USA TODAY 10Best
Best Roadside Motel: Coachman Hotel wins
Best Roadside Motel (2020)
During the early years of the 20th century, Americans took to the nation’s brand new highways, and roadside motels (a portmanteau of “motor hotel”) popped up to accommodate these travelers. Many of these historic properties have gotten retro-chic makeovers, blending their vintage charm with modern amenities.
The top 10 winners in the category Best Roadside Motel are as follows:
No. 10: The Sandman - Santa Rosa, California
Roadside inn meets Wine Country hotel at The Sandman in Santa Rosa, California. This affordable hotel just of US-101 has 135 rooms, each with free wifi, a flatscreen TV, kitchenette amenities and bath products from Malin & Goetz. Guests enjoy access to a heated outdoor pool, hot tub and the Pool House & Bar.
Photo courtesy of The Astro Motel
No. 9: The Astro Motel - Santa Rosa, California
The Astro Motel in Santa Rosa, California, was built in 1963 during the golden age of the American motor lodge. The recently remodeled property features 34 rooms with original mid-century modern furnishings and a selection of snacks and amenities from Sonoma County makers.
No. 8: Hotel Palms - Atlantic Beach, Florida
The Hotel Palms, originally built in 1947 as a motor court inn, has been renovated to its full retro chic glory. The property features 11 guest rooms with access to a shared courtyard and lounge. Grab a coffee from Show Pigeon Coffee inside the lounge, or take the short three-block walk to the beach.
Photo courtesy of Blue Swallow Motel
No. 7: Blue Swallow Motel - Tucumcari, New Mexico
The Blue Swallow in Tucumcari, New Mexico, has been welcoming travelers along Historic Route 66 since 1939. The family owned and operated motel boasts restored rooms equipped with a desk, seating area, vintage lamps and rotary dial phones. A classic neon sign still illuminates the historic courtyard each night.
Photo courtesy of The Vagabond Hotel
No. 6: The Vagabond Hotel - Miami
This newly renovated Miami hotel features a retro lobby and 42 retro-chic guest rooms, with in-room amenities like free wifi, terrazzo and wood floors, flatscreen TVs, 1950s-inspired furniture and oversized walk-in showers. The property also has a swimming pool with restored tile mosaics and a cocktail bar.
Photo courtesy of Roadrunner Lodge
No. 5: Roadrunner Lodge - Tucumcari, New Mexico
This restored motel on Route 66 blends mid-century style with modern conveniences, like premium mattresses, plush towels, free wifi and HD TVs with more than 120 channels. The historic property is truly a mom and pop operation.
Photo courtesy of Wigwam Motel
No. 4: Wigwam Motel - Holbrook, Arizona
Wigwam Village #6 has long been one of the most recognizable landmarks along Historic Route 66. The motel opened in 1950 but has since been renovated with a host of modern amenities.
Photo courtesy of The Sunset Motel
No. 3: The Sunset Motel - Brevard, North Carolina
The Sunset Motel celebrates the allure of the open road by providing clean, comfortable rooms and friendly service to visiting guests. Amenities include free wifi and cable, plus chairs outside each door so guests can visit with their neighbors.
Photo courtesy of Lincoln Motor Court
No. 2: Lincoln Motor Court - Mann's Choice, Pennsylvania
The Lincoln Motor Court celebrates the golden age of automobile travel with its classic tourist cabins. Each cottage features vintage decor and cable TVs, plus access to outdoor features like a picnic table and fire ring.
Photo courtesy of Coachman Hotel
No. 1: Coachman Hotel - South Lake Tahoe, California
The newly renovated Coachman Hotel celebrates the natural beauty of nearby Lake Tahoe with features that invite guests to enjoy the outdoors – a swimming pool for summer and a hot tub for winter. The simple, modern and functional rooms have a wet area for outdoor gear, custom furniture, heated toilet seats and Malin + Goetz bath products. Other amenities include free wifi, evening s’mores and a bar serving beer and wine.
A panel of experts partnered with 10Best editors to pick the initial nominees, and the top 10 winners were determined by popular vote.
Congratulations to all these winning motels!
About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards
Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best.
The Experts
Ashley Rossi, Stephanie Puglisi & Alexandra Charitan - Togo Group
Ashley Rossi is the managing editor at Togo RV.... Read More
Ashley Rossi is the managing editor at Togo RV. She comes from a background in travel writing which has taken her from Australia to Haida Gwaii. Her favorite national park is Zion and she's helping her parents plan an epic cross-country retirement trip in an Airstream. Stephanie Puglisi is the head of content for Roadtrippers and Togo RV. She is the author of two books–See You at the Campground: A Guide to Discovering Community, Connection, and a Happier Family in the Great Outdoors and Idiot’s Guide to RV Vacations. Alexandra Charitan is the managing editor of Roadtrippers Magazine. She likes things that are bigger or smaller than they should be: novelty architecture, miniature worlds and anything made from fiberglass or neon. She dreams of visiting every state in the U.S. and will always stop for a Muffler Man.
Ashley Rossi, Stephanie Puglisi & Alexandra Charitan - Togo Group
Ashley Rossi is the managing editor at Togo RV. She comes from a background in travel writing which has taken her from Australia to Haida Gwaii. Her favorite national park is Zion and she's helping her parents plan an epic cross-country retirement trip in an Airstream. Stephanie Puglisi is the head of content for Roadtrippers and Togo RV. She is the author of two books–See You at the Campground: A Guide to Discovering Community, Connection, and a Happier Family in the Great Outdoors and Idiot’s Guide to RV Vacations. Alexandra Charitan is the managing editor of Roadtrippers Magazine. She likes things that are bigger or smaller than they should be: novelty architecture, miniature worlds and anything made from fiberglass or neon. She dreams of visiting every state in the U.S. and will always stop for a Muffler Man.
Jeff Cavins
Jeff Cavins is a technology veteran with over 22... Read More
Jeff Cavins is a technology veteran with over 22 years of senior-level experience in emerging growth technology, software, Internet and digital media companies. Highlights of his career include designing and developing the Instant Replay system the NFL uses today and creating over $32B in total market capitalizations. He co-founded Outdoorsy in 2015 and serves as Chairman and CEO of the largest and most trusted peer-to-peer RV rental platform.
Jeff Cavins
Jeff Cavins is a technology veteran with over 22 years of senior-level experience in emerging growth technology, software, Internet and digital media companies. Highlights of his career include designing and developing the Instant Replay system the NFL uses today and creating over $32B in total market capitalizations. He co-founded Outdoorsy in 2015 and serves as Chairman and CEO of the largest and most trusted peer-to-peer RV rental platform.
10Best Editors
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original,... Read More
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.
10Best Editors
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.