The Wagon Wheel Motel in Cuba, Missouri

The Wagon Wheel Cabins, Cafe & Station were built in the chaotic times of 1935 when the nation was barely out of the depression, and the dust bowl had destroyed millions of acres of fertile land. Robert and Margaret Martin where the first owners, purchasing the land in 1934. The Martins hired Leo Friesenhan to do the construction work. Work was done on all the buildings at the same time, and local farmers carried the stone to the site. Leo's combination of stone, design, and nearly indestructable mortar recipe has endured until modern times, giving the Wagon Wheel its spot on the National Registry of Historic Places.

Today, carefully and lovingly restored, it is the oldest continuously operated motel on Route 66. It is thought to be the inspiration for the "Wheel Well Motel" in the Disney movie "Cars".

Connie's Shoppe, along with the motel office, is located in what was once the Cafe. It has a mix of old and new, selected with a flair for the unique. This is where visitors can sit a spell and have a glass of wine in the evening or a cup of hot fresh coffee in the morning. Browsing for a special memento or a bit of bling is a favorite past time for Wagon Wheel guests. The Shoppe features handmade jewelry, artwork, Route 66 books, maps, postcards, calendars ... and much more!

Address: East side of Cuba on Highway 66, at 901 East Washington Street
Phone: 573.885.3411
Website: Wagon Wheel Motel
TripAdvisor Reviews: Wagon Wheel on TripAdvisor

Best Western Route 66 Rail Haven in Springfield, Missouri

At the Rail Haven, themed rooms celebrate the history of this Route 66 motel with nostalgic decor. Eight original sandstone cottages were built in 1938, 12 years after Route 66 was established in Springfield.

Today, Best Western Route 66 Rail Haven features updated accommodations that honor the past while pampering travelers with modern amenities. Guest rooms feature free high-speed Internet, cable TVs, DVD players, coffee makers, refrigerators and microwaves.

Address:203 S Glenstone Avenue
Phone: 417.866.1963
Website: BW Route 66 Rail Haven
TripAdvisor Reviews: Traveler reviews & photos of the BW Route 66 Rail Haven on TripAdvisor

Rockwood Motor Court in Springfield, Missouri

In 1929, Rockwood Court was built on Route 66 and Deverne Ruckman began operating it as a tourist camp. All six cabins, as well as the filling station, café, and remaining single car garage, are original to the property.

Today, the property remains in operation and further restoration. In 2020, the restoration of the gas station and house, long operated as a restaurant, began and they will be returned to their original purposes. The stucco and rock house will become a part time residence for the owners and a part time short term stay rental. The gas station will take on the look of a filling station again and become the tenth overnight rental unit with a gas station theme.

Address: 2200 W College Street in Springfield, Missouri
Phone: 417.827.2992
Website: Rockwood Motor Court
TripAdvisor Reviews: Traveler reviews and photos of the Rockwood Motor Court at TripAdvisor

Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari, New Mexico

The Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari has been serving travelers along the Mother Road since 1939, and today guests enjoy a pleasant reminder of what it was like to travel across the USA on Route 66 in the “good old days.”

Unlike the big corporately-owned chains, the Blue Swallow is family owned and operated. From the beautifully restored rooms, to the distinctive attached garages, to the fabulous neon display each night, a stay at the Blue Swallow is a unique experience that leaves guests rested, refreshed, and with wonderful new memories. Come take a step back to a simpler time, meet your neighbors from around the world, and relax under the glow of the neon lights in the historic courtyard of the Blue Swallow Motel.

The gift shop onsite offers a large variety of goods and Route 66 materials, such as pins, patches, mugs, caps, T-shirts and more!

The Blue Swallow has become one of the most sought-after lodging destinations on all of Route 66! Make your plans and reservations well in advance of your stopover in Tucumcari.

Address: 815 East Route 66 Boulevard in Tucumcari
Phone: 575.461.9849
Website: Blue Swallow Motel and The Blue Swallow Motel on Facebook
TripAdvisor Reviews: Traveler reviews and more photos of the Blue Swallow Motel at TripAdvisor

Roadrunner Lodge in Tucumcari

The older portion of this popular lodging property, on the west side, was built in 1947 as La Plaza Court. Beginning in 2014, the owner rebuilt a previously lost part of classic Americana, and gave it the name “Roadrunner Lodge”.

Today, the Roadrunner offers premium bedding, plush bathroom accessories, fast Wi-Fi, a laundry and other amenities.

Route 66 travelers that call ahead or reserve online will have their room prepared for their arrival with the lights on and the radio tuned to Roadrunner Lodge Motel’s own station!

Address: 1023 East Route 66 Boulevard in Tucumcari
Phone: 575.282.7866
Website: Roadrunnner Lodge Motel and Roadrunnner Lodge Motel on Facebook
TripAdvisor Reviews: Traveler reviews and more photos of the Roadrunner Lodge at TripAdvisor

Motel Safari in Tucumcari

The Motel Safari opened in 1959, and today many of the original design elements are still evident, such as the quirky geometric sign, oozing brick mortar and counter stacked bricks in the facade, and square holes in the cinder block structures.

Route 66 travelers enjoy mid-century modern style with today's conveniences! All rooms include free Wi-Fi, cable HDTV, and in-room Route 66 Radio.

Address: 722 East Route 66 Boulevard in Tucumcari
Phone: 575.461.1048
Website: Motel Safari and Motel Safari on Facebook
TripAdvisor Reviews: Traveler reviews and more photos of the Motel Safari at TripAdvisor

Hotel El Rancho in Gallup, New Mexico

"Charm of Yesterday ... Convenience of Tomorrow"

R.E. Griff came to Gallup in the early 1930s and loved the stark landscapes, mesas and endless vistas. He built the Hotel El Rancho in 1936 and it soon became a popular staging area for Western movie productions. During the 1930s and 1940s over 100 Westerns were shot in the Gallup area, with numerous stars lodging at the El Rancho. The large guest list included John Wayne, Katherine Hepburn, Ronald Reagan, Mae West, Kirk Douglas and many more.

Today, the popularity of the hotel remains and is a favorite stopping point for Route 66 travelers!

The Silver Screen restaurant features an original ranch-style dining room with high ceilings, exposed wood beam trusses and rustic cowboy décor. The Silver Screen takes an uncomplicated approach to familiar favorites with an emphasis on traditional Southwestern flavors. It’s a fun, casual setting! The elegant 49er Lounge is a great place to unwind and cool down after a day of roadtripping on Route 66!

It’s widely agreed, the finest Native American artwork is created in New Mexico. And Gallup has been at the center of it all for more than 100 years. For much of that time the Ortega family has offered outstanding Indian arts and crafts at its shops here and in Arizona. Today, The Last Trading Post located in the Hotel Rancho specializes in rugs and blankets, silver and turquoise jewelry, pottery, Katsina (Kachina) dolls and carvings, and other traditional Native crafts from some of the Southwest’s finest artists.

Address: 1000 East Highway 66 in Gallup
Phone: 505.863.9311
Website: Hotel El Rancho Website and Hotel El Rancho on Facebook
TripAdvisor Reviews: Traveler reviews and view more photos about the Hotel El Rancho on TripAdvisor

Wigwam Village Number 6 in Holbrook, Arizona

Located in Holbrook is one of the three remaining Wigwam Villages. The other two are located in San Bernardino, California (No. 7) , and Cave City, Kentucky (No. 2). A total of seven Wigwam Villages were constructed between 1936 and the 1950s.

Today, each teepee has a private bathroom with toilet and shower, a television, air conditioner and original hand-made hickory furniture. Vintage automobiles are permanently parked throughout the property, including a Studebaker that belonged to Mr. Lewis. It continues to be operated by the Lewis family, and you can "sleep in a wigwam".

In the Pixar-Disney film "Cars", the Cozy Cone Motel was inspired by the unique Wigwam Motels found along the Route, including this one in Holbrook, Arizona, and another in San Bernardino, California.

Address: 811 West Hopi Drive in Holbrook
Phone: 928.524.3048
Website: Wigwam Motel
TripAdvisor Reviews: Wigwam Motel on TripAdvisor

La Posada Hotel in Winslow, Arizona

The story of this famous hotel begins with Fred Harvey, who “civilized the west” by introducing linen, silverware, china, crystal, and impeccable service to railroad travel. Harvey developed and ran all the hotels and restaurants of the Santa Fe Railway, eventually controlling a hospitality empire that spanned the continent. In the 1920s, Harvey decided to build a major hotel in the center of northern Arizona. “La Posada”—the Resting Place—was to be the finest in the Southwest. Mary Elizabeth Jane Colter was the hotel’s renowned architect. Construction costs alone exceeded $1 million, and the hotel opened in 1930.

Over the years the rich and famous and movie stars have been guests ... John Wayne, Albert Einstein, Bob Hope, Amelia Earhart, Jimmy Stewart, Harry Trumans and hundreds more! It is registered on the National and Arizona Registers of Historic Places.

La Posada is so much more than just a hotel and offers many intimate and peaceful environments both inside and on the grounds of the hotel. The hotel remains a popular lodging destination today for Route 66 travelers!

Address: 303 East 2nd Street in Winslow
Phone: 928.289.4366
Website: La Posada Hotel website ... La Posada on Facebook and La Posada on Instagram
TripAdvisor Reviews: La Posada Hotel traveler reviews and more photos on TripAdvisor

Wigwam Village Number 7 in San Bernardino, California

Driving down Route 66, this San Bernardino motel immediately grabs your attention with its one-of-a-kind roadside architecture.

In 1933 Frank Redford started developing the Wigwam “Villages” by designing teepee (tipi) shaped motel units. This was the last of seven Wigwam Motels built across the country; only three survive today. The others are located in Holbrook, Arizona and Cave City KY.

In the Pixar-Disney film "Cars", the Cozy Cone Motel was inspired by the unique Wigwam Motels found along the Route, including this one in San Bernardino and the other one in Holbrook, Arizona.

This one was opened in 1949, and remains open today at 2728 E. Foothill Boulevard, and welcomes travelers to "sleep in a teepee".

This motel remains a unique and whimsical accommodation option with modern tee-pee guest rooms and first-class amenities. The property features free WiFi, a free parking, tea and coffee in the lobby, a refreshing outdoor pool, an around-the-clock front desk, non-smoking rooms, pet-friendly rooms, daily housekeeping and an on-site gift shop.

Address: 2728 E. Foothill Boulevard in San Bernardino
Phone: 909.875.3005
Website: Wigwam Motel
TripAdvisor Reviews: Wigwam Motel traveler reviews and more photos on TripAdvisor