America’s Value Inn in Tulsa will be converted into a sobriety center

The moribund and fire-damaged America's Value Inn, formerly the Saratoga Motor Hotel, in east Tulsa eventually will be transformed into a sobriety center. KTUL-TV in Tulsa reported that Dixie Pebworth of Wings of Freedom acquired the property: Pebworth founded Wings of Freedom in the early 2000s. Since then, the faith-based organization has helped thousands of … Continue reading America’s Value Inn in Tulsa will be converted into a sobriety center

Brookshire Motel in Tulsa set afire for the fourth time

An arsonist torched the doomed Brookshire Motel along Route 66 in Tulsa for a fourth time in less than two years Monday night. According to a report in the Tulsa World, the fire first was reported at 5:45 p.m. No one was in the abandoned motel at the time, and no injuries were reported. A … Continue reading Brookshire Motel in Tulsa set afire for the fourth time

Route 66 neon sign park takes shape in Tulsa

In recent days, workers have installed three replicas of classic neon signs that once stood along Route 66 in Tulsa. Replicas of the Will Rogers Motor Court, Oil Capital Motel and Tulsa Auto Court signs were installed in a small park on the south end of the historic 11th Street Bridge that once carried Route … Continue reading Route 66 neon sign park takes shape in Tulsa

Buck Atom’s Cosmic Curios on Route 66 opens Airbnb behind the property

The owner of the Buck Atom's Cosmic Curios on Route 66 shop in Tulsa has opened an Airbnb in a century-old house directly behind the property. It's called Buck's Cosmic Crash Pad on Route 66. The 1917 three-bedroom house goes for $137 a night. A description from the listing: Experience a one of a kind … Continue reading Buck Atom’s Cosmic Curios on Route 66 opens Airbnb behind the property

Elaborate development planned for Two Guns site in Arizona

Artist's rendering of the proposed cliffside motel at Two Guns, Arizona. A developer plans an elaborate transformation of the Two Guns, Arizona, site that includes a luxury campground and even a cliffside motel along Diablo Canyon. John D. Gunderman made his plans public through an extensive website for his 2 Guns Luxury Resort. He said … Continue reading Elaborate development planned for Two Guns site in Arizona

Monterey Motel renovations in Albuquerque will finish by September

Renovations on the historic Monterey Motel in Albuquerque will be completed by September in its conversion to a higher-end hostel. Downtown Albuquerque News recently talked to Chad Renneker, a Portland, Oregon-based developer who also brought El Vado Motel back to life as a boutique motel with a taproom and several shops. The bunk beds will … Continue reading Monterey Motel renovations in Albuquerque will finish by September

Fire destroys 120-year-old railcar slated for restoration in Galena

A purported arson fire Tuesday destroyed an 1899 passenger railcar in Galena, Kansas, slated to begin restoration as a future tourist attraction along Route 66. Former Galena mayor Dale Oglesby stated in a Facebook post the former presidential railcar from the Kansas City Southern Railway contained hand-laid mosaic tile showers, a kitchen, a dining room, … Continue reading Fire destroys 120-year-old railcar slated for restoration in Galena

Motels may be finding new favor over hotels during the coronavirus era

Old-school motels, especially many along Route 66, might be finding newfound popularity because there is less risk in contracting COVID-19 versus modern hotels. Yahoo! Finance reports in a new article: "In outdoor corridors, people feel safe," said Mike Riverside of the Asian American Hotel Owners Assn. "People can go directly to their rooms" and potentially … Continue reading Motels may be finding new favor over hotels during the coronavirus era

Blue Swallow Motel announces its new owners

Kevin and Nancy Mueller of the Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari, New Mexico, announced Friday the new owners of the historic Route 66 motel are Robert and Dawn Federico of Crystal Lake, Illinois. The Federicos are embarking on a Route 66 trip to introduce themselves to various people along the road before they take possession … Continue reading Blue Swallow Motel announces its new owners

Lurvey Courts cabins in Springfield being torn down

The long-closed Lurvey Courts cabins that stood along Route 66 in Springfield, Missouri, finally were being torn down Monday by the city after appeals to the owner to preserve them bore no fruit. Here is some video from the Ozarks First television station in Springfield: The station said the cabins at 2939 E. Kearney St. … Continue reading Lurvey Courts cabins in Springfield being torn down