MOTEL SAFARI( Tucumcari, New Mexico)
A vibrant example of mid-century modern roadside architecture, Motel Safari stands out with its colorful design and restored neon glow. Tucumcari’ s reputation as a neon capital is perfectly embodied in this playful, stylish motor lodge.
EL REY COURT( Santa Fe, New Mexico)
Originally built in the 1930s as a motor court, El Rey Court has evolved into a stylish desert retreat. It balances adobe-style architecture with modern design touches, reflecting Santa Fe’ s blend of historic Route 66 roots and contemporary Southwest culture.
EL VADO MOTEL( Albuquerque, New Mexico)
Built in 1937 and beautifully restored, El Vado is now a boutique-style motor lodge with a strong sense of preservation. It combines historic Route 66 architecture with a modern courtyard, restaurants, and cultural spaces.
EL RANCHO HOTEL( Gallup, New Mexico)
Built in 1937, this lodge hosted Hollywood stars filming Westerns in the region. Its rustic, lodge-style design reflects the romanticized vision of the American West that Route 66 travelers once sought.
WIGWAM MOTEL( Holbrook, Arizona)
Famous for its concrete tipi-shaped rooms, the Wigwam Motel is one of only a few remaining from a 1930s novelty chain. It represents the playful, roadside novelty architecture that once defined Route 66 travel.
LA POSADA HOTEL( Winslow, Arizona)
A masterpiece of Southwest railroad-era grandeur, La Posada was originally built in 1930 as a Harvey House hotel. Restored to its former elegance, it blends Spanish Colonial Revival architecture with lush gardens and artistic detail, making it one of the most iconic stays in the entire Route 66 corridor.
AMERICANA MOTOR HOTEL( Flagstaff, Arizona)
A mid-century classic that reflects Flagstaff’ s golden age of Route 66 tourism, the Americana Motor Hotel combines retro charm with updated comfort. Its neon signage and clean, simple lines preserve the feel of postwar road trip culture.
EL TROVATORE MOTEL( Kingman, Arizona)
Famous for its bold neon and rooftop Route 66 signage, El Trovatore is pure roadside character. Its quirky design and cinematic presence make it one of Kingman’ s most photographed and recognizable motor lodges.
RIDERMAGAZINE. COM / AUGUST 2026 / 57