16 Retro Motels for Cool Summer Road Trips
As summer kicks into full swing, road trips are once again at the heart of the American vacation. For those hitting the highway in search of nostalgia, charm, and mid-century design, retro motels across the country are offering the perfect blend of vintage style and modern comfort.
These car-friendly lodgings, once a staple of American travel in the 1950s and ’60s, are experiencing a comeback. Known as motor courts, motor lodges, or simply “motels,” many have been lovingly restored to preserve their neon-lit glory while adding 21st-century upgrades. Here are 16 standout motels ideal for your summer road trip itinerary:
West Coast Classics
The Astro, Santa Rosa, CA – This 1963 Sonoma County gem features vintage art and a bicycle sommelier.Cuyama Buckhorn, CA – A 1952 high-desert retreat with firepits, a pool, and custom-built furniture.Skyview Motel, Los Alamos, CA – A hilltop hideaway with a vineyard, pool, and selfie-ready neon.Surfsand Resort, Cannon Beach, OR – A $12M renovation adds beach bonfires and a vintage penny arcade.
Arizona Icons
Americana Motor Hotel, Flagstaff, AZ – Once a stop for Easy Rider, this Route 66 motel oozes 1970s charm and offers a “Highway to Hops” beer package.The Wigwam, Litchfield Park, AZ – Founded in 1918, this historic property now offers golf, tennis, a spa, and fine dining.
New Mexico Highlights
Blue Swallow Motel, Tucumcari, NM – Classic neon and a gift shop with retro keychains make this Route 66 stop a fan favorite.
El Vado, Albuquerque, NM – First opened in 1937, it now hosts markets, live music, and local vendors.
Hotel Zazz, Albuquerque, NM – Popsicle happy hours and poolside movies define this playful reimagining of motel culture.
Midwest & Midsouth Vibes
Bardstown Motor Lodge, KY – Near bourbon country, it’s a retro-chic retreat with a cabana-lined pool.
Best Western Route 66 Rail Haven, MO – Stay where Elvis did and enjoy vintage sandstone cottages and themed rooms.
The Classen Inn, Oklahoma City, OK – A 1963 motor lodge turned hipster haven with bright decor and a convenience-store-style lounge.
New York Nostalgia
Blue Fox Motel, Narrowsburg, NY – A 1950s Catskills escape with pool parties and pickleball.
Silver Sands Motel & Beach Bungalows, Greenport, NY – Fossil-fuel-free and oceanside, with a summer oyster bar.
Southern Gems
Hotel Palms, Atlantic Beach, FL – Just two blocks from the ocean, this 1947 motel offers bunk beds, loaner bikes, and movie nights.
Thunderbird Inn, Savannah, GA – A retro-chic throwback with Moon Pies, RC Cola, and popcorn for every guest.
These motels offer more than just a place to sleep — they provide an immersive travel experience that celebrates the golden age of American road trips, blending nostalgia with comfort and local charm.
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