Motels were once prized only for their cheapness and parking spaces. Now, though, motor inns or lodges are also often among the cutest places to stay, bursting with retro charm and old-fashioned hospitality. From mid-century marvels and pieces of Americana to once crumbling roadside inns restored to rival the most luxurious hotels, we’ve rounded up the best motel in every state across the US. Due to COVID-19, be sure to check state travel advisories and individual motel websites before travelling.
This family-run motel is as charming as its setting, and just as beautifully blue, too. On the north side of Dauphin Island, south of Mobile, Gulf Breeze Motel is steps from the beach and is surrounded by bay and Gulf of Mexico views. The spacious rooms have suitably breezy, beach-themed decor with many opening straight onto the veranda and those glorious views.
The Driftwood Inn is a hotel, motel… not a Holiday Inn exactly, but you get the idea. Accommodation options include cottages, lodges, hotel suites and even an RV park. Guests can also opt to stay in the historic motor inn, which has variously been home to a boarding house, taxi company, school classrooms and the town’s newspaper. The cutest rooms have Pullman-style beds, some have coffee makers and fridges, and all are a short walk from the beach.
This 1948-built motel seemed destined to crumble by the roadside before it was bought by its current owners in 2014. They’ve restored it beautifully, staying true to its retro roots while transforming it into the chicest place to stay for miles. Aside from the original building, a recent extension sticks to the vintage vibes, as does the gorgeous cocktail bar, The Red Light Lounge.
The location of Edelweiss Inn couldn’t be better. It’s a short distance from Eureka Springs’ historic downtown (with a trolley stop right outside), is surrounded by dogwood trees, and has views of the Ozark Mountains, which are just waiting to be explored. The Swiss-style inn itself, open since 1978, is charming, with cute and colourful rooms and outdoor decks for soaking up the scenery.
Beck’s Motor Lodge is right in the heart of San Francisco’s Castro District, which has been the city’s main LGBTQ+ hub since Harvey Milk – dubbed the “Mayor of Castro” – became the state’s first openly gay elected official in the 1970s. The area still has a buzz about it, as does this cute and beautifully revamped 1950s motel. Quite literally, in fact, as there's a beehive on the roof. Stylish rooms have soothing colours and rich textures of walnut wood and wool, while there’s also free parking – a rarity in the city.
It’s all in the details at Amigo Motor Lodge, which dates back to the 1950s. It’s the dream of a retro-cool motel: affordable yet with plenty of thoughtful touches that show the owners care. There are handwoven blankets, super-comfy mattresses, high-end toiletries, beautifully crafted furniture and splashes of art and greenery that elevate the motel to somewhere really special. The location is lovely, too, with the arty town of Salida close by and hot springs, mountain trails and skiing areas in the area.
There’s nothing fancy about The Atlantic Motor Inn, just south of Hartford and by the Connecticut River. But that’s all part of its charm. With classic blue-and-white decor, marshmallowy beds (each room has two queens or a huge king-sized bed) and, of course, free parking outside, there’s everything road-trippers and other travellers could need, plus a bit extra, too. The rooms are sparkling clean, while the prettily planted outside areas, with hedges and window boxes overflowing with blooms, adds to the welcoming feel.
The name says it all: Adams Ocean Front Resort overlooks popular Rehoboth Bay with Dewey Beach, a lovely stretch of sandy beach, just a short stroll away. Prettily decorated rooms are arranged over three levels, classic motel style, with wrap-around balconies for clear views over the bay and its incredible sunsets. Guests can also book a villa, but the motel offers the most authentic seaside resort experience.
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It only takes a couple of minutes to stroll to the beach from Haley’s, a pretty, spearmint-coloured inn on Anna Maria Island. Though the pool, at the heart of the small complex of rooms, is a treat too, and tends to be relatively serene thanks to the inn’s adults-only policy. For anyone yearning for busier shops and restaurants, though, Bradenton Beach is around four miles (6.5km) away. The motel itself dates back to the 1950s, and its current incarnation has stayed true to its original cottage-chic style.
Motown music streaming into the car park, free popcorn and unlimited coffee and doughnuts for breakfast… Savannah’s Thunderbird Inn, right in the heart of the city, knows what’s important. The colourful decor, in retro shades of peach and teal, original pylon sign and generally fun, laid-back vibes add to the charm. Rooms are bright and clean, opening directly out to the car park (as motels should).
Pakalana Inn has been a local landmark since 1944, when it opened with ten rooms. Now there are just five rooms, with more space and ensuite bathrooms, and it remains a much-loved destination on the Big Island. It was renovated in 2009 and the decor fits the inn's vintage charm, with caravan-style tables set alongside modern four-poster beds. There’s also a Hawaiian restaurant downstairs and a guitar shop offering lessons.
Aside from the delicious-sounding name, Sourdough Lodge ticks a lot of boxes for people looking for the quintessential motor lodge experience. The main motel rooms are clean and cosy, while the restaurant serves classic mountain fare like brisket, fried green beans, huckleberry pie and its signature sourdough pancakes – perfect after days spent exploring the surrounding trails. There are also cabins and spaces for RVs, making it pretty much the perfect road-trip stop. Oh, and there are hot springs just a short drive away, too.
Decent affordable accommodation can be pretty hard to find in the heart of Chicago. Decent affordable accommodation with free parking? Yep, Ohio House Motel in downtown is a rarity indeed. The motel first opened in 1960 and has recently been refurbished with spacious, clean and well-equipped rooms with funky retro touches. Suites have sofas and kitchenettes, so it’s a great option for people visiting the Windy City on a budget.
How many motels are modelled to look like castles? Not many, we'd wager. But the Rosemount Motel in Bedford is and it's an arresting sight. The quaint roadside lodge is pretty standard inside, with simple rooms and chintzy decor, though its old-fashioned style is all part of the appeal. The location is great, too, with Spring Mill State Park and Bluespring Caverns – a karst cave system where you can take a boat tour – nearby.
Set right by both East and West Lake Okoboji, this cute motel in Okoboji has a fabulous location. Vintage Block Inn & Suites also has all the practicality guests would expect from a motel, with kitchenettes, onsite parking, in-room coffee makers, a pool, and direct access to the great outdoors. Yet it also has all the charms of a lovely boutique hotel, with luxurious textiles, well-crafted furniture and bold, pretty wall murals. There are also huge suites for groups, sleeping up to 10 people.
Anyone looking for the quintessential, no-frills, retro roadside motel could do far worse than Copa Motel. Close to the historic centre of Kingman, which is home to a 1920s Vaudeville theatre and a row of cute shops, this isn’t a fancy take on a motel – it’s the real deal. Large rooms, bright decor, free parking, in-room amenities including a coffee maker and microwave, and an outdoor pool make it a practical option too.
Built in the 1950s, Early American Motel might just challenge any preconceptions about how a motel should look. The property, located off designated Scenic Highway Route 68, resembles a country inn but has all the qualities expected of a motel. A short hop from Kentucky Lake and close to the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, its location is pretty idyllic, too.
The Drifter was a motel in the 1950s but today it’s something far beyond that: the type of place that just oozes style, creativity, laid-back ambience, and the kind of decor that has Instagrammers drooling. Its current incarnation is just a few years old but it hasn’t forgotten its motel roots, with an original flashing sign out front and a retro tropical feel throughout. Art murals, Mexican tiles, palm trees and a gorgeous pool complete with glitterball make this a place where guests want to hang out.
Another fine example of a 1950s motel restored to its former glory – or, rather, to whole new levels of gloriousness – Lincolnville Motel is a dreamy seasonal (May to October) property that just seems to encapsulate exactly what summer holidays should be about. Combining the retro charms of motels gone by with chic modern touches, the oceanside spot has just four spacious rooms and six cabins, surrounded by woodland and with coastal views. The fenced-in pool, in the middle of a field, is particularly lovely.
There are just 10 rooms at The Garrett Inn, and each one is cosy, comfy and clean. Each also has a door that opens onto some spectacular Maryland scenery, with forests, mountains and water waiting just outside. The motel is right by Deep Creek Lake, which has an Olympic-style whitewater course, and the helpful owners are happy to offer tips and share recommendations for those wanting to go out and play on the water.
Tourists takes motel life to new levels of chicness and luxury, with plush window seats, gorgeous textiles and wooden decks jutting into the trees. The current owners have taken an old motor lodge and transformed it into a dreamy escape, complete with a restaurant in a 19th-century farmhouse. The setting, in the rural Berkshires, is glorious. Beyond the 55 acres of woodland on the property, there are riverside paths and hiking trails to explore.
Built in 1953, The Saugatuck was lovingly restored in 2012 and now positively revels in its retro roots, with every detail designed to recall the bygone era of motor lodging in style. Rooms with vintage patterned blankets and Adirondack patio chairs are steps from the shores of Lake Michigan, while the option of a game of shuffleboard around the fire pit or by the pool (kidney-shaped, of course) only adds to the retro vibe.
The Mangy Moose is worthy of attention for its name alone. The seasonal, low-rise motel also happens to be tucked amid some pretty incredible landscapes, including the spectacular Lake Superior, just a short walk from the rooms. The cute, wood-panelled rooms, with comfy beds and little touches of colour and quirk, are just what’s needed between adventures in the wilderness.
Accommodation at roadside Shack Up Inn is based in restored sharecroppers’ shacks and other original outbuildings. Its porches were made for relaxing/drinking beer/reclining in a rocking chair on. The inn is in Clarksdale, a must-stop on the Mississippi Delta’s Highway 69 or 'Blues Highway'. Given that Morgan Freeman co-owns a blues club, Ground Zero, here, it makes sense to spend the night.
Boots Court Motel was built in 1949 and, in its heyday up to the 1970s, was something of a legend along the historic Route 66, attracting Hollywood superstars like Clark Gable. The striking Art Deco building was closed for around 20 years before being restored well beyond its former glory around a decade ago. It's earning back its iconic status thanks to comfy rooms and good old-fashioned hospitality.
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The Riverfront Motel combines the charms of log-cabin lodgings with the convenience of a roadside location and drive-up rooms. You can even park your boat, should you have one. Everything is cute, cosy and clean, with rustic details like hand-crafted wooden bed frames and moose-themed artwork. The location, just off Highway 200 and right by Clark Fork River, is fabulous, too. There are trails nearby or guests can boat down the river from the motel.
It’s the location that puts Sandhills Guest House Motel in top spot among Nebraska’s motels. Right off Highway 20, it’s a must-stop on a road trip through the state and also within walking distance of a range of restaurants and outdoorsy fun. There’s a golf course and parks nearby, while downtown Atkinson has the 19th-century Sturdevant-McKee Museum and a cluster of cute shops. The motel itself has generously sized and recently redecorated rooms, including a suite with a whirlpool bath (pictured).
The Clown Motel might not be for everyone. Those who have a fear of clowns, for example. Others will love the bizarreness of this property in the historic mining town of Tonopah, in the Nevada desert. Common areas and rooms are decorated with thousands of clown dolls, stuffed animals and other creepy paraphernalia. It’s also close to a cemetery where many miners who died in the Tonopah-Belmont Mine Fire of 1911 are buried, so definitely not one for the easily spooked.
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In the heart of the beautiful White Mountain region and just off a scenic byway, Carroll Motel is perfectly placed for exploring forest trails or just gazing at Mount Washington, visible from the property. The hiking routes of Twin Mountain-Bretton Woods are just a few minutes’ walk away, and the motel’s simple, welcoming rooms and heated pool are exactly what’s needed after a long day of exploring.
New Jersey’s Wildwood Crest is known for its classic beach town vibes and fascinating strip of mid-century modern inns, known as “Doo Wop” motels. Only two – Chateau Bleu and Caribbean Motel – are protected by the National Register of Historic Places. The latter, which opened in the 1950s, has been restored in brilliantly colourful retro style with plastic palm trees, a crescent-shaped pool, and mid-century furniture. It’s an easy stroll to the beaches and boardwalk, too.
Blue Swallow Motel isn’t just a cool motel – it’s also a Route 66 landmark in its own right. Operating on the historic (and ever-popular road trip) route since 1939, the family-owned motel is pretty hard to miss. A classic neon sign beckons drivers to pull over, while vintage details like mid-century furniture and rotary-dial phones encourage them to stay a while. Each room has a personal garage and outdoor patio chairs.
Rooms at this Catskills motel pay homage to a certain 1969 festival the town became famous for, and in the most glorious way. Hotel Dylan has 22 rooms and each embraces the bohemian spirit in the chicest ways possible, with bright white walls hosting vintage photos and regional artwork, patterned rugs and splashes of colour provided by the soft furnishings. Plus, the charms of downtown Woodstock and the mountain and ski trails of the Catskills are just outside.
The Sunset Motel has been going since 1958 and its heart – and decor – has stayed very much in the 1960s. Rooms are simple, bright and cheerful with retro patterned tiles, blazing orange bedspreads and groovy touches throughout. The classic roadside inn is in Transylvania Country, dubbed the “Land of Waterfalls” (there are more than 250 in a small area), with biking and hiking trails waiting to be explored.
Medora is at the heart of the Badlands, so it stands to reason the best motel in town – and arguably in the entire state – is named Badlands Motel. The park-up-and-stay motor inn is run by the Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation and has just what road-trippers need: clean rooms, comfy beds and a large outdoor pool. And, of course, the decor is very much western-themed. The trails of Theodore Roosevelt National Park are right outside, too.
Rooms are pretty simple at the seasonal (closed in winter) Lake Point Motel in Marblehead: clean, quiet, well-maintained, and with all the usual amenities you’d expect. But, really, most guests are unlikely to bother much with these details because the location is unbeatable. Lake Erie is right across the street, Marblehead Lighthouse State Park – home to a 1821 lighthouse – is a short walk away, and a nearby ferry service runs to and from Kelleys Island, with great restaurants, breweries and forest trails.
Guests staying within this quirky slice of Americana might feel compelled to slick back their hair or don a hoop skirt and leather jacket. Happy Days Hotel has an outdoor pool and a retro diner serving burgers and shakes among cut-outs of Elvis Presley and James Dean. The theme spills into the rooms, too, with bold colours and quirky touches like a Lucille Ball shower curtain and Elvis throw cushions.
Portland’s Jupiter Hotel, in the arty Pearl District, was once an abandoned mid-century motor inn and is now one of the city’s coolest hotels. Aside from the impeccable design and decor, it’s wonderfully unpretentious too. Walls are covered with art and the layout is thoughtfully designed to incorporate plenty of communal areas to hang out, from chunky wooden benches on the patio to the dive-style bar. The hotel acts as an incubator for small businesses, displaying their crafts and hosting fundraising events and markets.
Guests can stay in an actual railroad car at the Caboose Motel, where 21 original carriages have been converted into cute, individual cabins. Each has a king-size bed or twin beds and bathroom with shower, plus domed or bay windows so guests can gaze out and pretend they’re on a glamorous journey. There’s also a platform with deck chairs, and easy access to the 9.6-mile (15.4km) Oil Creek State Park trail. The motel is seasonal, open from April to October each year.
The Sea Shell Motel calls itself “The Pink Place” and who are we to argue? It’s as pink and pretty as a traditional wedding cake, and just across from Misquamicut State Beach to boot. Rooms are simple and cute, though this is really the place to come to get out and play, with a garden that leads to the saltwater Winnapaug Pond, a seasonal outdoor hot tub and paddle-boats for guests’ use.
Right by the sand and with clear views of the Atlantic, Vancouver Motel wins plaudits – and fans – for its perfect beachside location. The decor reflects the surroundings, with shades of blue popping against bright white, palm trees dotting the grounds and chairs outside each room with views of the pool or ocean. Each room has a microwave and small fridge, too, while the motel has BBQ areas for guests’ use, making it an ideal budget option despite the incredible location.
The seasonal Chalet Motel is within Custer State Park in the heart of South Dakota’s Black Hills, which is enough to recommend it, really. It’s also incredibly cute, with rooms tucked within mini chalets that have pitched roofs, white stuccoed walls and blue and green shutters. Accommodation is simple, with comfy beds and traditional, homely decor, while the free breakfast is another plus, setting guests up for days exploring the area’s attractions including Mount Rushmore.
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Sometimes, self-consciously cool and determinedly retro is just fine, as proven by this cute adults-only property in East Nashville. The Dive Motel is actually housed in an old motor inn, though the Key Motel – built in 1956 – was pretty run down when the property was taken over. Opened in late 2019, it’s quickly becoming the place to stay and hang out while in town. Each room is individually, quirkily decorated, and comes with a “Party Switch” that initiates a disco ball and house radio.
The Austin Motel was an early adopter of the hipped-up motel trend, blazing a trail for many others since. Opened in 1938, it’s been updated slowly and thoughtfully to suit modern tastes (and because bedding doesn’t really last that many decades) while staying true to its roots and keeping plenty of nods to the past. So, mid-century chairs are dotted around the kidney-shaped pool, while rooms have bright yellow and red vinyl beds and pop-art wallpaper.
Zion Park Motel is in a perfect spot for exploring some of southern Utah’s most ethereal attractions, with Zion National Park just a mile (1.6km) away and Bryce Canyon within a couple of hours’ drive. So, as that might suggest, the views surrounding the motel are incredible: the low-rise building and its heated outdoor pool are backed by the region’s famous apricot rock formations. The property itself is imbued with old-school charms: cosy rooms have wood-panelled walls, dusky pink bedspreads and large windows to keep the scenery in sight.
This highly rated property is in Woodstock – the Vermont town, that is, rather than the location of perhaps the world’s most famous festival (in New York State). Sleep Woodstock Motel provides a warm and welcoming base for exploring the pretty town and its verdant surroundings, with the Ottauquechee River just across the road. Rooms are simple but cosily decorated, with plush beds and walls covered with framed photos and artwork.
The owners of Island Motor Inn Resort were born here on Chincoteague Island and their love of the location shows in every detail. Each room faces towards the water, for example, for lovely views of Chincoteague Bay through the windows or from the balcony. There’s also an observation deck, private pier and gorgeous garden with fishponds, so guests can really revel in the area’s serene beauty. With cute rooms and two pools, it’s definitely a cut above your typical motel.
South Bend is the self-proclaimed “Oyster Capital of the World” and this cute and cosy motel is a pearl of a place to explore it from. Seaquest Motel, with bright, well-equipped rooms, is right by the Willapa River, surrounded by hiking trails and opportunities for fishing, kayaking and birdwatching. The early 20th-century, Beaux Arts–style Pacific County Courthouse, with an illuminated Tiffany stained-glass dome, is right next door, too.
Another example of how motels are challenging other types of accommodation in the comfort and style stakes, The Billy is wonderfully chic and almost painfully cool. Almost, because it still manages to be laid-back enough to avoid pretension. A short walk from the shops, restaurants and bars of downtown Davis and close to the hiking and ski trails of Dolly Sods Wilderness Area, the motel has just 10, delightfully retro, rooms, with 1960s-style wallpaper and warm, earthy tones. The cocktail bar is excellent, too.
Dating back to 1952 and still very much rooted in that era, Holiday Music Motel claims it’s the only of its kind with live music, songwriting retreats and an onsite radio station. It’s certainly a unique combination, and a unique place to stay. A couple of hours’ drive north of Milwaukee, in Door County, the interior is wonderfully retro with mid-century furniture, shades of spearmint, yellow, burgundy and peach, and a general rock ’n’ roll vibe. Sturgeon Bay is just steps away, too.
Anvil Hotel opened in 2017, having been taken over and transformed from a former 1950s motor lodge, and is packed to the rafters with charms to match its mountain setting. The rooms, with cast-iron bed frames, plush textiles and rainfall showers, are gorgeous, and the location isn’t bad either. The reborn motel is a short walk from Jackson Town Square, close to Snow King Mountain, and a gateway to Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks.