Unique Motor Lodges for Your Next Road Trip
These motor lodges are worth stopping for.
Hearing the call of the open road? The great American road trip may be your next great vacation. Whether you want to cruise the rural highways of New England or roam the sun-baked backroads of California, you’ll find destination-worthy motor lodges with awesome retro appeal along the way. Here are 14 favorites that will far exceed your expectations of what a roadside stay can be.
Calistoga Motor Lodge and Spa, Calistoga, California
Vintage vibes, vino, and a big dose of joie de vivre team up at Calistoga Motor Lodge and Spa, a charming boutique hotel in Napa Valley. Its design inspiration from 1950s-70s Americana—think marigold and navy color schemes, stripe and chevron patterns, streamlined furnishings—translates beautifully in the here and now, creating an Instagram-worthy style. CML’s Silverado Trail location, within walking or biking distance from downtown Calistoga, is an additional major plus. After a day of vineyard visits, soak in one of the lodge’s hot spring mineral pools.
Starlite Motel, Kerhonkson, New York
Located in the peaceful Catskills, about a two-hour drive from NYC, Starlite Motel is a quirky little retreat nestled in an area packed with wineries, hiking trails, nature preserves, stone-cliff waterfalls, and rolling farmland. The motor lodge’s 1960s vintage is apparent from its basic layout and breeze-block walls. However, new owners have lovingly restored the property with stylish interiors and boutique-like details. Instead of a vending machine, there’s a weekend food truck selling vegan food. Each room features Brazilian pour-over coffee, fresh flowers, buffalo-check wool blankets, natural toiletries, and unique pink-and-black tiled bathrooms.
Beck’s Motor Lodge, San Francisco, California
When Beck’s first opened in 1958, room rates were just five dollars a night. Today, the hotel celebrates its mid-century style with bright colors and quirky signage over Market Street. Modern travelers flock to this independent hotel for its friendly atmosphere and unbeatable Castro location, along with complimentary parking—a rarity in compact San Francisco.
Drift Oceanside Inn, Camden, Maine
The stretch of Coastal Route 1 heading north from Camden is dotted with charming B&Bs and simple little motels facing the island-dotted Penobscot Bay. It’s a lovely drive made year after year by travelers heading to Acadia. Drift Oceanside, originally a family-run lodge, offers a quintessential Maine experience with breathtaking views of gently crashing waves and marble cliffs. We recommend a sundown picnic on the private beach before watching the moon rise over the water.
Motel Safari, Tucumcari, New Mexico
A funky camel-topped road sign and atomic-era designs characterize Motel Safari, an iconic destination on Route 66. This 1959 motel has maintained its peak 60s vibes, with rooms furnished with original pieces crafted on-site during its construction. The camel sign honors the 22 camels used in a historic expedition, linking this site to Route 66’s rich history.
Cuyama Buckhorn, New Cuyama, California
Only in California could a motor lodge be as stylish as Cuyama Buckhorn. Originally built in 1952, the newly renovated lodge features nods to local cowboy culture, enhancing its mid-century design with warm decorative touches. Guests can enjoy breathtaking views of the California landscape, access to hot tubs and cocktails at the bar, and activities such as bocce ball.
Shady Villa Hotel, Salado, Texas
The oldest continuously-operating hotel in Texas, Shady Villa dates back to 1861 as a stagecoach stop. Renovations throughout the years transformed this historic site into a small-town destination resort, still reflecting its storied past through nostalgic decor and flavorful menu options.
Skyline Lodge, Highlands, North Carolina
Originally drafted by a Frank Lloyd Wright student, Skyline Lodge features classic motor court design revitalized into a trendy mountain retreat. The inn adds unique touches such as heated bathroom tiles and custom bedding, while offering outdoor activities like fly fishing and rock climbing, ensuring a well-rounded experience.
Hero Beach Club, Montauk, New York
In that sense, Hero Beach Club in Montauk isn’t just a typical motor lodge; it’s a prime destination known for its stunning beachfront property. The 2016 renovation transformed it into a stylish getaway characterized by beachy-boho decor and a laid-back vibe, staying true to the natural beauty of the surroundings.
Amigo Motor Lodge, Salida, Colorado
High-elevation hiking, hot springs, and hometown breweries await travelers in Salida. The Amigo Motor Lodge blends vintage charm with Southwestern soul, featuring unique rooms and outdoor spaces ideal for post-hike relaxation. Expect to find gas station signs, butterfly chairs, and quirky decor surrounding the lodge’s inviting atmosphere.
The Brentwood and Spa City Motor Lodge, Saratoga Springs, New York
Recent years have introduced fresh options in Saratoga Springs, with the transformation of a former lodge into Brentwood Hotel, a boutique experience featuring exquisite design elements. The opening of Spa City Motor Lodge provides a budget-friendly yet stylish stay, combining retro influences with modern amenities in a charming downtown location.
High Country Motor Lodge, Flagstaff, Arizona
High Country Motor Lodge opened in January 2022, revitalizing a historic Howard Johnson property. With outdoor movies, lawn games, and rustic-modern designs, it caters to travelers seeking both comfort and aesthetic appeal directly off the famous Route 66.
The Briarcliff, Great Barrington, Massachusetts
Nestled in the Berkshires, the dog-friendly Briarcliff offers modernized mid-century motel experiences with cozy vibes. Close to storybook towns and hiking trails, this lodge presents a quiet retreat paired with charm and hospitality.
Del Marcos Hotel, Palm Springs, California
The 1947 Del Marcos Hotel is a tribute to desert modernism, featuring a sleek architectural design that showcases the timeless aesthetic of Palm Springs. This 17-room property remains remarkably preserved, offering guests a nostalgic experience filled with refined styles and luxury amenities.
