The Rail Haven Motel along Route 66 in Springfield, Mo., has been nominated to the National Register of Historic Places, reports KBIA radio.
Randy Nottle is the motel’s manager.
“We cater to a lot of European travelers coming down Route 66 everything in the hotel is original the furniture recently, though, has been updated and it’s still in great condition.”
The National Park Service has 45 days to decide whether to approve the nominations. Based on what I’ve known about the process, it rarely rejects them.
The Rail Haven continues to be locally owned, but is part of the Best Western chain. This item in Roadside America has this history of the property:
Eight sandstone cottages built in 1938, known as the Rail Haven Motor Court, started what is known today as the Best Western Route 66 Rail Haven. This hotel is so full of history, you’ll want to purchase your own copy of the book “Route 66 Rail Haven: An Offspring of the Mother Road”, available in the lobby. Be our guest at this refurbished and historically charming inn nestled on acres of beautifully landscaped grounds on Old Route 66. Take your picture with the retired 1965 Best Western lighted road sign including the old five point crowned logo. And in keeping with the yesteryear atmosphere, try our Monroe or Elvis suites, each complete with a jetted tub.
In related news, Gordon Elliott, owner of the Rail Haven and nine other hotels in Springfield, was given the Pinnacle Award from the Springfield Convention Visitors Bureau on Thursday, according to the News-Leader. According to the article, the award “recognizes individuals who have been active in the travel industry for many years, and who have made a substantial contribution to the betterment of the Springfield area’s travel industry.”