With their splashy neon signs and retro vibesmotels have always embodied a distinctly Americana romancesymbolizing the adventurefreedomand independence of the open road.
Despite their inherent nostalgiamotels are only just turning 100 this monthas the first “motor hotel” opened halfway between San Francisco and L.A. on December 121925. The idea was born from the rise of car culture and the post-WWII industrial boomcreated for a newly optimistic nation dreaming of progress and comfort.
Latelythey’ve been gaining newfound popularity. COVID-19 lockdowns are partly to thank for that: Road trips saw a resurgence during the pandemic as people eschewed flying for driving and tended to travel domestically. Simultaneouslytrips to national parks and trends like stargazing caught on.
Their cheerfulpastel-hued mid-century designs and vintage aesthetics also speak to an increasing longing for simplicity and authenticity—motels remind us of a time when travel felt less polished and more spontaneousfilled with possibilities.
Todaymotels around the country have undergone extensive renovations and modernizationsmany of them becoming stylish and contemporary hotspots—herefind our pick of the 11 coolest motels in the country.
Austin Motel in AustinTexas
The Austin Motel has certainly taken its hometown’s slogan“Keep Austin Weird,” to heart—and in the best way possible. The 41-room hotel is loudbrightand funky—and featured by the Michelin Guide as part of its collection of exceptional lodgings (no surprise that it’s part of the hip Bunkhouse Hotels group). Kitschy but charmingthe rooms feature bright red vinyl bedspatterned red wallpaperand old-school phones and radiosbalanced by modernminimalist furniture. The property’s centerpiece is the original kidney-shaped pool and its baras well as its distinctive neon signwhich has been beckoning weary travelers on South Congress since 1938. Additional incentives to visit include its tropical-themed barRocky’s (try its signature shave ice); on-site Mexican-influenced diner Joann’s Fine Foods; and its stylish retail shop.
Skyview Los Alamos in Los AlamosCalifornia
Located right off the 101 freeway but perched on a hilltop overlooking Los AlamosSkyview Los Alamos is the stuff of California dreamin’. Spread across five scenic acresthe highlight of this 1959 motel-turned-wine-country-retreat is no doubt its working vineyardwhich produces the crisp house rosé. There’s also a delicious on-site restaurant and bar serving up seasonal and locally sourced mealsa postcard-worthy 21-meter pool fringed by pink cacti and retro-chic striped loungers shaded by turquoise umbrellasand 33 simple but stylish roomssome with fireplacesprivate patiosoutdoor showersor firepits. Rent a beach cruiser bike to explore the surrounding vineyardsor sip on signature tiki cocktails by the outdoor firepits. This propertytoois Michelin-recommended.
Silver Sands Motel & Beach Bungalows in GreenportNew York
Silver Sands Motel & Beach Bungalows on the North Fork of Long Island embodies laid-back luxury and describes itself as “deliberately un-Hamptons.” Its neon seahorse has welcomed guests to the waterfront property since 1957and while its upscale amenities and modern conveniences are newits vibes are as carefree and unplugged as ever. The focus is on enjoying its 1,400 feet of private beach; spa treatmentsyogaand Pilates at the new Salt Marsh Wellness Sanctuary; and sailingfishingand unwinding by the firepits. The pastel-colored dream oozes cheer with vibrant patterns and colorful accents across its 20 rooms and private bungalows. Its on-site eateries are destinations unto themselvesserving fresh seafood (including oysters from the property’s own 15-acre underwater farm)wood-fired Neapolitan pizzaand cocktails.
The Dive Motel in NashvilleTennessee
At The Dive Motelit’s more about a good time than a restful one—not only is the pool an absolute scenethere’s an outdoor stage for live musicand every room comes with a Party Switch that activates a disco ball and Dive Radio. Allegedlythis place (which is 21+) was once a post-gig hotspot for musicians like Johnny Cash and Dolly Partonand it leans into that legacy. Created by the folks behind Urban Cowboy Bed and Breakfastseach of the 23 rooms is differentfrom one that looks like a log cabin to another covered in leopard print and red silk. The whole place gives Wes Andersonwith wood-paneled wallsfake fireplaceshand-lettered signageand quirky décor—much of it salvaged from the original 1965 motelincluding its vintage vinyl wallpaper.
The Vagabond Hotel in MiamiFlorida
On the National Register of Historic Places—and said to have been once frequented by the likes of Frank SinatraSammy Davis Jr.and Dean Martin—this restored 1953 landmark is another Michelin-recommended haunt. While the hotel closed in the ’90sit underwent a full refurb in 2012 that expertly preserved its distinctive MiMo (Miami Modern) design and slick ’50s vibes. The Vagabond Hotel’s 42 roomsmost of which overlook the iconic mermaid mosaic poolhave a Jetsons vibe with pops of aqua and pinkhand-stenciled geometric wall artoriginal terrazzo flooringand custom-made mid-century modern-inspired furniture.
Hotel Lucine in GalvestonTexas
If lounging by the pool with a “World Famous Draft Margarita” doesn’t sound dreamy enoughyou haven’t yet laid eyes on the pastel rainbow vision that is the boutique Hotel Lucine. Originally built in the 1960s as the Treasure Isle Motelit’s been fully remodeledbut remains an oasis of cool at the edge of the Gulf of Mexico. The funky tiled pool is lined with fringed yellow umbrellas and seafoam green lounge chairsthe 61 rooms have palm-pattern curtains and dopamine-inducing turquoise and pink accentsand there’s a rooftop bar with endless ocean views. Two restaurants—one for morning coffee and evening cocktailsanother for seasonal “American fine-ish dining”—mean you never have to leave the premises.
The Longleaf Hotel in RaleighNorth Carolina
Another modernized mid-century gem recommended by Michelin is The Longleaf Hotelformerly a Days Inn and a Travelodge. Originally built in the ’60sit reopened in its current form in 2020smoothly straddling the line between vintage and modern. It still sports its iconic starshine breeze blocks (which were hidden behind stucco for years)as well as classic mid-century modern wood furnituredim lightingleather couchesand red velvet banquettes. Rooms are cozy but minimalistwith high-end touches like Kingsdown mattresses and Malin + Goetz bath productsplus shibori-dyed throw pillows and robescustom artand wallpaper designed by local artisans. Its chic cocktail lounge is beloved by visitors and locals alikeespecially on Bingo night.
The Starlight Motor Inn in CharlestonSouth Carolina
Built in 1961 on the site of a Studebaker dealershipthe Starlight Motor Inn’s building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2020. Rattan headboardspink Zapotec design lumbar pillowspalm frond wallpaper in bathroomsand pops of aqua (most notably the retro Frigidaire mini bar) make this feel more like a breezy beach bungalow than an urban motel. In stark contrast is the dark and moody bar where secrets are easily spilled over its classic cocktails. A buzzy pool and nightly live music and comedy make this a popular local hotspot.
The Ace Hotel & Swim Club in Palm SpringsCalifornia
Cross Coachella with an adult summer campand you have The Ace Hotel & Swim Clubwhich has year-round festival vibes thanks to poolside DJs and an ongoing lineup of musical eventsas well as tarot readings and bingo and karaoke nights. A Howard Johnson hotel and a Denny’s back in the daythe scene-y spot attracts a hip crowd with its cool cocktail barWestern-inspired dinerstargazing deckfire pitsand organic spa. Inspired by the Sonoran desert surrounding itthe stylish rooms are elegantly bohodesigned to mimic tents with canvas walls and tent flaps in lieu of curtainsbut also featuring retro touches like record playersvintage magazinesand old steamer trunks.
Rhode’s Motor Lodge in BooneNorth Carolina
Don Draper would feel right at home in Rhode’s Motor Lodgewhich looks like an old-school bachelor pad thanks to its muted tonessleek leather furnitureand elevated touches like a retro fireplace in the lobby. The Michelin-recommended spot is a revamped motel from the ’50sand guests can still drive right up to their roomswhich are bright and comfortable with custom furnishings and local art. There are two patios with Blue Ridge Mountain viewsoutdoor firepits ringed by rocking chairsand an on-site bar and restaurant serving elevated Southern comfort food like pimento cheese with fry bread and green tomato chow chow.
Mellow Moon Lodge in Del NorteColorado
Part Cowboy-corepart mysticalMellow Moon Lodge is a female-owned boutique motel that’s entirely alluring. Once the El Rancho Motor Lodge in the 1940s and abandoned for 20 yearsit now boasts 15 sleek rooms with Tuft & Needle mattressesCoyuchi organic linenslocal artand locally sourced and sustainable amenities. On-sitethere’s the Rodeo Mercantile shop with local goods and provisionsand The Lunar Lounge for coffee and cocktails. Located in southern Colorado’s San Luis Valleyit’s just steps from the Del Norte Trail System and the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route25 minutes from the Wolf Creek Ski Areaand less than an hour from Great Sand Dunes National Park.