USA TODAY 10Best
Experience the nostalgia of the open road at these 10 classic motels
Best Roadside Motel (2023)
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.
To find the best, an expert panel and 10Best editors selected their top picks, then our readers voted for their favorites. Here are the 10 best roadside motels in the United States.
Photo courtesy of Wigwam Motel
No. 10: Wigwam Motel - Holbrook - 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 Blue Swallow Motel
No. 9: 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 period furniture, vintage lamps and rotary dial phones. A classic neon sign still illuminates the historic courtyard each night.
Photo courtesy of Dog Bark Park
No. 8: Dog Bark Park Inn - Cottonwood, Idaho
Guests at the Dog Bark Park Inn get to stay inside the "world’s biggest beagle." Stays include free self-serve breakfast and Wi-Fi. The owners, Dennis and Frances, double as chainsaw artists and made many of the hotel furnishings.
Photo courtesy of JONNY VALIANT
No. 7: San Luis Creek Lodge - San Luis Obispo, California
Situated in downtown San Luis Obispo along the Central Coast of California, the San Luis Creek Lodge is a revamped property in a college town. The décor is an interesting mix of bohemian and farmhouse chic. Rooms offer plush beds and oversized walk-in showers, and amenities include fresh pastries each morning and an in-room movie system.
Photo courtesy of Skyview Los Alamos
No. 6: Skyview - Los Alamos, California
This 1959 roadside motel on 5 hilltop acres has been reborn with modern amenities and furnishings. The air-conditioned guest rooms boast plush beds, flat-screen televisions, Nespresso machines and high-speed Internet; some rooms have an indoor fireplace and private patio. The Norman restaurant provides food throughout the day, and the bar is well stocked. Surrounded by ranches, farms and vineyards in California’s Santa Ynez Valley, this is an excellent base for visiting local tasting rooms, antique stores, art galleries and restaurants.
Photo courtesy of Ben Yanto
No. 5: Stonewall Motor Lodge - Stonewall, Texas
Built in 1964 to accommodate reporters, Secret Service agents and celebrities flocking to the nearby LBJ Ranch, the Stonewall has been revived with modern technology and luxury amenities. With ground-level rooms, private cabins and RV sites on the 3-acre property, guests can plan their trips to more than 75 wineries, breweries, restaurants and other area attractions. To finish your day, catch a breeze on the 2nd-floor observation deck or relax under the trees with a cold one near the television-equipped barn.
Photo courtesy of The Thunderbird Inn / Adam Kuehl
No. 4: Thunderbird Inn - Savannah, Georgia
As you pull into the parking lot under the massive neon “Thunderbird” sign, you’ll feel like you’ve gone back to 1964 when this roadside motel first opened. However, you’ll find this pet-friendly two-story classic is cutting-edge modern, with solar energy, recycling, water conservation and an EV charging station. The smoke-free guest rooms boast flat-screen televisions, pillowtop beds with premium bedding, designer toiletries and free Wi-Fi. Free Moon Pies and sodas are left in the rooms and free donuts and coffee are offered in the morning.
Photo courtesy of Urban Honey Photography
No. 3: The Local - St. Augustine - St. Augustine, Florida
Owners Leila and Adam have restored this former Island Shores motel in St. Augustine to its heyday in the 1950s, added app-based self-check-in/check-out and keyless entry, and rechristened it The Local - St. Augustine. The non-smoking and air-conditioned rooms have a retro feel with lots of coral and tropical themes, and each includes a refrigerator, microwave, safe and high-speed Wi-Fi.
Photo courtesy of David Brenner
No. 2: Roadrunner Lodge - Tucumcari, New Mexico
This restored motel on Route 66 blends mid-century style with modern conveniences, like premium mattresses, plush towels and free Wi-Fi. The historic property is truly a mom and pop operation.
Photo courtesy of The Sunset Motel
No. 1: 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 Wi-Fi and cable, plus chairs outside each door so guests can visit with their neighbors.
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
Andrea Richards
Andrea Richards is a Los Angeles and North... Read More
Andrea Richards is a Los Angeles and North Carolina based writer and the author of five books, including The 500 Hidden Secrets of Los Angeles. Find out more at andrearichardsla.com.
Andrea Richards
Andrea Richards is a Los Angeles and North Carolina based writer and the author of five books, including The 500 Hidden Secrets of Los Angeles. Find out more at andrearichardsla.com.
Brandon Withrow
Brandon Withrow is a travel journalist based in... Read More
Brandon Withrow is a travel journalist based in Northwest Ohio, covering ecotourism, wildlife, outdoor adventures, and eco-friendly stays, as well as the secrets of underrated cities. He appears in The Daily Beast, BBC Travel, Canadian Geographic, Business Insider, The Hill, and Sierra Magazine. You can find him at www.brandonwithrow.com, @bwithrow on Twitter, and @bgwithrow on Instagram.
Brandon Withrow
Brandon Withrow is a travel journalist based in Northwest Ohio, covering ecotourism, wildlife, outdoor adventures, and eco-friendly stays, as well as the secrets of underrated cities. He appears in The Daily Beast, BBC Travel, Canadian Geographic, Business Insider, The Hill, and Sierra Magazine. You can find him at www.brandonwithrow.com, @bwithrow on Twitter, and @bgwithrow on Instagram.
Chez Chesak
‘Chez’ Chesak is Executive Director of the Outdoor... Read More
‘Chez’ Chesak is Executive Director of the Outdoor Writers Association of America, an adventure travel writer, board member of the Society of American Travel Writers and 22-year veteran of the outdoor and travel industries. While he’s lived all over the U.S. and traveled to more than 30 countries, he has the most fun when he’s exploring with his wife Sally and two daughters. An avid outdoors person, he’s happiest on a trail, on skis, or nestled into a sleeping bag. Learn more about him and his work at www.chezconnects.com.
Chez Chesak
‘Chez’ Chesak is Executive Director of the Outdoor Writers Association of America, an adventure travel writer, board member of the Society of American Travel Writers and 22-year veteran of the outdoor and travel industries. While he’s lived all over the U.S. and traveled to more than 30 countries, he has the most fun when he’s exploring with his wife Sally and two daughters. An avid outdoors person, he’s happiest on a trail, on skis, or nestled into a sleeping bag. Learn more about him and his work at www.chezconnects.com.
Dave Stamboulis
Dave Stamboulis is a travel writer/photographer... Read More
Dave Stamboulis is a travel writer/photographer based in Bangkok. Born in Athens, Greece and growing up in the U.S., Dave first discovered Bangkok while on a 45,000-kilometer bicycle trip and moved there for good in 2005. Dave's photos have appeared in publications around the world. He's the author of Odysseus' Last Stand, which received the Silver Medal for Travel Book of the Year from the Society of American Travel Writers. In addition to working for Fodor's Guidebook to Thailand, he is the author of 500 Hidden Secrets to Bangkok, and his travel stories and photography appear in publications around the globe.
Dave Stamboulis
Dave Stamboulis is a travel writer/photographer based in Bangkok. Born in Athens, Greece and growing up in the U.S., Dave first discovered Bangkok while on a 45,000-kilometer bicycle trip and moved there for good in 2005. Dave's photos have appeared in publications around the world. He's the author of Odysseus' Last Stand, which received the Silver Medal for Travel Book of the Year from the Society of American Travel Writers. In addition to working for Fodor's Guidebook to Thailand, he is the author of 500 Hidden Secrets to Bangkok, and his travel stories and photography appear in publications around the globe.
Jacky Runice
Born in Bucktown when bulletproof was a home... Read More
Born in Bucktown when bulletproof was a home safety choice and not a coffee order, Jacky Runice has been knocking around Chicago as a professional print, online and broadcast journalist and editor specializing in separating the riff from the raff in culture, entertainment, food, travel and pure unadulterated fun. Jacky is a member of the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA).
In her best Chicagoese, Jacky asks, "Who has the time or money to blow on hotels, attractions, restaurants, exhibits and activities that blow?"
Jacky Runice
Born in Bucktown when bulletproof was a home safety choice and not a coffee order, Jacky Runice has been knocking around Chicago as a professional print, online and broadcast journalist and editor specializing in separating the riff from the raff in culture, entertainment, food, travel and pure unadulterated fun. Jacky is a member of the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA).
In her best Chicagoese, Jacky asks, "Who has the time or money to blow on hotels, attractions, restaurants, exhibits and activities that blow?"
Kim Foley MacKinnon
Kim Foley MacKinnon is an award-winning editor,... Read More
Kim Foley MacKinnon is an award-winning editor, author and journalist based in Boston, MA. She is the executive editor of Girl Camper Magazine and is currently serving as the president of SATW (Society of American Travel Writers). There is nothing she loves more than a road trip and discovering offbeat places to eat. She owns a 1981 13-foot Scamp travel trailer, a fiberglass "egg," which serves as her tiny home on the road. Kim has also authored many guidebooks, with her most recent being "100 Things to Do on Cape Cod & the Islands Before You Die."
Kim Foley MacKinnon
Kim Foley MacKinnon is an award-winning editor, author and journalist based in Boston, MA. She is the executive editor of Girl Camper Magazine and is currently serving as the president of SATW (Society of American Travel Writers). There is nothing she loves more than a road trip and discovering offbeat places to eat. She owns a 1981 13-foot Scamp travel trailer, a fiberglass "egg," which serves as her tiny home on the road. Kim has also authored many guidebooks, with her most recent being "100 Things to Do on Cape Cod & the Islands Before You Die."
Larissa Milne
Larissa Milne has been traveling full-time with... Read More
Larissa Milne has been traveling full-time with her husband Michael since 2011 in search of historic and quirky spots around the world. She’s passionate about food and can often be found seeking out local flavors at a destination–whether it’s a fancy restaurant, local market or the best hot dog stand. She is co-author of the monthly “Field-Tested Travel Tips” column for The Philadelphia Inquirer/philly.com. Learn more about the Milnes' global adventures on their award-winning travel blog, Changes In Longitude and their recommendations on Arizona at Arizona Journey.
Larissa Milne
Larissa Milne has been traveling full-time with her husband Michael since 2011 in search of historic and quirky spots around the world. She’s passionate about food and can often be found seeking out local flavors at a destination–whether it’s a fancy restaurant, local market or the best hot dog stand. She is co-author of the monthly “Field-Tested Travel Tips” column for The Philadelphia Inquirer/philly.com. Learn more about the Milnes' global adventures on their award-winning travel blog, Changes In Longitude and their recommendations on Arizona at Arizona Journey.
Molly O'Brien
Molly O'Brien is a Los Angeles-based freelance... Read More
Molly O'Brien is a Los Angeles-based freelance travel journalist, who writes and edits for a variety of international travel and lifestyle outlets including Fodor’s Travel, Travel + Leisure, and Business Insider among others. She's lived on both coasts from Massachusetts to California and has so far made Greater Boston, the San Francisco Bay Area, San Luis Obispo, Barcelona, and Los Angeles her home. Molly earned her journalism degree at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo on the Central Coast of California and since then has worked professionally in the fields of hospitality and travel PR and most recently, as a freelance travel writer and editor. Molly especially enjoys covering feature profiles about interesting people doing interesting things such as chocolate making, beekeeping, wing-walking, and interesting destinations like under-the-radar wine spots, the best brewery towns, and lesser-known ski destinations. She also loves to write about a boutique hotel with a good story. When she's not writing, Molly enjoys spending time outdoors, exploring new coffee shops and breweries, and of course, traveling. Her favorite city in the world (so far) is Barcelona, Spain, but she loves traveling anywhere that offers sunny weather and ample hiking opportunities. She loves spending time in the mountains, enjoys connecting with nature through camping and glamping adventures, and is always up for learning about the world through fun, immersive experiences (and then sharing those stories!). You can connect with Molly here: Instagram: @metropolitanmolly Twitter: @Molly_A_OBrien Facebook: @MetropolitanMolly LinkedIn: @mollyannobrien www.metropolitanmolly.com
Molly O'Brien
Molly O'Brien is a Los Angeles-based freelance travel journalist, who writes and edits for a variety of international travel and lifestyle outlets including Fodor’s Travel, Travel + Leisure, and Business Insider among others. She's lived on both coasts from Massachusetts to California and has so far made Greater Boston, the San Francisco Bay Area, San Luis Obispo, Barcelona, and Los Angeles her home. Molly earned her journalism degree at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo on the Central Coast of California and since then has worked professionally in the fields of hospitality and travel PR and most recently, as a freelance travel writer and editor. Molly especially enjoys covering feature profiles about interesting people doing interesting things such as chocolate making, beekeeping, wing-walking, and interesting destinations like under-the-radar wine spots, the best brewery towns, and lesser-known ski destinations. She also loves to write about a boutique hotel with a good story. When she's not writing, Molly enjoys spending time outdoors, exploring new coffee shops and breweries, and of course, traveling. Her favorite city in the world (so far) is Barcelona, Spain, but she loves traveling anywhere that offers sunny weather and ample hiking opportunities. She loves spending time in the mountains, enjoys connecting with nature through camping and glamping adventures, and is always up for learning about the world through fun, immersive experiences (and then sharing those stories!). You can connect with Molly here: Instagram: @metropolitanmolly Twitter: @Molly_A_OBrien Facebook: @MetropolitanMolly LinkedIn: @mollyannobrien www.metropolitanmolly.com
Catherine Smith
Catherine Smith, Readers' Choice Awards Production... Read More
Catherine Smith, Readers' Choice Awards Production Manager and Social Media Director for USA TODAY 10Best, has a special interest in unique culinary experiences and off-the-beaten-path adventures. Catherine is the founder of Her Bags Were Packed where she focuses on helping women release emotional baggage through solo travel and self-discovery.
Catherine Smith
Catherine Smith, Readers' Choice Awards Production Manager and Social Media Director for USA TODAY 10Best, has a special interest in unique culinary experiences and off-the-beaten-path adventures. Catherine is the founder of Her Bags Were Packed where she focuses on helping women release emotional baggage through solo travel and self-discovery.
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.