Vintage Route 66 Motels & Historic Motor Courts

The vintage motels and motor courts along Route 66 are more than just places to sleep — they are living pieces of American roadside history. In the golden age of highway travel, these distinctive lodges competed for motorists’ attention with eye-catching architecture, neon signs, and memorable names. Many survive today, offering travelers the rare chance to spend the night inside a genuine Route 66 landmark. This category covers the most iconic historic motels along the Mother Road, including the Wigwam Motel in Holbrook, Arizona, the Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari, New Mexico, and the Munger Moss Motel in Lebanon, Missouri. Whether you’re looking for a place to stay on your Route 66 road trip or simply want to explore the history and architecture of classic American lodging, these guides bring the stories of Route 66’s most beloved overnight stops to life.