{"id":25828,"date":"2024-11-12T05:58:14","date_gmt":"2024-11-12T10:58:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vacayou.com\/magazine\/?p=25828"},"modified":"2026-03-25T14:37:00","modified_gmt":"2026-03-25T12:37:00","slug":"roadside-motels-make-comeback","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vacayou.com\/magazine\/roadside-motels-make-comeback\/","title":{"rendered":"12 Roadside Motels Make a Retro Comeback"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Let\u2019s take a trip down memory lane. Remember those family road trips when you’d pull into a roadside motel with a flickering neon sign, and it felt like a mini adventure? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a world dominated by cookie-cutter chain hotels, these roadside motels are back\u2014but with a twist\u2014and attracting a new generation of travelers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jump to:<\/h2>\n
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  1. The Pearl \u2014 San Diego, California<\/a><\/li>\n
  2. Austin Motel \u2014 Austin, Texas<\/a><\/li>\n
  3. Modern Hotel \u2014 Boise, Idaho<\/a><\/li>\n
  4. Brentwood Hotel \u2014 Saratoga Springs, New York<\/a><\/li>\n
  5. Hope Springs \u2014 Desert Hot Springs, California<\/a><\/li>\n
  6. Vagabond Hotel \u2014 Miami, Florida<\/a><\/li>\n
  7. Ace Hotel \u2014 Palm Springs, California<\/a><\/li>\n
  8. The Dive Motel \u2014 Nashville, Tennessee<\/a><\/li>\n
  9. Hotel San Jos\u00e9 \u2014 Austin, Texas<\/a><\/li>\n
  10. The Starlite Motel \u2014 Kerhonkson, New York<\/a><\/li>\n
  11. Phoenix Hotel \u2014 San Francisco, California<\/a><\/li>\n
  12. Amigo Motor Lodge \u2014 Salida, Colorado<\/a><\/li>\n <\/ol>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    You can thank the Gen Xers and Millennials for this one. They\u2019re the driving force behind this trend, turning these roadside relics into Instagram-worthy destinations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    So, next time you\u2019re hitting the road, skip the cookie-cutter hotels and check out one of these twelve roadside motels instead. You might find that what\u2019s old really is new again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    12 Roadside Motels to Book Now<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    The word motel is a portmanteau of \u201cmotor\u201d and \u201chotel.\u201d In their heyday in the 1960s, more than 61,000 motels operated<\/a> across the United States. By contrast, only 16,000 remained by 2012. Today, roadside motels are getting modern makeovers with chic interiors, cool amenities, and elevated food and drink options that give a nod to the golden age of American road trips.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Reflecting this revival, the Michelin Guide<\/a> even highlighted a select few that stand out for their charm and appeal. But here are our twelve favorite roadside motels that we think are having quite the moment.\u00a0

    These roadside motels offer something special that big chains can\u2019t replicate\u2014authenticity. They\u2019re a throwback to simpler times but updated for today\u2019s traveler, with all the comforts you\u2019d expect. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1. The Pearl \u2014 San Diego, California<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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    \"Pearl
    Courtesy Pearl Hotel \/ Josh Cho Photography<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    This gem, nestled in the Point Loma neighborhood, offers a stylish retreat with mid-century modern decor and a lively atmosphere. The centerpiece is the outdoor pool, surrounded by vintage-inspired cabanas and a movie screen that plays classic films under the stars. A stay at The Pearl is like stepping back in time yet with all the comforts you’d expect from a swanky hotel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    2. Austin Motel \u2014 Austin, Texas<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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    \"Austin
    Courtesy Austin Motel \/ Nick Simonite<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    If you’ve ever cruised down South Congress Avenue in Austin, chances are Austin Motel\u2019s iconic red sign has caught your eye. Since 1938, the roadside motel has been a staple of the city\u2019s quirky charm, and after a recent makeover, it\u2019s become the go-to spot for travelers seeking eclectic rooms and a hip pool scene that screams \u201cKeep Austin Weird.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    3. Modern Hotel \u2014 Boise, Idaho<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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    \"Modern
    Courtesy Moden Hotel<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    What used to be a ramshackle Travelodge is now the Modern Hotel, a trendy hangout with industrial-chic design. The on-site bar is a favorite among locals, and the roadside hotel\u2019s location near downtown Boise is steps away from downtown attractions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    4. Brentwood Hotel \u2014 Saratoga Springs, New York<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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    \"Brentwood
    Courtesy Brentwood Hotel<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Overlooking the Saratoga Race Course, Brentwood Hotel serves up an understated vibe that pays homage to equestrian culture.  This reimagined roadside motel offers cozy rooms adorned with custom woodwork and local artwork, blending rustic charm with a touch of sophistication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    5. Hope Springs \u2014 Desert Hot Springs, California<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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    \"Hope
    Courtesy Hope Springs<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Hope Springs is a 10-room roadside motel where mid-century design meets modern comfort. Lovingly restored, it showcases authentic touches like Formica countertops, period-perfect rocking chairs and plush faux fur rugs. The true gem of this desert haven is the trio of natural hot springs pools, where guests can unwind and soak beneath the expansive desert sky.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    6. Vagabond Hotel \u2014 Miami, Florida<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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    \"Vagabond
    Courtesy Vagabond Motel<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Originally built in 1953, the Vagabond Hotel has been meticulously restored to its original glory, complete with vibrant neon signs and retro pool area. The guest rooms blend vintage style and modern amenities, making it a favorite among design enthusiasts and retro lovers alike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    7. Ace Hotel \u2014 Palm Springs, California<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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    \"Ace
    Courtesy Ace Hotel<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Ace Hotel & Swim Club has become synonymous with cool. This sprawling motel-turned-hotel is all dressed up with two deep pools, a stargazing deck, community fire pits and an organic spa. The Ace breathes quintessential Palm Springs: simple, serene, bohemian and swathed in sunlight. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    8. The Dive Motel \u2014 Nashville, Tennessee<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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    \"Dive
    Courtesy The Dive Motel<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Only five minutes from downtown Nashville, this 23-room roadside motel is a reimagined gem from the 1950s. Each uniquely themed guest room is a vibrant escape, featuring vintage decor, turntables with handpicked vinyl and a disco ball that sets the tone for endless fun. The Dive is all about good times and great company. There\u2019s always music playing, something happening at the bar and memories waiting to be made. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    9. Hotel San Jos\u00e9 \u2014 Austin, Texas<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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    \"Lounge
    Courtesy Hotel San Jos\u00e9 \/ Alison Marlborough<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
    \"King
    Courtesy Hotel San Jos\u00e9 \/ Cristina Fisher<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Celebrated as the quintessential Austin experience, this 1930s motor court turned chic 40-room bungalow-style hideaway is nestled behind stucco walls and immersed in lush garden courtyards. Hotel San Jos\u00e9 offers a unique fusion of Tokyo-meets-Texas style, with minimalist yet vibrant guest rooms housed in sleek concrete structures topped with Spanish-tiled roofs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    10. The Starlite Motel \u2014 Kerhonkson, New York<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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    \"The
    Courtesy The Starlite Motel<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    This 1960s roadside motel brings a bit of Wes Anderson to the Catskills, with its pastel exterior that radiates vintage appeal and cozy fire pits perfect for unwinding after a day of adventure. Whichever way you spend your day (hiking, exploring or skiing),  The Starlite offers a serene haven where comfort and style are perfectly aligned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    11. Phoenix Hotel \u2014 San Francisco, California<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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    \"Phoenix
    Courtesy Phoenix Hotel \/ Nick Simonite<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    The Phoenix Hotel is a rock-and-roll icon that has hosted countless musicians and artists over the years. Today, it remains a hip and happening spot with retro-cool rooms, vibrant murals and a courtyard pool for soaking up the California sun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    12. Amigo Motor Lodge \u2014 Salida, Colorado<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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    \"Amigo
    Courtesy Amigo Motor Lodge<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    This roadside motel is the epitome of cool with its minimalist design and vintage Airstream trailers. Need to unwind? Amigo Motor Lodge boasts a hot tub, sunroom and teepee for those looking to embrace their adventurous spirit. Several soothing hot springs are also a short drive away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    Snapshot<\/h2>\n\n\n\n