandparents offered back in the day.
4. Cuyama Buckhorn | New Cuyama, CA
Originally built in 1952, Cuyama Buckhorn is found in the historic town of New Cuyama within California’s high desert. Today, the iconic property is a sophisticated boutique resort that boasts mid-century Western vibes, along with luxurious modern amenities, including a glistening pool, jacuzzi and sauna.
5. Del Marcos Hotel | Palm Springs, CA
The historic Del Marcos Hotel was designed by architect William F. Cody. in 1947 and offers a retro experience just a block away from Downtown Palm Springs. Still a popular destination today, the 17-room modernist hotel features a luxurious heated saltwater pool and offers complimentary hotel beach cruisers that guests can enjoy by the water or around town.
6. Motel Safari | Tucumcari, NM
After a long journey on the open road, guests are welcomed by Motel Safari’s original quirky geometric sign and other historic design elements back from when it opened in 1959. The motor hotel is located in Tucumcari, New Mexico on the iconic Route 66, where guests can park their vehicles right in front of their door and enjoy authentic mid-century accommodations featuring modern comforts and amenities.
7. The Dive Motel | Nashville, TN
The Dive Motel in Nashville is more than just your average motor hotel. Guests have six accommodation styles to choose from, each offering a unique retro experience thanks to vibrant wall murals and modern mid-century amenities, like spinning disco balls. Guests can also enjoy the bar and pool.
8. The Pearl | San Diego, CA
What operated as a Sportsman’s Lodge throughout the 1960s is still a gem today in San Diego’s Point Loma neighborhood. The mid-century modern motel maintains the integrity of its original architecture with a modern aesthetic and unique vintage decor, offering on-site experiences such as an oyster-shaped pool and cocktail bar and restaurant.
9. The Thunderbird Inn | Savannah, GA
Located in Savannah, Georgia, The Thunderbird Inn brings the ’60s back to life with hip rooms that embody the “free-spirited, young-again era” of roadside motels through amenities such as hot popcorn upon arrival, complimentary in-room Moon ies and RC Cola, fun vintage décor and more. The motel’s warm, friendly hospitality has remained the same for over 50 years.
10. Trixie Motel | Palm Springs, CA
Trixie Motel, the first and only hotel owned and operated by a world-famous drag queen, recently opened in the Old Las Palmas neighborhood of Palm Springs, Calif., bringing guests a one-of-a-kind pink retro escape. From its flamingo-pink exteriors and pink- and white-striped pool deck to its mid-century-inspired guest rooms decked out with vibrant colors, bold designs and themed decor, Trixie Motel offers a modern, mid-century experience like no other.
