For the Car Junkie

The 1939-built Blue Swallow Motel, in Tucumcari, is a classic motor-court gem. Sure, guests love the glowing neon and restored midcentury decor, but the historic garages attached to many of its rooms mean cars get pampered too. (Electric cars even get a boost with available charging stations.) “The motel is part of Americana,” says Robert Federico, who co-owns the motel with his wife, Dawn. “It’s iconic.”

Guests can swap stories around the Motel Safari firepits. Photograph by Gabriella Marks.

 

For the Midcentury Modernist

Tucumcari’s Motel Safari sports Googie-style architecture and a bright color palette. “Everything is midcentury modern here,” says owner Rich Havlik, who tunes in-room radios to classic 1950s songs and serves Jiffy Pop popcorn around the firepit. “A lot of motels don’t have a place where you can just sit and talk to other people. There are nights when people are out there until 11 p.m.” 

Santa Rosa Lake State Park offers a quiet overnight stop north of Santa Rosa. Photograph by Timothy Baca.

 

For a Wild Diversion

While early Route 66 travelers often spent the night in primitive auto camps, motorists who camp today have plenty of amenities at Santa Rosa Lake State Park. Located seven miles north of Santa Rosa, the scenic campground with electric RV hookups is a popular fishing, birding, and wildlife viewing destination. “People love it here and often extend their stay for one or two more nights before they hit the road again,” says Cody Creager, park manager.  

The Sunset Motel's neon sign lights up the night in Moriarty. Photograph courtesy of Sunset Motel.

 

For Some Good Cheer

As New Mexico’s only Route 66 motel still owned by its original family, the Sunset Motel treats you like one of their own. “People are looking for personal experiences,” says Mike Pogue, who co-owns the Moriarty motel with his wife, Debbie. In fact, Pogue helped his dad build the two original rooms, which opened in 1959, and those that followed over the next decade. Today, he still keeps up that same hands-on approach. “I read the reviews on Expedia,” he says. “One person said, ‘If I could bundle up this motel and take it with me everywhere I go, I would.’ ”

El Vado’s former parking lot now serves as a food court. Photograph by Jakob Schiller.

 

For the Mover and Shaker

You don’t need a room to enjoy the El Vado Motel, in Albuquerque. The renovated 1927 motor court’s former parking lot has been transformed into a vibrant patio gathering space, which hosts live music and weekend pop-up markets. Grab a drink from the El Vado Tap Room and order from one of the mini food pods, including the James Beard Award–nominated Buen Provecho, which serves Costa Rican and Latin American fare. You’ll likely be having such a good time, you might just want to stay.

Owner Sharmin Dharas and her daughter, Shayrooz, in one of the colorful rooms at Hotel Zazz. Photograph by Jen Judge.

 

For the Fun Lover

Hotel Zazz fits right in with Albuquerque’s entertaining Nob Hill neighborhood. Bright bursts of color and imaginative touches like a Popsicle happy hour, “dive-in” movies at the outdoor pool, and a speakeasy accessed by tapping a golden banana statuette in the lobby make for a whimsical and enjoyable stay. “It’s new-stalgia, bringing back memories and still creating a new passion and desire for people to want to stay on Route 66,” says owner Sharmin Dharas.

Linger on your patio at El Rey Court for a chance to meet other travelers. Photograph by Jen Judge.

 

For the Cool Crowd

Santa Fe’s El Rey Court keeps more than its light on for you. The renovated 1936 adobe motor inn hums with a happening pool scene, live music from local and touring musicians, and creative tequila, mezcal, and sotol cocktails at La Reina bar just off the lobby. “It is a true oasis from the daily grind,” says Gabrielle Cruz, director of rooms.

The Mystic’s two time-capsule rooms appeal to Route 66 travelers with retro touches. Photograph courtesy of The Mystic.

 

For the Eclectic Traveler

The Mystic Santa Fe, a stylish transformation of the 1958 Silver Saddle Motel on Cerrillos Road, seduces travelers with a cozy restaurant, desert-modern decor, live music, and a fun outdoors space. “I love vintage and retro,” says Amanda Tucker, who co-owns the motel with her husband, Rick Goldberg.

The Bobcat Inn's Route 66 room brings roadside style to a Santa Fe retreat. Photograph courtesy of Bobcat Inn.

 

For the Early Bird

Set an alarm at Santa Fe’s Bobcat Inn. You don’t want to miss breakfast at this retreat with spectacular mountain views and a Route 66–themed room. The blue corn pancakes, seasonal frittata, and Bobcat breakfast casserole are a delectable start to the day. “We craft each dish to give a true taste of New Mexico—comforting, vibrant, and unforgettable,” says Ryan Miller, who co-owns the inn with his wife, Jessica.

The South West Motel's neon sign marks a restored Route 66 stay in Grants. Photograph courtesy of the South West Motel.

 

For the Outdoor Enthusiast

The restored South West Motel in Grants makes a great jumping-off place for nearby El Malpais National Monument, Ice Cave and Bandera Volcano, and the Continental Divide Trail. “If you don’t have much time while you’re here, you can get to El Malpais’s Sandstone Bluffs in 15 minutes and watch the sunset,” says Ron Novak, who owns the 1950s hotel with his partner, Michelle Bush.

El Rancho Hotel brings Old Hollywood to Gallup. Photograph by Steven St. John.

 

For a Touch of Glamour

With its lodge-like interior and dual lobby staircase, Gallup’s El Rancho Hotel feels like it’s ready for a Hollywood close-up. A multiyear renovation has added some glitz to the 1936 hotel, where movie stars like Katharine Hepburn and John Wayne once stayed. Next door, the El Rancho Motel gives the Mother Road its time in the spotlight with Route 66–themed decor in every room.

Portrait of Garry Herron.Gary Herron
Journalist and author

In 1975, Gary Herron checked in to Albuquerque’s Piñon Motel, which opened in 1946 on Central Avenue. He’s been collecting vintage postcards of Route 66’s historic motels ever since. “Back in those days, you had to entice somebody with ‘Hey look, we’ve got air conditioning, we’ve got a swimming pool, we’ve got telephones,’ ” he says. “Those were the marketing tools they had before the Internet.”