by Lisa Putnam

Created on: June 24, 2010

Atomic era neon signs, vintage styled fronts, well loved interiors owned by people who run the place and have stories to tell; these are the images that come to mind when one thinks of a great Route 66 motel.  The following accommodations offer the above plus so much more.

Vernelle’s Motel in Newburg, MO

This motel has survived since the 1930s giving Route 66 travelers a place to rest when it was called the Gasser Tourist Court.  A well kept and original sign stands proudly in front of the place that welcomes guests with simple accommodations, a happy dog named Chocolate, and Ed Goodridge; a friendly host that will make sure that you are taken care of.  To find out more go to

http://www.route66motels.com/vernelles/vernellesmote l.html .

Desert Hills Motel in Tulsa, OK

This “classic Route 66 motor court” has been shining their neon green cactus sign out front since 1953.  In 2003, the Desert Hills Motel was used in the movie The Christmas Child and in 2004 movie Return to Sender.   Interestingly, all the rooms are laid out on an angle.  It was originally built this way so that all the space is used efficiently and rooms could be larger.  The motel was recently renovated, but the retro style still remains intact.  For more information go to   http://www.deserthillstulsa.com/ .

Big Texan Motel in Amarillo, TX

Although the Big Texan now lies on I-40, it has always been considered a Route 66 motel and now is part of a unabashedly fun and over the top cowboy themed entertainment complex.  Guests can listen to The Big Texan Singers, meet a rattlesnake, receive a free 72 oz steak (if you can eat it in one hour!), swim in a Texas shaped pool, take a free ride in a Longhorn Limousine, and try eating fried rattlesnake and mountain oysters.  To learn more go to http://www.bigtexan.com/ .

Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari, NM

This 1939 motel looks like it came straight out of a vintage Hollywood movie.  From its pink stucco walls and rotary dial phones to its huge neon sign and mom and pop ownership this Route 66 motel has it all.  To learn more go to their website at http://www.blueswallowmotel.com/ .

El Rancho “Home of the Movie Stars” in Gallup, NM

El Rancho is nicknamed the “Home of the Movie Stars” because of actors like John Wayne, Katherine Hepburn, Spencer Tracy, and Humphrey Bogart who stayed there while shooting westerns.  Today it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is decorated with a western theme.  For more information go to http://www.elranchohotel.com/ .

Wigwam Motel in Holbrook, AZ

The Wigwam lives up to its name as it features several wigwams built for guests to sleep in and have been sleeping in since the 1930s.  Antique cars are positioned around the place to make photo opportunities even better. To find out more go to their website at http://www.galerie-kokopelli.com/wigwam/ .

Wigwam Motel in San Bernardino, CA

This motel is only one of three existing wigwam styled motels on Route 66 and was built in 1949.  After falling into disrepair, it was recently renovated and now sports a kitsch as only a Route 66 motel can.  During your stay stop by the Route 66 museum on North E Street in San Bernardino.  For more information go to http://www.wigwammotel.com/

These classic motels that have been greeting Route 66 guests with their comfy accommodations, unique kitsch, and friendliness for decades.  So before you decide to stay at your typical chain hotel, consider staying at an American classic.

Learn more about this author, Lisa Putnam.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.