16 Classic Lodgings for Route 66 Tourists in California
In the Mother Road's final state, don't rush; stay a few nights at vintage properties!
California Historic Route 66 Association
Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division, John Margolies Roadside America photograph archive (1972-2008)
20th Century Motor Lodge's PoolCalifornia Historic Route 66 Association
16 classic lodgings for Route 66 tourists in California
Driving through the Mother Road's final state, don't rush to the end in Santa Monica! Make sure to stay at some of these well-reviewed, vintage properties along the way. Options include classic motels, boutique hotels, and even a teepee! Note: this tour goes from east to west.
The Mojave Desert
Fender's RV Resorts (Needles, CA)
With its recently restored neon sign, Fender's has become a mainstay along Route 66. It offers not just an RV park but a row of motel rooms (in the former Lad Motel). This is one of the area's few properties with private beach/boating access directly to the Colorado River.
Hyatt Lodge (now Red Roof Inn)California Historic Route 66 Association
Red Roof Inn (Needles, CA)
Not all hotels are built the same. This Red Roof Inn's history as part of the Hyatt Lodge / Hyatt Chalet chain is clearly shown. Its A-frame, 1961 main building still brings a touch of European chalet style to the California desert.
Route 66 Motel by Kelli ShapiroCalifornia Historic Route 66 Association
Route 66 Motel (Barstow, CA)
Originally opening in 1922 as the Barstow Auto Court, the Route 66 Motel is the quintessential mom-and-pop, kitschy experience. From its much-photographed sign to the multitude of historic items throughout the property, this is a well-maintained treasure.
Best Motel (Barstow, CA)
Butterflies still thrive in the Mojave Desert, as the butterfly roofline of this Barstow building shows! Originally part of the Imperial 400 chain, with architecture by renowned modernists Palmer and Krisel, this location is now simply known as the Best Motel in Barstow.
New Corral MotelCalifornia Historic Route 66 Association
New Corral Motel (Victorville, CA)
Make sure that you pull the "Trigger" on stopping here! Nearby is the Roy Rogers Ranch - former home of Trigger, the Western movie star's famous horse, which the New Corral's sign reportedly depicts. The motel proudly displays a nod to the Victorville area's ranching heritage.
Foothill communities
Wigwam Motel (2003) by John MargoliesCalifornia Historic Route 66 Association
Wigwam Motel (San Bernardino, CA)
An inspiration for the Cozy Cone Motel in Pixar's film "Cars," Wigwam Village #7 in San Bernardino is one of 11 former Villages. The 1949 complex was the last one built - and one of only three remaining. The property's teepees have been gloriously restored by the Patel family.
Tap to explore
Fontana Inn (Fontana, CA)
Built in the 1940s, the current Fontana Inn has gone by other names, including Inverso Motel and Arrow Motel. Still serving travelers today and featuring Route 66 murals, this is one of many small, independently owned motels that have long dotted the local Route 66 landscape.
Palm Tropics MotelCalifornia Historic Route 66 Association
Palm Tropics Motel (Glendora, CA)
This flashback property takes you to the late 1940s, when tourism began to rise throughout the U.S. - and in particular Southern California. Replete with its namesake palm trees, the Palm Tropics is an independent business that is a great example of the era's motor courts.
It would be very easy to drive up to this motel in Glendora and think it was still 1950, just a few years after the 20th Century Motor Lodge opened. In fact, the 1947, cottage-style motel is extremely well-maintained and provides a great value for excursions around the suburban San Gabriel Valley's communities!
Pasadena
Saga Motor Hotel by Beth MurrayCalifornia Historic Route 66 Association
Saga Motor Hotel (Pasadena, CA)
At the Saga, everything is coming up roses, as this historic motel offers direct access to the Tournament of Roses Parade and all things Pasadena! Located across Route 66 from Pasadena City College, the modernist motor lodge has been travelers' poolside home-away-from-home since 1959.
Tap to explore
Astro Pasadena Hotel (Pasadena, CA)
Meet George Jetson! Taking a look at the modernist Astro Pasadena Hotel (built in 1962 as an Astro Motel), you may think that George and Jane are sleeping in the room next door. And who could blame you?
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La Casa Inn (Pasadena, CA)
The Swiss Alps and Southern California come together in this former Hyatt Lodge property (which opened in 1961 and was later known as the Swiss Lodge). Now, the La Casa Inn's A-frame chalet style strikes a unique image in Pasadena and testifies to the draw of the city internationally.
Los Angeles and farther west
STILE Downtown Los Angeles Hotel
In L.A.'s Broadway historic district, a Gothic office tower has transformed into a unique lodging. The Los Angeles Conservancy gave this city landmark's adaptive reuse a preservation award. Guestrooms are above the ornate United Theatre, a 1927 picture palace that holds concerts.
Beverly HiltonCalifornia Historic Route 66 Association
Beverly Hilton (Beverly Hills, CA)
What Route 66 location exemplifies the glitz and glamour of Southern California's Hollywood image better than the Beverly Hilton? The legendary, 1955 hotel has hosted numerous stars as guests and has been a mainstay for Hollywood red carpets (including award shows) for decades.
Hotel Beverly Terrace by Kelli ShapiroCalifornia Historic Route 66 Association
Hotel Beverly Terrace (Beverly Hills, CA)
At the intersection of West Hollywood and Beverly Hills, close to the famed Sunset Strip, sits the midcentury modern Hotel Beverly Terrace. Open since 1957, it provides an upscale, boutique lodging experience - complete with an Italian restaurant and a rooftop terrace for views.
Temple View TraveLodge (now Olivia Hotel)California Historic Route 66 Association
Olivia Hotel (West Los Angeles)
The Olivia Hotel opened near Westwood in 2025. A boutique-hotel reimagining of a midcentury motel, the upscale Olivia was originally the Temple View TraveLodge. Its name referred to the iconic, towering Los Angeles Mormon Temple (built in 1956), directly across Santa Monica Blvd.
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16 classic lodgings for Route 66 tourists in California
Those traveling Route 66 in California have a plethora of historic stay options available - from the "modern convenience" of a vintage motel boasting "Color TV," to luxury lodgings once filled with celebrities. No matter your price range, the Mother Road has a room for you here!
Kelli Shapiro and Scott Piotrowski, CHR66A board members
You are all set!
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