USA TODAY 10Best
Roadrunner Lodge named Best Roadside Motel
Best Roadside Motel (2021)
During the early years of the 20th century, Americans took to the nation’s brand new highways, and roadside motels (a portmanteau of “motor hotel”) popped up to accommodate these travelers. Many of these historic properties have gotten retro-chic makeovers, blending their vintage charm with modern amenities.
The top 10 winners in the category Best Roadside Motel are as follows:
- Unscripted Durham - Durham, North Carolina
- Austin Motel - Austin, Texas
- Wigwam Motel - Holbrook, Arizona
- Blue Swallow Motel - Tucumcari, New Mexico
- Dog Bark Park Inn - Cottonwood, Idaho
- The Sandman - Santa Rosa, California
- The Sunset Motel - Brevard, North Carolina
- The Vagabond Hotel - Miami
- Hotel Palms - Atlantic Beach, Florida
- Roadrunner Lodge - Tucumcari, New Mexico
Photo courtesy of Unscripted Durham
No. 10:
The debut property in the Unscripted collection, Unscripted Durham occupies a historic location on Corcoran Street. Guests staying in the 74 rooms and suites enjoy access to a seasonal rooftop pool, cocktail bar and full-service restaurant. Rooms feature curated art, Bluetooth sound systems, Smart TVs and bath amenities from Jonathan Adler.
Photo courtesy of Nick Simonite / Austin Motel
No. 9:
The historic Austin Motel has long been a beloved part of the quirky South Congress neighborhood in Austin. The property comprises 41 rooms and suites outfitted with custom Sferra sheets, Everyday Coconut bath amenities from Alaffia and free wifi. During the summer, guests can cool off in the kidney-shaped swimming pool or grab tacos and a drink at Joann’s Fine Foods.
Photo courtesy of Wigwam Motel
No. 8:
Wigwam Village #6 has long been one of the most recognizable landmarks along Historic Route 66. The motel opened in 1950 but has since been renovated with a host of modern amenities.
Photo courtesy of Blue Swallow Motel
No. 7:
The Blue Swallow in Tucumcari, New Mexico, has been welcoming travelers along Historic Route 66 since 1939. The family-owned and operated motel boasts restored rooms equipped with a desk, seating area, vintage lamps and rotary dial phones. A classic neon sign still illuminates the historic courtyard each night.
Photo courtesy of Dog Bark Park Inn
No. 6:
Guests at the Dog Bark Park Inn get to stay inside the World’s Biggest Beagle. Stays include free self-serve breakfast and wifi. The owners, Dennis and Frances, double as chainsaw artists; they made many of the hotel furnishings.
No. 5:
Roadside inn meets Wine Country hotel at The Sandman in Santa Rosa, California. This affordable hotel just of US-101 has 135 rooms, each with free wifi, a flatscreen TV, kitchenette amenities and bath products from Malin & Goetz. Guests enjoy access to a heated outdoor pool, hot tub and the Pool House & Bar.
Photo courtesy of The Sunset Motel
No. 4:
The Sunset Motel celebrates the allure of the open road by providing clean, comfortable rooms and friendly service to visiting guests. Amenities include free wifi and cable, plus chairs outside each door so guests can visit with their neighbors.
Photo courtesy of The Vagabond Hotel
No. 3:
This newly renovated Miami hotel features a retro lobby and 42 retro-chic guest rooms, with in-room amenities like free wifi, terrazzo and wood floors, flatscreen TVs, 1950s-inspired furniture and oversized walk-in showers. The property also has a swimming pool with restored tile mosaics and a cocktail bar.
No. 2:
The Hotel Palms, originally built in 1947 as a motor court inn, has been renovated to its full retro-chic glory. The property features 11 guest rooms with access to a shared courtyard and lounge. Grab a coffee from Show Pigeon Coffee inside the lounge, or take the short three-block walk to the beach.
Photo courtesy of Roadrunner Lodge
No. 1:
This restored motel on Route 66 blends mid-century style with modern conveniences, like premium mattresses, plush towels, free wifi and HD TVs with more than 120 channels. The historic property is truly a mom-and-pop operation.
A panel of experts partnered with 10Best editors to pick the initial nominees, and the top 10 winners were determined by popular vote.
Congratulations to all these winning motels!
About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards
Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best.
The Experts
Alexandra Charitan
Alexandra is the managing editor of Roadtrippers... Read More
Alexandra is the managing editor of Roadtrippers Magazine. She likes things that are bigger or smaller than they should be: novelty architecture, miniature worlds, and anything made from fiberglass or neon. She dreams of visiting every state in the U.S. and will always stop for a Muffler Man.
Alexandra Charitan
Alexandra is the managing editor of Roadtrippers Magazine. She likes things that are bigger or smaller than they should be: novelty architecture, miniature worlds, and anything made from fiberglass or neon. She dreams of visiting every state in the U.S. and will always stop for a Muffler Man.
Jeff Cavins
Jeff Cavins is a technology veteran with over 22... Read More
Jeff Cavins is a technology veteran with over 22 years of senior-level experience in emerging growth technology, software, Internet and digital media companies. Highlights of his career include designing and developing the Instant Replay system the NFL uses today and creating over $32B in total market capitalizations. He co-founded Outdoorsy in 2015 and serves as Chairman and CEO of the largest and most trusted peer-to-peer RV rental platform.
Jeff Cavins
Jeff Cavins is a technology veteran with over 22 years of senior-level experience in emerging growth technology, software, Internet and digital media companies. Highlights of his career include designing and developing the Instant Replay system the NFL uses today and creating over $32B in total market capitalizations. He co-founded Outdoorsy in 2015 and serves as Chairman and CEO of the largest and most trusted peer-to-peer RV rental platform.
10Best Editors
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original,... Read More
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.
10Best Editors
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.
