Route 66 Motels. You may be wondering,“What are the best Motels on Route 66”, “Where to stay on Route 66?”, “What is the best motel along Mother Road”?
Today I will show you my list of best MOTELS on Route 66. This is my top 10placesin the order they appear on Mother Road, each with name, mileage, detailed description, helpful tidbits, address, and GPS coordinates. Remember that more of them, you can find in my travel guide about Route 66: “Route 66 Travel Guide – 202 Amazing Places”.
Route 66, also known as the “Mother Road,” is famous for its historic motels that line the route. These motels, many of which have been in operation for decades, offer a glimpse into the past and provide a unique and authentic lodging experience. Many of them have been renovated and offer comfortable rooms and some even offer amenities like swimming pools, restaurants, and gift shops.
These motels are not only a place to sleep, but also a great way to experience the nostalgia and culture of the Route 66 era. They are often a popular stop for Route 66 enthusiasts and offer a unique and authentic lodging experience. Are you ready to see best motels on Route 66?
1. Wagon Wheel Motel
ROUTE 66 : 380 MI / 611 KM CUBA, MISSOURI
GPS: 38.064716, -91.396018
ADDRESS: 901 E Washington Blvd, Cuba, MO 65453
The Wagon Wheel Motel is a historic motel located in Cuba, Missouri, along Route 66. The motel is known for its vintage neon sign and its unique wagon wheel-shaped cabins. The cabins were built in the 1930s, they still have the original feel and atmosphere of that era. The Wagon Wheel Motel has been in operation since the 1940s and has been a popular stop for travelers along Route 66. It is also a popular stop for Route 66 enthusiasts and offers a unique and authentic lodging experience.
2. Motel Munger Moss
ROUTE 66 : 458 MI / 737 KM LEBANON, MISSOURI
GPS: 37.686334, -92.6398
ADDRESS: 1336 U.S. Rte 66, Lebanon, MO 65536
Next historic motel on my list “Best historic motel on Route 66”. Motel Munger Moss is a roadside attraction located in Lebanon, Missouri, USA. It is known for its unique architecture and colorful, whimsical decorations. The motel was built in the 1940s and features a variety of unusual architectural elements, such as a giant teapot and a large sculpture of a lady’s high-heeled shoe. It is a popular stop for tourists visiting the area.
3. Route 66 Rail Haven
ROUTE 66 : 512 MI / 824 KM SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI
GPS: 37.209151, -93.261946
ADDRESS: 203 South Glenstone Ave, Springfield, MO 65802
Another great historic motel on Route 66. Route 66 Rail Haven is a former motor court located on Route 66 in Springfield, Missouri, USA. It was built in the 1930s and served as a popular stop for travelers on the famous highway. The property has been converted into a museum that showcases the history of Route 66 and the culture of the motels that lined the road.
Visitors can tour the original buildings and see vintage automobiles, neon signs, and other artifacts from the era. The Rail Haven is a interesting spot for Route 66 enthusiasts, History buffs and people who want to learn more about the golden age of motoring.
5. Boots Court Motel
ROUTE 66 : 567 MI / 912 KM CARTHAGE, MISSOURI
GPS: 37.178254, -94.314362
ADDRESS: 107 South Garrison Avenue, Carthage, MO 64836
Beautiful Boots Court Motel is another historic motel on Route 66. Boots Court Motel is a historic motor court located in Carthage, Missouri, USA. It was built in the 1940s and is an example of the type of mom-and-pop motels that were once common along Route 66.
The motel has been restored and renovated, and it now serves as a museum that tells the story of the golden age of motoring and the history of Route 66. Visitors can tour the original buildings and see vintage automobiles, neon signs, and other artifacts from the era.
6. Blue Swallow Motel
ROUTE 66 : 1167 MI / 1878 KM TUCUMCARI, NEW MEXICO
GPS: 35.172016, -103.716409
ADDRESS: 815 E Rte 66 Blvd, Tucumcari, NM 88401
The Blue Swallow Motel is a historic Route 66 motel located in Tucumcari, New Mexico. It was built in 1939 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The motel has been featured in films and television shows, and is known for its vintage neon sign. It remains in operation as a motel and is a popular stop for Route 66 tourists. This is one of the best motels on Route 66!
7. El Vado Motel
ROUTE 66 : 1385 MI / 2229 KM Albuquerque, NEW MEXICO
GPS: 35.094353, -106.677066
ADDRESS: 2500 Central Ave SW, Albuquerque, NM 87104
The El Vado Motel is a historic Route 66 motel located in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It was built in 1937 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The El Vado is known for its unique architecture and neon sign, and has been featured in films, television shows, and music videos. It was closed for many years but has recently been renovated and re-opened as a hotel, event space and a cultural destination.
8. Wigwam Motel
ROUTE 66 : 1575 MI / 2535 KM HOLBROOK, ARIZONA
GPS: 34.902577, -110.168858
ADDRESS: 811 W Hopi Dr, Holbrook, AZ 86025
The Wigwam Motel is a historic Route 66 motel located in Holbrook, Arizona. It was built in the 1930s and is known for its unique teepee-shaped cabins. The Wigwam Motel was a popular stop for travelers on Route 66, and is still in operation as a motel today. The Wigwam Motel is a National Historic Landmark and has been featured in films, television shows, and music videos. It’s considered as a must-see attraction for Route 66 enthusiasts, and is still a popular stop for travelers today.
8. El Rancho Hotel & Motel
ROUTE 66 : 1477 MI / 2377 KM GALLUP, NEW MEXICO
GPS: 35.529567, -108.728143
ADDRESS: 1000 E Hwy 66, Gallup, NM 87301
The El Rancho Hotel and Motel is a historic hotel and motel located in Gallup, New Mexico, along Route 66. It was built in 1937 and was a popular stop for travelers on Route 66, including many Hollywood celebrities. The hotel was known for its luxurious amenities, and was the first air-conditioned hotel in Gallup.
The El Rancho Hotel and Motel was featured in several movies and TV shows, such as Easy Rider and The Lone Ranger. The hotel was closed in the early 2000s and has remained vacant since then. There have been plans for redevelopment and restoration, but it remains unoccupied as of my last knowledge cutoff.
9. Roy’s Motel & Cafe
ROUTE 66 : 1943 MI / 3127 KM AMBOY, CALIFORNIA
GPS: 34.558812, -115.743576
ADDRESS: 87520 National Trails Hwy, Amboy, CA 92304
Roy’s Motel & Cafe is a historic Route 66 motel and cafe located in Amboy, California. It was built in the 1940s and was a popular stop for travelers on Route 66. The motel and cafe were known for their unique Googie architecture and neon signage, and were featured in several movies and TV shows, such as the Star Trek: Voyager. If you would like to know more about Route 66 in movies, check out my blog post: Route 66 – The 10 BEST Must-Watch Movies/Films Shot on Mother Road
The motel and cafe have been closed for many years, but have recently been restored and are now open to the public as a museum, event space, and a destination for Route 66 enthusiasts.
10. Route 66 Motel
ROUTE 66 : 2108 MI / 3393 KM BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA
GPS: 34.89887, -117.029587
ADDRESS: 195 West Main Street, Barstow, CA 92311
Route 66 Motel is a gorgeous retro motel with classic neon signage. Built in 1922, this place is a trip back in time. You’ll find here a beautiful Route 66 mural made by local freelance artist, Kim Capp. I hope you enjoy my list “Route 66 best historic motels”. Have a great Mother Road journey!
👍 Find out more:
Discover the best stops along the Mother Road in my travel guide,“Route 66 Travel Guide – 202 Amazing Places”, which is available on Amazon. This is the ultimate travel guide and pocket reference for anyone wishing to experience the nostalgia and wonder of America’s Route 66! MUST-HAVE for all Route 66 travelers. Visit 202 places on Route 66 with “Scan QR and go” for easy navigation.
Author:
Mark Watsonis a California-based member of a Los Angeles Motorcycle Club and a keen traveler. He’s traveled the entirety of U. S. Route 66 seven times on his Harley-Davidson. He strives to interest others in the historic drive to keep the legendary Route 66 alive. He also traveled through the Alaska Highway. He is an author of bestseller books on Amazon: “Route 66 Travel Guide – 202 Amazing Places” and “Alaska Highway – 202 Best Stops”.
