Station 66 owner opens Vega Motel residence as Airbnb

The owner of the acclaimed Station 66 Airbnb site in Vega, Texas, opened the residence of the Vega Motel in town to overnight travelers, as well.

The Facebook page for the closed Route 66 motel made the announcement Thursday, calling it The Lucky Horseshoe @ Vega Motel.

Here’s the listing on the Airbnb site itself:

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the RESIDENCE at the Historic Vega Motel is quaint, colorful, and comfy! Restored beautifully with plenty of vintage charm. The motel is one of the last remaining tourist courts on Route 66 in Texas, and a fun and unique place to overnight. Located in the quiet and safe town of Vega, Texas with super easy access to I40 and US385. Vega has everything you need, plus the friendliness of small town Texas! You won’t even miss the city traffic. […]

The rest of the motel is closed for renovations, but feel free to walk through the courtyard and look around! You can park right under the canopy in front of the house and enter through the red door. Over 1200 sq ft to spread out and relax after a day of driving! Awesome museums and historic sites are within a few blocks, and there are 3 amazing local cafes within easy walking distance. Each of the 3 bedrooms has a smart TV, and free WiFi. Coffee, sugar, and french vanilla creamer provided. You are welcome to use the on-site laundry if needed. Also check out our sister property down the street, Station 66 Vega, which can accommodate 6 more people. Kick off your boots and stay a while!

The listing also notes a barber shop that still uses one of the motel’s rooms still operates there on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Co-owner Karen Friemel Fangman announced a year ago she wanted to eventually restore and reopen the Vega Motel, and she stated last week that still is the plan. She and her brother bought the property in May 2018.

Built in 1947, the Vega Motel originally was named Vega Court. It remains one of the few surviving Route 66 motels with enclosed garages next to the rooms.

Harry and Tresa Whaley ran the motel for years. They shuttered the Vega Motel for months in 2006 when Harry encountered serious health problems. It closed for good not long after that when Tresa’s brother died.

(Images of The Lucky Horseshoe @ Vega Motel via Airbnb website)

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