Retro-Themed to Certified Green: 10 Unique Places to Stay on Route 66

Route 66, the famous “Mother Road,” sparked a century of adventures across the USA. Stretching from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California, the route gave rise to countless shops, restaurants and motor lodges catering to cross-country travelers. While Route 66 is no longer an official U.S. highway, many roadside accommodations remain, offering retro vibes and revitalized experiences that honor the road’s legacy. More than places to rest, these destinations – iconic, mom-and-pop, historic, grand – offer distinctive atmospheres, modern amenities and convenient access to local attractions.

Urban Collective Boutique Hotel – Edwardsville, Illinois

Four hours from Route 66’s starting point in Chicago, Illinois, Edwardsville is a convenient place to rest after your first day on the road. Stay in the historic downtown, where Urban Collective Boutique Hotel offers contemporary suites close to shopping, dining and Route 66 attractions, including the West End Service Station –  a former fuel stop that’s now a Route 66 interpretive center – and the Route 66 shield monument on Route 157. Don’t miss the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge on your way into Missouri. The Route 66 landmark is less than 30 minutes from Edwardsville.

Wagon Wheel Motel – Cuba, Missouri

Cuba, Missouri’s Wagon Wheel Motel is the oldest continuously operated motel on Route 66. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this timeless travel stop features fully restored 1930s stone cottages and an original neon sign. Browse Route 66 souvenirs at Connie’s Shoppe in the motel’s former café before heading uptown for a mural tour. Cuba calls itself “Route 66 Mural City” for its colorful depictions of local history. Pick up a brochure at the Interstate 44 Visitor Center or download the city’s app to find public art along the Route 66 corridor.

Best Western Route 66 Rail Haven – Springfield, Missouri

Springfield, Missouri, is the official “Birthplace of Route 66” – the highway’s name was finalized here in 1926. It’s also home to one of the last original stretches of the Mother Road at Glenstone Avenue and Kearney Street, as well as attractions like the Route 66 Car Museum and Gillioz Theatre. The Best Western Route 66 Rail Haven has been in Springfield almost as long as the highway. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this refurbished 1938 motel offers updated rooms, a themed lobby and a Route 66 pavilion. Music fans must book the Elvis suite, where Elvis Presley once stayed in 1956.

The Mayo Hotel – Tulsa, Oklahoma

Go from the “Birthplace of Route 66” in Springfield, Missouri, to the “Capital of Route 66” in Tulsa, Oklahoma. After three hours in the car, you’ll be ready to amble around Tulsa’s eight Route 66 districts. The Historic Meadow Gold Sign signals your arrival in the Meadow Gold District, home of Buck Atom’s Cosmic Curios on 66 and its towering muffler man (Buck) and woman (Stella). Shop and snap some photos before moving on to the Tulsa Market District for Route 66-themed mini golf and a meal at Mother Road Market. The Mayo Hotel has your room for the night. This restored 1925 Deco District gem boasts a rooftop bar with 360-degree city views.

Classen Inn – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Vintage charm meets modern flair at Oklahoma City’s Classen Inn, a mid-century motel recently refreshed with bold interior designs. Pick up snacks and drinks at The Superette, the stylish on-site mini-market, and relax on the patio before exploring art, dining and music hot spots nearby. The Tower Theatre is a Route 66 landmark in Oklahoma City’s Uptown 23rd District. Catch a concert at the historic entertainment space known for its neon marquee.

Big Texan Motel – Amarillo, Texas

No Amarillo road trip is complete without a trip to the Big Texan Steak Ranch, a Route 66 landmark since 1960. Stop in for hearty steakhouse fare and craft beer from the Big Texan Brewery. Whether or not you attempt the famous 72-Ounce Steak Challenge, you’ll be glad to get some rest in the adjacent Big Texan Motel. The Old-West themed accommodations keep you close to downtown Amarillo, Texas, and Route 66 attractions like Cadillac Ranch and Slug Bug Ranch. If camping is more your style, check out spacious sites and cabins at the Big Texan RV Ranch nearby.

La Posada de Santa Fe – Santa Fe, New Mexico

Route 66 ran through Santa Fe, New Mexico, before its east-west realignment in 1937. Today, Santa Fe is an essential side trip for travelers seeking Southwest culture and cuisine. Stay in the heart of “The City Different” at La Posada de Santa Fe. Downtown Santa Fe’s only resort, La Posada de Santa Fe offers casita-style lodging just steps from the historic Santa Fe Plaza. Shop, dine and explore the city center, then return to resort amenities including a saltwater pool, spa and curated art gallery.

Monterey Motel – Albuquerque, New Mexico

Take in twice the road trip excitement in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the only place where Route 66 crosses itself. After exploring landmarks along Central Avenue, look for the neon sign above the Monterey Motel, your accommodation for the evening. Choose from renovated guest rooms and hostel-style “Stay-Ats” at this lodging spot dating to 1946. The MoMo Lounge serves hand-crafted cocktails with house-signature gin and vodka – a refreshing way to end a day of adventure in the Arizona high desert.

Hotel Monte Vista – Flagstaff, Arizona

The Hotel Monte Vista sits just off Route 66 in downtown Flagstaff, Arizona – you can’t miss its bright yellow rooftop sign. History buffs love this landmark hotel, opened in 1927, for its tales of famous guests and ghosts. Enjoy dining and drinks at the on-site Lotus Lounge, Rendezvous and The Monte V, and rest up for a day of exploring Mother Road must-sees like the Galaxy Diner, Starlite Lanes, and the Museum Club country music venue.

Santa Monica Hotel – Santa Monica, California

If you’re traveling Route 66 from east to west, your last stop is Santa Monica, California. End your adventure with a sustainable stay at the Santa Monica Hotel, a Certified Santa Monica Green Business. Swap your car for an e-bike – complimentary to hotel guests – and set off to snap a photo at the Santa Monica Pier. The “End of the Trail” sign marks the end of your Route 66 road trip.