Mark Hamilton, the creator of the Backroads66 website, stated in a recent post he is planning to revive the "Route 66 Dining and Lodging Guide" in November or December after updates on the publication ceased about seven years ago. Hamilton stated his guide would contain listings of only independently owned properties on or just off … Continue reading Revival of “Route 66 Dining and Lodging Guide” planned later this year
Category: Motels
Castaneda Hotel wins state preservation award
The Castaneda Hotel of Las Vegas, New Mexico, recently won a 2022 CPRC Heritage Preservation Award for architectural heritage from the New Mexico Historic Preservation Commission. The state historic preservation office posted this on social media about the award: Affeldt and Mion also own the historic Plaza Hotel in downtown Las Vegas, New Mexico, and … Continue reading Castaneda Hotel wins state preservation award
Historic Herring Hotel in Amarillo will be restored and reopened
The historic but long-closed Herring Hotel in downtown Amarillo, Texas, recently landed new owners that plan to restore and reopen the 14-story building within the next three years. Tipped off by a reader, county property records indicate the building was acquired by Herring Hotel Development Co. LLC in October via a warranty deed. A new … Continue reading Historic Herring Hotel in Amarillo will be restored and reopened
Son of Springfield Inn owner makes a documentary about motel’s sad decline
Shyam Rama, a son of the former owner of the Springfield Inn in Springfield, Missouri, has co-created a short documentary film about his childhood and his former home's sad and startlingly quick decline. A redeveloper of the Route 66 motel earlier this year announced plans to put a Whataburger restaurant and other businesses there. Rama … Continue reading Son of Springfield Inn owner makes a documentary about motel’s sad decline
Six motels on Route 66 in Gallup closed by the city, including Blue Spruce Lodge
Six vintage motels along the Route 66 corridor of Gallup, New Mexico, were closed by the city due to numerous code violations. That includes the Blue Spruce Lodge motel with its oft-photographed neon sign. Frequent Route 66 traveler and writer Blue Miller noted the closure of about a half-dozen motels during a recent post on … Continue reading Six motels on Route 66 in Gallup closed by the city, including Blue Spruce Lodge
Backland luxury campground plans to open southeast of Williams in June
Backland, a luxury campground and eco-lodging establishment known for tented suites, plans to open southeast of the Route 66 town of Williams, Arizona, in late June. According to a news release from the company: The team at Backland announced that reservations for stays from July 28, 2022, onwards, are now available. The eco-resort is anticipating opening for … Continue reading Backland luxury campground plans to open southeast of Williams in June
Winning entry for Tulsa Route 66 mixed-use development includes car vending machine
Local developer David Sharp has been chosen from three suitors to construct a Route 66 mixed-use development on the banks of the Arkansas River in Tulsa that will include a car vending machine. The City of Tulsa is expected to formally announce the decision on the development today, but the Tulsa World received confirmation from … Continue reading Winning entry for Tulsa Route 66 mixed-use development includes car vending machine
New owners of Sunflower Station in Adrian reveal more plans for the site for 2023
The new owners of Sunflower Station next door to the landmark Midpoint Cafe in Adrian, Texas, announced plans for the site when they plan to reopen it in spring 2023, including placing guest cabins in the back of the property. Jason and Kelly Snyder, enthusiasts of Route 66 and motorcycles, acquired the property last year … Continue reading New owners of Sunflower Station in Adrian reveal more plans for the site for 2023
Travelers should avoid Las Vegas, N.M., for now due to wildfires
Route 66 travelers who want to take a short side trip to Las Vegas, New Mexico, from the Santa Fe Loop had better change plans for at least a few days. A wildfire of nearly 140,000 acres around Las Vegas has prompted evacuations on the west side of the city and briefly jeopardized its water-treatment … Continue reading Travelers should avoid Las Vegas, N.M., for now due to wildfires
Western Motel in Santa Rosa torn down, Sun ‘n Sand Motel likely is next
The closed Western Motel in Santa Rosa, New Mexico, was torn down a few days ago, and the similarly shuttered Sun 'n Sand Motel in town likely is next, reported a local newspaper. The latest print edition of The Communicator newspaper, based in Santa Rosa, posted a photo with the headline "History Passing" and this … Continue reading Western Motel in Santa Rosa torn down, Sun ‘n Sand Motel likely is next