The Magnetism of Motor Hotels: How the Modest Roadside Motel became an Ideal Destination for Travelers Across the USA
Originally created out of necessity, motor hotels, “mo-tels,” began popping up across the U.S. in the 1920s as a means of providing easily accessible overnight accommodations to those traveling by car along major routes. They did this through their affordable, no thrills approach to lodging, often only offering the bare minimum when it came to frills and amenities.
The History
Since their early years of existence, roadside motor hotels evolved to capture the essence of travel, with many undergoing major renovation projects to become the modern-day interpretation of them we see today. In Flagstaff, Americana Motor Hotel, a property built in 1962, reopened its doors in summer 2023 after a thorough top-to-bottom remodel led by Practice Hospitality. Located off iconic Route 66, the motor hotel has been thoroughly reimagined into a playful, retro-futuristic retreat with all the modern amenities travelers are looking for.
The Design
The redesign process was spearheaded by Andrew Alford, principal at Andrew Alford Creative, who sought to breathe new life into the property by combining elements of the original look and feel with odes to classic road trip culture, the surrounding Arizona landscape and Flagstaff’s deep ties to astronomy. Alford does this through unique and thoughtful design touchpoints that can be found throughout the entire property, including the use of warm red and yellow hues in combination with deep blues and purples that emulate both the desert and night sky; vibrant geometric patterns that are equal parts vintage and modern; and playful additions to each of the 89 rooms, such as spinning disco balls, 1970s ski-wear inspired headboards, and neon signage and folksy wall art that give nods to “road trip culture.”
Hotel Amenities
A large part of Americana Motor Hotel’s redesign also speaks to the original purpose of these roadside motels – to create space for community and foster a sense of camaraderie amongst travelers. Alford, in collaboration with Practice Hospitality, considered this greatly when conceptualizing the property’s new amenities such as the expansive Backyard with communal firepits, lawn games and year-round heated outdoor pool, and fenced-in off leash “Barkyard” for furry companions, serving as a place to hang out and let loose after a day of exploration. The lobby also features a nearly thirty-foot long communal banquette with ample power outlets, perfect for remote working.
Nowadays, motor hotels across the country are being injected with new energy as Americans seek out sites of nostalgia and inspiration in their travels. What once served as merely a pit stop for road trippers along long stretches of motorway, these motor hotels now offer a peek into the subculture of their locales and create a truly memorable experience for travelers. In that vein, Americana Motor Hotel gives its visitors a sense of place and a feeling that they can take with them even after they’ve checked out.
Looking for more ways to dive into Flagstaff's history and culture? Explore off-the-beaten-path activities with our guide on unusual attractions. Marvel at our thriving arts scene with local galleries and live performances. Savor new flavors with our top-notch restaurants and bars. From outdoor adventures to historic tours, there's no shortage of exceptional things to do in our mountain town.
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Americana Motor Hotel
2650 E Rte 66
Flagstaff, Arizona 86004
U.S.
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