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The classic American motel is back. Across the country, roadside motor lodges that once served as simple pit stops are being reimagined as stylish destinations in their own right, many with restored roadside marquees that recall the golden age of the American road trip. Behind those nostalgic facades, dated rooms have been refreshed with thoughtful design and amenities more commonly associated with boutique hotels. And while Route 66’s centennial in 2026 is helping renew interest in life on the open road, the motel revival isn’t limited to the Mother Road.
From newly opened motor courts in Texas to lovingly restored roadside stays across the country, these nostalgic properties are giving travelers another reason to pack up the car and hit the open road.
Caravan Court (Arlington, TX)
Caravan Court may be one of the newest additions to the motel revival movement—it opened in June 2026—but its roots date back to 1961, when the original Caravan Motor Hotel welcomed its first guests. Today, the property honors that history by restoring its iconic roadside sign while offering a contemporary take on the motor court experience. Guests can spend the afternoon at Caravan Swim Club, complete with an oval pool, private cabanas and bites from the all-day restaurant, the Vandy, before heading to Elora Sky Club for cocktails or Idle Hour Social Club, which transitions from a daytime coffee bar to a speakeasy-inspired martini lounge after dark.
The Virginian Lodge (Jackson, WY)
Known locally as “the Virg,” the Virginian Lodge balances its Western roots with updated touches throughout. Following a two-year renovation completed in 2022, the beloved 13-acre property features an adventure center for guided tours, a saloon, Jackson’s only drive-through liquor store, oversized hot tubs and the town’s largest all-season outdoor pool. Inside, original motor lodge charm remains, from plaid carpeting and wood-paneled walls hung with vintage Western oil paintings to thoughtful additions like midcentury furnishings, Pendleton blankets and black-and-white nature photography.
La Vista Motel (Denver)
Fully restored and reopened in late 2025, La Vista Motel—a 1956 motor lodge listed on the National Register of Historic Places—offers a fresh take on the classic roadside stay. Set along Colfax Avenue, the longest continuous street in the United States, the 23-key property is well-positioned for travelers looking to explore both Denver and the Rocky Mountains. Inside, midcentury style meets modern comfort, with thoughtful touches like custom artwork by local Ecuadorian artists and handwoven alpaca blankets. Before setting out for the day, guests can grab a coffee at the on-site El Pinon cafe.
Bardstown Motor Lodge (Bardstown, KY)
Created in the spirit of an adult summer camp in the heart of the Bourbon Capital of the World, Bardstown Motor Lodge embraces its retro roots while delivering the kind of amenities today’s travelers expect. The restored property features 30 guest rooms and five suites with cozy, vintage-inspired interiors and modern comforts. Guests can cool off at the Bardstown Swim Club, complete with a saltwater pool, cabanas and a poolside bar, or gather around the courtyard fire pits for cocktails and s’mores after a day spent touring nearby distilleries. Toogie’s Table, the on-site restaurant, celebrates Kentucky’s culinary traditions through collaborations with local farmers and distillers.
Rhode’s Motor Lodge (Boone, NC)
Restored by Loden Hospitality in 2023, Rhode’s Motor Lodge channels the nostalgia of a classic drive-up motor inn with the comforts of a modern mountain retreat. Guests are greeted by an expansive front porch outfitted with rocking chairs, communal tables and a firepit, while all rooms have mountain-facing views and handmade artwork by North Carolina artisans. After a day of hiking or exploring the High Country, guests can settle in at Over Yonder, the aptly named on-site restaurant serving Appalachian-inspired fare alongside local craft beers, ciders and cocktails.
Colony House Motor Lodge (Roanoke, VA)
In Virginia’s Blue Ridge region, Colony House Motor Lodge reopened in 2025 following an extensive restoration that preserved much of its 1959-era character. Guest rooms pair retro-inspired details, including period furnishings and bold color palettes, with contemporary comforts such as Kingsdown mattresses, Molton Brown bath products and plush linens. There’s also an outdoor pool, which serves as the property’s beating heart, along with a vintage concession trailer serving seasonal snacks and a gift shop stocked with local goodies.