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:
- Coachman Hotel - South Lake Tahoe, California
- Lincoln Motor Court - Mann's Choice, Pennsylvania
- The Sunset Motel - Brevard, North Carolina
- Wigwam Motel - Holbrook, Arizona
- Roadrunner Lodge - Tucumcari, New Mexico
- The Vagabond Hotel - Miami
- Blue Swallow Motel - Tucumcari, New Mexico
- Hotel Palms - Atlantic Beach, Florida
- The Astro Motel - Santa Rosa, California
- The Sandman - Santa Rosa, California
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!
License the 10Best Readers' Choice Award Logo
The Experts
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.
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.
10Best Editors
10Best.com provides users with original, unbiased... Read More
10Best.com 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

10Best.com 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.