CLASSIC MOTOR LODGES ARE IN A COMEBACK ERA, SETTING NEW STANDARDS FOR ROADSIDE HOSPITALITY. THESE ARE OUR 27 FAVORITES ACROSS THE US.
https://www.wildsam.com/stories/best-road-hotels-in-america-motor-lodges
Nostalgia for road trips and the mom-and-pop motor hotels of yesteryear runs deep. Neon signage worthy of preservation status. Charming, if barebones, guest offerings (i.e. “Color TV”). The ease and utility of getting in, out, and back-on-the-road.
Over the last two decades, a small but growing number of these “motels” have been revived and reimagined by hospitality pros who see potential in the right kind of unfussy motor inn. The evolution has even sparked road lodging options that defy old tags and expectations, blending the best of campgrounds, B&Bs, cabins, and resorts, into a fresh category of what we’re calling the “Road Hotel.”
Over the last two decades, a small but growing number of these “motels” have been revived and reimagined by hospitality pros who see potential in the right kind of unfussy motor inn. The evolution has even sparked road lodging options that defy old tags and expectations, blending the best of campgrounds, B&Bs, cabins, and resorts, into a fresh category of what we’re calling the “Road Hotel.”
What exactly makes a “Road Hotel,” you ask? Well, our road-savvy team of editors boils the criteria down to three areas of distinction. 1) Design aesthetics that nod to retro predecessors (while avoiding kitsch). 2) Locations that register as “roadside,” and/or en-route to iconic destinations, i.e. 80 miles from the Grand Canyon. Note: While there are a few exceptions, most Road Hotels are not inside of major cities. 3) Amenities that suggest a boutique hotel experience, but also salve the grind of road tripping (saunas and yoga, coffee shops, cocktail bars, concerts and community events, general stores, dog friendly digs).
The Road Hotel, in essence, is a remix of bygone travel and modern trends. These 27 are tops in America. And the best news: There are more and more coming down the road.
