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Added late-August
Check out Steve Wood's essay on Californian Motels
Added mid-August
Illinois Motel - Bill Harbin
Attached is a postcard image of my great uncle - J. C. Harbin (John) - in front of his motor lodge on Highway 51 South (now Elvis Presley Blvd). Probably circa late 1930's or early 1940's. The image says "Corbis" so I guess they own it now.
I have some news stories about him and even this post card. A local collector sold some off and i guess that's how Corbis got it. I have heard that this card was even in a museum in Washington, DC. I don't have an original myself and looking to get one. I have a photo of him with a suitcase on the side of the road looking like he is hitching a ride and a date drawn on the suitcase. I didn't know him at all. In fact, I had to go to his funeral to see what he looked like! Lots of stories handed down though.
J.C. was a local businessman/tycoon and owned a large amount of land south of Graceland that contained a dirt car racetrack, motor lodge, BarBQue Restaurant known for ages, a soft ice cream mix company (still in business!) and the first public swimming pool in the county (my Dad was a lifeguard there around 1940). I heard a New Orleans food critic mention their BarBque recipe on a national cooking show just about 6 weeks ago! And out of all the great BBQ places in Memphis, that's something!
One of his sons - Clyde Arthur Harbin - is still around and is a local fishing (lure) legend. J.C. died in 1986 at the age of 92 or 96. He, and a business partner, gave a bunch of money to Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas and they named the men's dorm after him - Harbin Hall. I am 47 and still run into oldtimers that remember the barbeque restaurant or the pool or the lodgings. Neat stories about stuff that I never knew or saw myself. The ice cream mix business is still on site and active (I guess) - have pics of that too.
If you need any more info about him, let me know...
Illinois Motel - Greg Russell
I enjoyed your site. One motel you may have missed on your way through the Chicago suburbs is the "Genc Motel" located just west of Route 83 and immediately south of I-55. Accessible in the 1950s from old Route 66, when the interstate was built in the early 1960s the elevation changed and the motel is not accessible today except by going to the frontage road via Route 83. Just west of the motel is an old two story building that used to house a grocery...also accessible when old 66 ran right in front of it. Thanks. Also some neat old motels on Ogden Avenue--Route 34--going west out of Chicago.
Illinois Motel - Lulu
I just checked out your website and I have to go to work or I would explore more. I checked the IL stuff as I live near Chicago. The Carefree motel is no longer in existence. I do not know the particulars. Maybe I can find out if you are interested. The building is still in Dwight, IL as a private residence. I want to say, it's across the street from a place that is called Federson's Garage. It's a pizza place that used to be an Oldsmobile Dealership.
Montana Motels - Brannie
Driving through Montana is tricky! There are lots of towns on the map that don't have .... towns with motels, gas stations or restaurants. They do have nice grain towers. So my advice is if you are in a town with a motel and it is about 5 or 6 pm - Take it! You may end up driving further than you wanted to if you don't. But overall - driving in Montana is WORTH IT! Gorgeous scenery, wildlife galore and wonderful people. Oh ! And I forgot to mention - Fellman's Motel in Jordan MT is a clean but not fancy place to put down your head after driving through the most antelope and deer herds I have ever seen! And the bar in Jorden has a fantastic antique bar. Nice folks too.
Pennsylvania Motels - Ron Carl
If you're planning a trip to or through Pennsylvania, I recommend checking out Wellsboro, home of the "Pennsylvania Grand Canyon". It's a quaint old town, with turn of the century styled gas lights lighting up main street after dark, a grassy median down the center of main street seldom seen these days, dotted with grand old stone houses, and lots of old styled charm. Be sure to check out the local motels that abound in the area, and a visit to the old Penn Wells Hotel is a must for any visitor. Have a nice trip !
Gatlinburg Motel - Sondrar
Just had to tell you about this little motel in Gatlinburg, TN. It is a small older , privately owned place, very clean and very inexpensive. The owners are very friendly and the place is clean and comfortable and is just off the main path through Gatlinburg. There is no telephones in the rooms but there is a pay phone at the office. It is called Marshall's Creek Rest Motel.
Indiana Motels - David Hitchcock
Suggested places to visit:
1. Turkey Run State Park-this is the most beautiful spot in the state, heavy forests with walking trails thru the many hills and dales-very beautiful covered bridge just off the park boundary. Also Shades State Park is just 10 miles away-partially bought by school kids in the 40's (of which I was one) to save the trees from being harvested for beer kegs.
2. Brown County-the beauty spot during the fall with the tremendous color in the changing leaves. Nashville is the quaint county seat and the top tourist site for over 50 years. Brown County State park-large unspoiled beauty.
3. Visit the Lincoln museum, site of his early childhood and burial place of his mother, Nancy Hanks Lincoln. A most is the outdoor drama present evening during the summer by college students of Lincoln's childhood in Indiana.
These are my favorite places to visit in southern Indiana. You will find many more. Although I have lived in Oklahoma since 1966, I was born in Hope, Indiana, which was founded in 1830 as a Moravian Church mission outreach. My great, great grandfather was in the group that traveled from Winston-Salem, N. C. to establish the town. In Hope's Moravian Cemetery, founded in 1833, is buried the first white child born in Indiana. Also buried there but not of any historical significance are my grandparent, parents, wife and scores of aunts, uncles and cousins.
Summer, spring and autumn are all times for a quiet, peaceful, relaxing visit to southern Indiana. And I most say that until you visit Indiana, there is definitely a whole in your travel experience.
Nevada Motels - Allen Sandquist
You have to go to Reno and Fallon, Nevada! Reno has so many gaudy motels, it's unbelievable! In Fallon, you have the Lariat Motel with one of the best signs in the state. I live in Henderson (a few miles south of Vegas), and am always making trips into Vegas with my camera to photograph motels. I have many old postcards I bring with me as I am usually confronted by the manager asking "Why are you taking pictures of this place?". I hope to someday publish a book featuring Nevada motels, then and now. If you would like any photos, let me know! I usually take two pictures of the motel and make doubles.
The Fishers Motel you wrote about in your Nevada section, used to be the Comet Motel. The sign was violet in color. I never took a picture of that sign. The Casablanca Motel (a bit further south on the other side of the highway) was demolished about a year ago. It's sort of scary on Fremont Street. I believe it to be the worst area to photograph the motels. I spent five hours in 110+ degree heat and lost about three and a half pounds, photographing the dilapidated downtown area! I could write a series of novels about the people I met!
Route 66 Motels - Bob Harmon
I have enjoyed your website enormously. I have been a Route 66 enthusiast for a number of years, and one of the great pleasures of traveling The Mother Road is discovering and checking into one of the classic "mom and pop" motels along the way. With the resurgence of interest in Route 66 in recent years, I would suggest the possibility that there is no other stretch of highway in the US with so many of them still in operation. Route 66 draws visitors from all around the world, especially in the summertime, so an evening at one of these motels is a real adventure for a number of reasons.
One of the classic motels in the entire country is the now-demolished Coral Court on the west edge of St. Louis MO. Shelley Graham just published this spring "Tales from the Coral Court: Photos and Stories from a Route 66 Landmark." It will become an important resource, with such a complete bibliography.
Some of my personal favorites, still in operation, along Route 66 include The Wagon Wheel in Cuba MO (Ozark stone cabins set back from 66 behind a huge lawn), The Munger Moss in Lebanon MO (a real testament to endurance when 66 became secondary to an interstate), The Boots in Carthage MO (a 1939 art deco classic), The Lincoln Motel in Chandler OK (a 1939 cottage-style "motor court"), The El Vado in Albuquerque NM (a carefully-restored 1940 adobe court), and the El Rancho in Gallup NM, where the original hotel-style two-story building still has the rooms the movie stars used when in the area for the dozens of movies filmed there. There are many other such places, some of which I have yet to enjoy.
And a very special favorite is The Blue Swallow in Tucumcari NM, a landmark since Miss Lillian Redmon, who arrived in the area by covered wagon, was given it by her husband as a wedding gift. The Swallow is being very carefully restored room by room, and is an experience not to be missed by any fan of the classic motels.
Why settle for the same old thing night after night when you can get variety, good service, classic surroundings, and very friendly people in such places as these and others like them?
Tennessee Motel - Anne Mitchell
We just stayed in a superb motel in Tennessee this past weekend. It was called The Sunset Inn in Dover, TN - a great jumping-off point for visiting The Land Between The Lakes in Kentucky. The motel was quiet, attractive and sparkling clean - all for $40/nite :) We chose a non-smoking room, and there wasn't a ghost of smoke detectable. Also the TV had a working remote - you've gotta love that.
Alpine Motel - T. J. Litafik
I have long been an admirer of classic roadside motels from the 40's, 50's and 60's, but as you well know, many of them just aren't up to par to actually stay in. I finally found one that is.
The Alpine Motel in Abingdon, Virginia is the most pristine example of a classic 1960's one-story strip motel that I have ever seen. It is like a step back in time to see it, and is very enjoyable to stay there.
It is currently owned by a husband and wife who have had it about 5 years, the man told me. He said it was built in 1963 by a Swiss watchmaker there in Abingdon who still lives nearby. He said the previous owners had maintained it impeccably and he and his wife were just keeping up the tradition.
The motel has its original signage, which still lights up brilliantly at night. The motel is set back from the road, with a nicely manicured driveway of miniature pines. The place is solidly built with brick and painted green and white. It has 19 rooms, all of which are far larger than your average motel room, with two double beds, t.v., phone, and ceramic tile bath. It was one of the cleanest rooms I have ever stayed in.
The place is a real jewel. You definitely should add to your next journey.
Michigan Motels - Jason Cooper
You should go to Michigan--I would start w/US 24 just north of Toledo, OH. Once into the Detroit area, old motels are everywhere but the largest "collection" is on M 12 through Inkster, MI. Just get off take I 275 to M 12 and head east. Also may want to make the haul up to Macinac City (at the top of the "mitten." Stayed up there at the Capri Motel when I was little and remember the place to be littered 50's era motels.
Texas Motels - Ann Hale
If you travel through the center of the state, be sure to drive through the small Central Texas town of Lampasas. It's about 60 miles northwest of Austin and locals say Lampasas is where the Hill Country really begins.
Although the town was full last weekend for the annual Spring Ho Festival, the town's annual celebration named for the mineral springs that played a large role in the development of the frontier town, there's some sort of annual event or festival almost every month. But Spring Ho is the biggest, held always the second weekend in July. The best place to stay is the Country Inn, with two Lampasas locations. The Country Inn is located at the intersection of Highway 190 and 183 on the south side of town. (Three U.S. highways - 190, 183 and 281, also known as the Pan American Highway - come together on the south side of town, run through town as Key Avenue, and then separate on the north side of town.) The office for both Country Inn locations is there at the 190/183 intersection. But if you can get rooms at the Country Inn at the Park, that's where you would want to stay. The Country Inn at the Park is a renovated version of the old Park 'Otel, and features limestone construction and huge liveoak trees. Golfers can take advantage of the city's 18 hole course adjacent to the hotel in Hancock Park.
There's a good bit of Wild West history in Lampasas, with details available at the County Historical Museum located on Western Street just north of Third Street. And don't miss the courthouse and the Courtyard Square area. From Key Avenue take either third or fourth street east about four blocks. There are also some good restaurants there - Lisa's Schnitzel House on East Third, the Country Kitchen on North Key Avenue and a great barbeque place on Broad Street - and an assortment of fast food offerings. If you like burgers, try Storm's Drive-In on North Key. Those folks have been a Lampasas institution for 50 years.
Texas Motels - Keith Glass
If you can get to Big Spring there may still be some great motels left - haven't been for some years but this is a timewarp 40's/50's town [I hope still] When in Fort Worth I always used to stay at The Ranchers Inn on a main road parallel to Camp Bowie a true classic with a restuarant in the shape of a ships aft section next door - unfortunately the charm of old Fort Worth has gone with the widening of the freeways!
P.S. I got a parking fine for spending too long [all day] inside the legendary music store there [called 'The Record Store'] - turned out to be a $2 ticket! So even though I'm from Australia I paid it! Cool bowling alley there too. May stop at South Of The Border in S.C in September - is the sombrero eatery even half as good/bad as I imagine??
Added late April
From: Brian
Subject: Motel Photos
I ran across your site of Missouri motels, very nice. I too love the older motels, and stay in them instead of the sterile, corporate, bulletproof glass check in booth places. Here is a photo i took on my last motorcycle ride in Az.
[Note: Click the 
button to enjoy the full-size view.]
The place [in Wickenburg] was pretty run down, and apparently for sale. But it still showed a lot of classic cowboy charm, and I could still see the children running around with cap guns. How nice the cool pool would have been on a scorching AZ afternoon.
Well, i had a job interview monday, went on for like 3 hours, and it was between me and another guy; supposed to decide today. So here it is, what, like 8 pm, and i ent heard what yet. Guess that ent a good sign. Except for maybe hitting the road on the motorcycle and shooting a few more pics like this one!!
From: Sally Bandfill
Subject: Roadside Art
I enjoyed your web site. If you get a chance check out my web site at http://www.banfill.com. The site features paintings of roadside attractions. There are several motels in the Seattle area that I have done paintings of such as the Seal's Motel that has a big seal on top of it, the Klose-In Motel, and the Marco Polo Motel.
From: Rebecca Smith
Subject: Pennsylvania motel
Oldest motel in Pennsylvania, established in the 30's. I stayed there a few nights ago and it was great. It's called the AutoPort and it's on Business Rte. 322, 1405 S. Atherton St., State College, PA 16801. It was such a refreshing change from the usual chain!
From: Kathy Myers
Subject: North Carolina Motels
The reason I'm writing is to tell you that there some great motels in the Western North Carolina area. Blowing Rock, Asheville and especially Cherokee(tack-o-rama). Don't forget Franklin, there's a few there. But one of special note is the Log Cabin Motor Court between Weaverville and Asheville. It is on Rt. 25 (Weaverville Hwy. or Merrimon Ave. depending on which direction you are coming from). It is owned by a friends parents and it is just what you'd think. A bunch of little log cabins for rooms. It dates from the 20s or 30s and they have pictures from the era and will tell you the history of the place. Very unique indeed. Never actually stayed there, but it's worth it just to stop in and check it out.
From: J-D Bamford
Subject: Great Sites!
I really dig your site and am glad to discover some kindred spirits out there. I travel frequently for work and only stay the first night at the chain motel arranged by corporate. By the next day I've found a more personable mom-and-pop motel where the seams are a little worn and there's no anti-septic hospital smell. I really appreciate the small steps that these local joints will take for a guest. I stayed a few nights at the Motel Din-a-Ville in Vernal UT back in '95. When I asked for a wake-up call, the receptionist reached under the counter and handed me a wind-up alarm clock!
The Autoport Motel in State College, PA, is a classic example of a roadside oasis. The two-story motel units are split up between neighboring cottages, which give the lucky guest a more "at home" feeling. The lodging is set back from the road behind a combination coffee shop/lobby/restaurant. An inviting outdoor pool is nestled among the trees and even in February I imagined sitting outside because it looked so cozy.
No survey of Wyoming is complete without mentioning the original Little America Motel (in Little America, WYO, on I-80). One man's desire for an oasis in the middle of the vast southern Wyoming plateau eventually resulted in a traveler's/trucker's dream stop. There's an outdoor pool with shade trees, every room has a big-screen TV and there are (real) stuffed bears and penguins in the lobby. I'm sure there's a website out there that can fill you in on the details...
From: John Rouse
Subject: White House Motel
The site is amazing. I'm a Motel fanatic too. I flipped out when I saw the White House Motel in Bowie, MD. I grew up about 1/4 mile from that place. It's actually quite a scary place. Further down 301 are some great Motels (Bel Alton, Maryland Motel, the other; cleaner White House Motel,etc.) I also noticed in your Washington State section you were looking for suggestions for your next trip. Hiway 99 south of Seattle has some great Motels. Do you know anyone who may have a Coral Court postcard they may want to trade? I,ve got tons of cool old Motel postcards. Anyway, I really like the Site!
Added early April
From: Jonathan Di Blasi
Subject: El Bonita Motel
Discovering the El Bonita - Maybe I was watching the full moon follow me as I drove on Highway 29 on that November night in 1994. This would explain how I saw The El Bonita Motel. To capture the moon and that motel's sign was amazing! And like the moon that night, this picture has followed me, has been seen on a wall in a hallway, and is now for you all to see.
Note: Jonathan has provided the wonderful photo. We also maintain a postcard of the El Bonita.
From: Lisa
Subject: Kansas Motel
There is a motel in Kansas, on Highway 34, between Concordia and Oberlin Kansas.
It has a huge neon parakeet, and is called either the Budgie Motel, or Parakeet Motel.
From: Michael Norquest
Subject: Motel Memories
I've done a lot of driving in the U.S. and Canada and probably wouldn't have taken the time to e-mail except for the fact that your Ohio information starts out in Athens which is only a few miles (well maybe about 35 as the crow flies) from where I went to high school. In a little village called Beverly near Marietta. I recognized some of the names from the times we drove into Columbus for Christmas shopping when I was still in high school. I'm old enough to remember when the interstate highway system (especially I-70) was built across Ohio and relegated U.S. 40 into a secondary, scenic highway. Three years ago (before my Father passed away) my Dad, sister and I drove old 40 out of Columbus heading east. We found the motel that our parents had stayed in on their honeymoon during WWII. Didn't know it still existed--can't see it from I-70 but it was there and in rather good shape with its individual garages and motor court entryway. We found several motels from that era and most were still busy pulling traffic from the nearest exit on I-70.
I didn't check out your info regarding Arizona. My sister lives in Flagstaff which contains some real gems from the glory days of Route 66. I've taken my Dad's R.V. from Seligman to Kingman on old 66 and more of the old motels and motor courts seem to disappear each year. Some re-born as apartments and others just allowed to sink into the dust.
If your ever back in the Seattle area you should try driving old Pacific Highway 99 south to Tacoma from the city and then on through to the area near McCord A.F.B. and Fort Lewis. There are still a few relics from the days when this was the main highway to Portland. Also Aurora Avenue North still has some gems as you make your way north to Everett on what is left of Pacific Highway 99. There is even a early twenties gasoline station in great repair and used as an antique shop. I believe it has either ESSO or Sinclair advertising memorabilia displayed on the front. Some of these won't be there for too much longer. Too many people are filling in the area that used to very open between Seattle and Everett; especially be- tween I-5 and old 99.
From: Rebecca Koehne
Subject: Grande Courts
hello just surfed on to the route66 roadside tour,it is a nice site. I was a housekeeper at the westward motel up until 1-98. I really liked working there I spent 8years there, I would still be there but the place was tore down in june of 98... I will miss the old place I loved being there.. A new Hampton Inn is supposed to go up at the old westward site. My parents ran the old Grande Courts hotel in Sullivan,Mo. back in the early 50s. That place has been tore down for years,the Family Motor Inn stands in it's place now. I just spent three days at the old site back in June. I was born in sullivan and I really enjoyed the trip.
It is a shame that things can't stay once they are built, so much has been tore down that alot of people will never know the history of so many buildings. This site is a good site I know that I enjoyed it very much, thank you ...
From: Carol Morency
Subject: Holidome
Thanks for the research and the photos. I have a few postcards myself of signs but space does not allow me to get to crazy. I have such wonderful memories of Holiday Inns, of vacations guided by our Holidex slips and of the assurance that no matter what we found in Marion, Illinois or Superior, Wisconsin, we knew what our motel would look like.
Unless I missed it, however, I did not see anything about the wonderous Holidome, the mid-70s invention, the tropical playgrounds that sprung up in atriums in the middle of nowhere. Pools, fake palms, mini golf, bars, the sound of kids splashing echoing off the glass, the smell of trapped chlorine. When the desk person asked my Dad if we wanted a room on the Holidome, I pleaded yes.