The long-awaited redevelopment project for the closed De Anza Motor Lodge in Albuquerque begins in June, setting up the Route 66 property's reopening as an extended-stay hotel sometime in summer 2018. Construct Southwest, chosen by the city to redevelop the neglected but historic property, will begin to raze three buildings down on the property in June, … Continue reading Redevelopment of De Anza Motor Lodge begins next month
Category: Motels
Sleep overnight in a caboose on Route 66
Are you a railroad buff who'd love to travel Route 66? A KOA campground in Eureka, Missouri, has just the thing for you -- a railroad caboose that recently was renovated for use for overnight travelers. KSDK-TV in St. Louis produced a story about the tricked-out caboose offered by the St. Louis West / Historic 66 … Continue reading Sleep overnight in a caboose on Route 66
Route 66 festival returns to Lebanon after seven-year hiatus
The Lebanon Route 66 Festival in Lebanon, Missouri, will return next month after a seven-year break, including a concert and gathering at the historic Munger Moss Motel. The Lebanon-Laclede County Route 66 Society and the Lebanon Parks and Recreation Department are shepherding the festival, which is scheduled for June 16-17. The festival's theme will be … Continue reading Route 66 festival returns to Lebanon after seven-year hiatus
Devil’s Elbow Historic District, Piney Beach Cabins added to National Register
The Devil's Elbow Historic District in the small Route 66 town of Devil's Elbow, Missouri, recently was designated to the National Register of Historic Places. On a related note, Piney Beach, aka Piney Beach Cabins, near Devil's Elbow also was placed on the National Register. An email Friday from the National Park Service confirmed the designations, … Continue reading Devil’s Elbow Historic District, Piney Beach Cabins added to National Register
El Vado Motel project begins; may be finished by Aug. 1
Almost 12 years after the Route 66 landmark closed, developers began construction on the historic El Vado Motel and hope to reopen it as a boutique motel by late summer. KOB-TV in Albuquerque reported that construction began last week. Ponderosa Brewing is expected to open a tap room on the property next to 21 small … Continue reading El Vado Motel project begins; may be finished by Aug. 1
Long-closed Inn of Amarillo soon will be torn down
The city of Amariilo likely will be on the hook financially to demolish the long-closed and squalid Inn of Amarillo, also known the Holiday Inn West or the Vic-Mon Motor Hotel. A big problem for the city is the cost to raze the structure -- about $800,000 on the low side. The price is so steep, … Continue reading Long-closed Inn of Amarillo soon will be torn down
A trip down Oklahoma’s Route 66, circa 2009
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation recently began uploading videos to Vimeo, including this 17-minute trip down Route 66 in the Sooner State. It's not a recent video, as I noted a few things that apparently have changed since it was shot. The big totem pole at Totem Pole Park near Foyil has been repainted in … Continue reading A trip down Oklahoma’s Route 66, circa 2009
Westport Lodge in Joplin to hold grand reopening as Enlight Inn on Monday
The Westport Lodge motel, built in 1947 along Route 66 in Joplin, Missouri, will hold its grand reopening Monday as an Enlight Inn wellness center, motel and cafe. Joplin Globe business writer Wally Kennedy reports the motel at the corner of North Main Street and Fountain Road is the last surviving motor court in Joplin. It … Continue reading Westport Lodge in Joplin to hold grand reopening as Enlight Inn on Monday
Deep background on the Wigwam Motel in Holbrook
The Arizona Republic newspaper recently published several articles about the Wigwam Motel in Holbrook, Arizona, and revealed details about the Route 66 landmark even longtime roadies may not know. It's worth reading the articles in full, starting here. But a few things stood out, plus a couple of observations from me: --- The motel closed … Continue reading Deep background on the Wigwam Motel in Holbrook
Motel Safari in Tucumcari is up for sale
The owners of the historic and nicely restored Motel Safari in Tucumcari, New Mexico, announced they have put the Route 66 property up for sale. Co-owner Richard Talley put the word out with a message on the Route 66 World website Wednesday: “As we open for the 2017 season and approach our 10th year since … Continue reading Motel Safari in Tucumcari is up for sale