Looking for the best places to stay along Route 66? Historic hotels and motels are some of the most interesting places to stay while traveling down this iconic road. From the beginning of Route 66 in Chicago to its end in Santa Monica, there are many historic hotels and motels along the way.
These places have been around for many years and have seen a lot of history. They are a part of Americana and offer a unique experience to visitors. Whether you’re looking for a place to stay or just want to take a step back in time, these historic Route 66 hotels and motels are definitely worth checking out.
The Most Iconic Route 66 Motels & Hotels
Table of Contents
Affiliate links may be used in this post. We may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you if you use our affiliate link.
Route 66 Motels Missouri
1. Best Western Route 66 Rail Haven – Springfield, MO
Rail Haven Motel opened in Springfield, Missouri, in 1938. Springfield is considered the birthplace of the Mother Road and is home to many famous Route 66 attractions, so it is no wonder that one of the best historic Route 66 hotels is located in the city.
Though the classic motel has been renovated many times through the years, it still maintains the vintage charm that made it a popular place to stay in its heyday. The L-shaped motel pays homage to its past with old-fashioned cars, retro gas pumps and classic neon signs on the property. But it also stays current by offering free high-speed internet, cable TV, free parking, and complimentary breakfast.
Many celebrities have stayed at Rail Haven through the years, but one of the most famous guests was up-and-coming musical artist Elvis Presley, who spent the night in 1956. You can sleep in the very room he stayed in, which has been upgraded with a themed mural, memorabilia, and a pink Cadillac bed. Now operated under the Best Western brand, the hotel was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2010 and welcomes guests who want modern amenities and a touch of nostalgia.
Address: 203 S Glenstone Ave, Springfield, MO 65802,
Contributed by: Val Bromann I Silly America
2. Boots Court Motel – Carthage, MO
The Boots Court Motel has had its ups and downs throughout the years. In fact, several times, it was almost shut down for good, which would have been a massive shame considering it had been in operation since 1939.
The newly renovated hotel (which required a lot of investment to bring it up to scratch) has gone for that sweet 1940s charm. In fact, almost everything that you see here is meant to offer a glimpse of what the motel would have been like in the 1940s, including all rooms being tuned to 1940s radio. Oh, and there are no TVs in any of the rooms here. They genuinely want you to feel like you are in the 1940s…and we love it!
Also Read: Route 66 in Missouri: Top Attractions, Sights, Hotels & Motels
3. Wagon Wheel Motel – Cuba, MO
Looking for more historic Route 66 motels? Well, how about the longest continually operated motel on the entire route? The Wagon Wheel Motel has been in continual operation for over 85 years, and, honestly, it is one of the more beautiful motels along the route. Guests will absolutely love the unique architecture. The motel has a charming stonework front, and there are plenty of places to relax around it.
The rooms are incredibly comfortable, too, thanks to the recent renovation the property underwent while also trying to maintain as much of the 1930s charm as possible. It is gorgeous!
Route 66 Motels Arizona
4. Wigwam Motel – Holbrook, AZ
If you’re looking for a place with lots of Americana charm and history, the Wigwam Motel in Holbrook, Arizona, should be on your Route 66 bucket list. Constructed in 1950, the motel consists of 15 steel and concrete rooms that resemble tipis, the conical dwellings used primarily by the Plains Indians.
The buildings were actually brought to life by Chester E. Lewis, who drove by a similar tipi village in Cave City, Kentucky. He licensed the blueprints from the designer, who disliked the word “tipi” and, despite the inaccuracy, elected to call the construction “wigwams” instead.
The rooms all look to be largely untouched from their Route 66 heydays, with original handmade furniture. Perhaps that should be no surprise- the motel is officially included on the National Register of Historic Places. The nostalgia doesn’t stop at the rooms—the parking lot is full of vintage automobiles, including the old Studebaker once driven by the property builder.
If kitschy Americana is your jam, Holbrook has plenty of that for you, with ‘50s diners and dinosaur statutes on seemingly every corner. The dinosaur statues are a nod to the nearby Petrified Forest National Park, the only national park in the nation to contain a portion of Historic Route 66.
Address: 811 W Hopi Dr, Holbrook, AZ 86025
Contributed by: Jessica Schmit I Uprooted Traveler
5. El Trovatore Motel – Kingman, AZ
Next, we have the El Trovatore Motel, which has been operating since the 1930s. It is clear that the guy behind this hotel had a lot of foresight. The El Trovatore Motel was built by the same person who could see that Vegas would be an amazing place for tourists (he built the very first hotel there).
Like many motels on this list, the El Trovatore Motel has had several renovations over the years. It looks quite different from what it looked like back in the day. The theming is heavy on Hollywood, and we absolutely love it! The motel even has its own official song, which we assume some people will love, too.
Address: 1440 East Andy Devine Avenue, Kingman, AZ 86401
6. La Posada – Winslow, AZ
In the 1920s, the hotel mogul Fred Harvey set out to build the finest hotel in the Southwest. He fulfilled his dream with La Posada in Winslow, AZ. In its heyday, the most well-known celebrities flocked to this Route 66 hotel: Albert Einstein, John Wayne, Clark Gable, and Bob Hope to name a few.
The grand hotel resembles a luxurious hacienda and is one of the more high-end places to stay on Route 66. You can tell by the landscaping at the front gate that this is a special place. The grounds are sprawling 12 acres with a cottonwood grove and well-manicured gardens of sustainable desert plants.
La Posada is steeped in history, and as you enter the building, you may mistake it for a museum. The halls are filled with artifacts and antiques that tell the story of this historic hotel. On the walls hang photos of the Harvey family and other memorabilia. In the restaurant, a china closet displays unique dishes and keepsakes. Even if you can’t stay the night, visit the restaurant. The bread pudding is so good that they serve it for breakfast and dessert!
In addition to being on the famous Route 66, the hotel has its own Amtrak stop. As the stop was originally part of the Atchison, Topicahe and Santa Fe Railway, the railroad is also ingrained in the hotel’s history. Today, it’s on the Southwest Chief line that goes from Los Angeles to Chicago and runs twice a day.
Address: 303 East 2nd Street (Route 66, Winslow, AZ 86047)
Contributed by: Denise I Chef Denise
7. Hotel Monte Vista – Flagstaff, AZ
Next, we have one of the famous Route 66 motels. The Hotel Monte Vista has been a hotel staple in Flagstaff since the 1920s. Originally community-owned, it was developed purely to capitalize on the growing number of people heading through Route 66.
Nowadays, Hotel Monte Vista is a firm favorite among those looking for a dash of luxury along the route. Although, if you’re looking for budget rooms, the Hotel Monte Vista has that. It has ensured that a few of the rooms retain some of the overall theming they had back in the 1920s, albeit with much more comfortable beds. Oh, and Wi-Fi. You need that Wi-Fi.
8. Red Garter Inn – Williams, AZ
Route 66 is not only a scenic route and an original US highway but also makes one of the best road trips to explore multiple cities throughout the country. The Red Garter Inn is located right opposite the Grand Canyon Railway Station in Williams, Arizona—a place teeming with history. It’s the perfect hotel to stay in for those who want to experience sleeping in a brothel.
The inn was built in 1897 by the German tailor August Tetzlaff, who hoped to profit from the silver and copper boom near the Grand Canyon. The lower level used to be a secret bar, while the upper floor housed the brothel, where eight cribs sat, and the girls used to hang out by the windows.
Over the years, the building changed ownership several times and underwent transformation until the 1940s, when Route 66 became an increasingly popular route, and it became casual housing for passing travelers.
John Holst, the latest and current owner, bought it in 1984 and remodeled the interiors to become a BBQ joint and, eventually, a bakery and coffee shop. The Red Garter Inn is now a 4-room bed and breakfast upstairs and a bakery downstairs and is part of the National Register of Historic Places.
Address: 137 W Railroad Ave, Williams, AZ 86046
Contributed by: Bradley I Dream Big Travel Bar Blog
Route 66 Motels Oklahoma
9. The Mayo Hotel – Tulsa, OK
Located in the heart of Tulsa, the Mayo Hotel is one of the most iconic Route 66 Hotels and well worth a visit on your road trip. You’ll find the hotel in the Deco district, close to a wide variety of restaurants and shops, making it the perfect opportunity to spend a few nights in Tulsa.
There is a beautiful rooftop bar that boasts fantastic views over the town and is the ideal spot for a sunset drink. In recent years, the Mayo Hotel has become a wedding venue and is the perfect space for a special occasion celebration.
The Mayo opened in 1925 and had over 600 rooms at the time. Once the most luxurious hotel in the area, it attracted wealthy tourists, politicians and celebrities. It was also a popular evening venue for parties and celebrations.
The Mayo closed briefly in 1981 before opening again in 2009 after being restored and renovated. There are now 100 rooms and 70 apartments available, most kept in the iconic Art Deco style the hotel was known for. Make sure to book early, as the hotel does sell out, and space may be limited.
Address: 115 W 5th St, Tulsa, OK 74103
Also Read: Route 66 in Oklahoma: Top Attractions, Sights, Hotels & Motels
Contributed by: Victoria I www.guideyourtravel.com
10. The Campbell Hotel – Tulsa, OK
Many of the best places to stay along Route 66 are motels. Not because they are necessarily the most comfortable places, but rarely do you find comfortable hotels along the route. The route was never really designed for that. The Campbell Hotel, built in 1927, bucks the trend.
While it certainly isn’t the cheapest place to stay on Route 66, it is incredibly comfortable. Step into this hotel, and you’ll be in the midst of luxury. This stunning hotel has been kitted with comfortable bedding, elegant furnishings, flat-screen TVs, wi-fi, and more. Each room includes a complimentary continental breakfast. This is a place that you won’t want to leave. Although, unfortunately, you will need to head back on that road eventually.
Address: 2636 East 11th Street, Tulsa, OK 74104
11. Flamingo Inn – Elk City, OK
You won’t exactly be living in the lap of luxury when you stay at the Flamingo Inn, but you will be staying in a motel that has played host to countless Route 66 travelers over the years. A stay here will make you a part of the history of the Mother Road.
In our opinion, this is one of the best motels to stay on Route 66, and, at times, it almost feels like you are staying in a hotel. Each room has a private bathroom, which includes a bathtub. You also get free toiletries, unlimited Wi-Fi, fax and photocopying services, and housekeeping. You’ll also be incredibly close to all the attractions that Elk City has to offer.
Address: 2000 West 3rd Street, Elk City, OK 73644
Route 66 Motels New Mexico
12. Roadrunner Lodge Motel – Tucumcari, NM
We love a good 1960s vibe when driving on Route 66, which makes the restored Roadrunner Lodge Motel perfect. In fact, the Motel has been so painstakingly restored to its original 1960s vibe that it even has its own radio station pumping out hits from the era.
Trust us, there is no better way to enjoy Route 66 than listening to that fantastic music. Don’t worry, though. The 60s vibe doesn’t mean you’ll need to ditch those creature comforts. This one of the historic Route 66 motels offers 32” TVs in every room, quality bedding, and more. You’ll also be within walking distance of countless restaurants and bars.
Address: 1023 East Route 66 Boulevard, Tucumcari, NM 88401
13. Motel Safari – Tucumcari, NM
Motel Safari originally opened in 1959, which means that it has been offering lodging on Route 66 for almost 65 years now. It has been given a bit of an update since then, though. The new owners have worked hard to keep the design feel of the late 1950s while updating the motel for more modern sensibilities.
Head to the motel, and you’ll see memorabilia from the musicians and actors who have stayed here over the years. All rooms come equipped with a 40″ TV and a radio. You’ll also get access to Wi-Fi. On top of this, you get all the comforts you would really want in a modern model, including coffee machines, comfortable beds, and more. There is plenty of space to enjoy New Mexico outside, with a brand-new firepit. Instead, a guest services room includes a community fridge, laundry room, and a microwave.
Also Check: Best Place to Stay in Santa Rosa, NM
14. Blue Swallow Motel – Tucumcari, NM
The Blue Swallow Motel is true historic lodging on Route 66. This motel has been serving guests along the road since 1939, and even now, it still manages to get a sizeable number of people rolling by, even if The Mother Road has long since passed its heyday.
As a family-owned hotel, the Blue Swallow Motel manages to retain a rather quaint charm. When you stay here, you feel like you’re at home. While the motel has had a bit of a spruce up since the golden days, it still retains a historic vibe, which is just as well because when you stay here, you really are staying in part of history. The rooms here are basic, but it is a motel. It still has many comforts that people expect, e.g., TVs, comfortable beds, etc.
Address: 815 E. Route 66 Blvd, Tucumcari, 88401
Also Read: Route 66 in New Mexico: Top Attractions, Sights, Hotels & Motels
Route 66 Motels Texas
15. Big Texan Ranch Motel – Amarillo, TX
The Big Texan Ranch Motel may not be as old as some of the other motels on this list, but that does not make it any less famous. In fact, the look of the Big Texan Ranch Motel is almost impossible to ignore. The outside of the motel has been designed to look like an old town from 1800s Texas. And, you know what? It works insanely well on Route 66.
After all, this route is all about excess—bright colors, eye-catching signs, etc. The inside of the rooms doesn’t have the 1800s décor. However, you will enjoy very comfortable rooms with free Wi-Fi. You’ll also probably love that the motel has a great steakhouse on the property!
Address: 7701 East Interstate 40, Amarillo, TX 79118
Also Read: Route 66 in Texas: Top Attractions, Sights, Hotels & Motels
Route 66 Motels California
16. Wigwam Motel – San Bernardino, CA
The Wigwam Motel looks fantastic, if only because it doesn’t resemble your traditional accommodations along Route 66. The Wigwam Motel doesn’t have those droll, blocky buildings that other motels are known for. Instead, each and every room is a concrete wigwam. It is just as much an art installation as it is a motel. The rooms here are spacious and boast modern amenities. You also have a firepit and a swimming pool onsite, allowing you to relax after a long, hard day on Route 66.
17. Route 66 Motel – Barstow, CA
While it doesn’t have the most creative name, the Route 66 Motel in Barstow is one of the best places to stay along Route 66. Even if you don’t end up staying here, we can almost guarantee you’ll want to snap a few pictures of the sign. This motel is world-famous. Well, at least route famous. A stop-off at Route 66 will let you look at the only motel on the route with a collection of classic vintage cars. Over the years, you’ll also get to see tons of memorabilia from Route 66. The rooms are simple but very comfortable.
18. Roy’s Motel & Cafe – Amboy, CA
The Roy’s sign is famous along the route. Chances are that most people have considered snapping a photo of that big neon sign. In 1938, Roy’s was opened in a growing town looking to latch into the popularity of Route 66. It was a gas station, motel, and restaurant all rolled into one.
Over the years, Roy’s Motel has been featured in many movies, music videos, and TV shows, so you may already have seen it before. The motel is undergoing a lot of renovation right now, so it isn’t as great as it once was. However, it is still a comfortable place to stay, and we hope that sooner rather than later, it will once again have the grandeur it did throughout the 40s-70s.
Route 66 Motels Illinois
19. Route 66 Hotel And Conference Center – Springfield, IL
This family-friendly hotel was the very first Holiday Inn on Route 66. If you’re after comfortable rooms, you will find very few hotels better in Springfield. In fact, the jacuzzi suites here (which, as you can imagine, boast a jacuzzi) are even used by the locals when they want a bit of an escape from the day-to-day grind. There are events held regularly here, including live music. However, the real highlight is the Gaming Center, where you can keep tabs on sports games or even spin a few slot machines.
Route 66 Motels Kansas
20. The Old Riverton Post B&B – Riverton, KS
If you want a more personal touch to your stay, staying at the boutique Old Riverton Post B&B may be worth it. This beautiful hotel has only spent a few years of its life as a B&B, with the early days having it flick between being a post office and a general store.
However, the recent renovations have resulted in this offering very comfortable living in Riverton. The place is primarily an event center, with only a few rooms for overnight guests. This means you get to enjoy very attentive hosts and a fantastic breakfast every single morning!
Address: 7378 SE 70th St, Riverton, KS 66770
Also Read: Route 66 in Kansas: Top Attractions, Sights, Hotels & Motels