American road trips hit an all-time high during the 1960’s and motor lodges were everywhere. They’re dotted along the highway, ready to welcome weary travelers, and now they’re seeing a second revival. Revamped motor lodges give a nod to their retro past, but are updated with modern amenities. I’ve found the coolest motor lodges where kids are welcome and you’ll want to check in for a few days.
The golden age of motor travel has been renovated with modern travelers in mind. This is the type of travel your Grandparents loved. It’s about getting in the car, planning a road trip and spending the night wherever your tired head takes you. Fold-out maps have been replaced with GPS (thank goodness), but that doesn’t mean families can’t explore the U.S. by car. Road trips are old-fashioned fun for families and motor lodges provide a glimpse into the past, but these destinations are upgraded with the amenities you kids can appreciate.
Merry Acres Inn (Albany, Georgia)
There are so many family-friendly things to do in Albany and there’s no better place to stay than the Merry Acres Inn. Let southern hospitality welcome your family at this historic boutique hotel. Amenities include a secluded pool, complimentary buffet breakfast, and a shuttle to three local restaurants. Most of their rooms sleep four guests, with a few options that sleep eight. The Merry Acres Inn is also pet-friendly if you’re traveling with the furry members of your family.
Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort (Cocoa Beach, Florida)
If your kids want to splash around in the Florida sun, look no further than Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort. The once retro motor lodge upgraded in a recent renovation to include all-two-bedroom Polynesian-themed suites (with kitchens) for families. The oceanfront resort is located one mile from the iconic Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier and it’s Orlando’s closest beach. The resort still has the same layout as old-school motor lodges, but the center features a waterpark with a lazy river. There’s even a children’s splash pad. This resort is the perfect destination if you’re boarding a Port Canaveral cruise and need an overnight stay.
Rocky Waters Motor Inn (Gatlinburg, Tenneesee)
Rocky Waters Motor Inn has been welcoming Gatlinburg travelers since the 1930’s. It’s family-owned and just went through a major top-to-bottom revitalization. The motor lodge blends in with the Appalachian mountain backdrop with earthy exterior hues that aren’t flashy. The interior features include exposed wood beams, wood floors, and wood paneling on accent walls and fireplaces. Enjoy cozy vibes in the guest rooms that boast some views worth far more than motor lodge prices. The throwback appeal to a bygone era with a mix of mountain lodge decor is inviting. Don’t forget to check out all of the family-friendly things to do in Gatlinburg while you’re in the area.
Starlight Motor Inn (Charleston, South Carolina)
The Starlight Motor Inn has decades of stories to tell and a Charleston native saved the property in the 1990’s, revamping it to its glory days. The building is on the National Register of Historic Places (noting its designation as the first modular-built motel in the South) and welcomes families. The mid-century motel is located in the North Charleston neighborhood which is more family-friendly than the downtown area. Book the poolside bunks rooms for views of the pool and bunk beds for the kids. Check out my favorite things to do in Charleston, SC with kids.
Rhode’s Motor Lodge (Boone, North Carolina)
Located in North Carolina’s High Country area, the Rhode’s Motor Lodge is a mountainside retreat that families will love. The property is 15 miles from Sugar Mountain so it’s a great stop if you’re looking to ski as a family. Many elements of the original motor lodge design were kept, but it’s been updated with refreshed rooms. Enjoy mountain views on the outdoor Adirondack chairs that sit around a fire pit. When you need to refuel after a day on the slopes, enjoy the on-site eatery Canteen, where drinks come in sky-blue Coleman coolers. The renovation brought camp vibes that families will love.
Hotel Lucine (Galveston, Texas)
The Hotel Lucine was once known as the Treasure Isle Motel and it was purchased, with love, and updated to cater to today’s travelers. The hotel is a short walk to the beach, Pleasure Pier is 1.2 miles away, and Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark is 5.5 miles from the hotel. Those are fabulous destinations for families. The hotel’s eclectic vibe mixes mid-century modern with new amenities. There’s a courtyard pool and a rooftop bar with views of the Gulf.
New South Motor Inn (Madison, Georgia)
A former 1960’s-era “motor court” motel has transformed into a cute updated motor lodge just south of Atlanta, in Madison, Georgia. The New South Motor Inn includes 15 reimagined rooms representing a throwback to the glory days of roadside lodging. Room configurations include Classic Queen, Classic King, Deluxe King with Daybed, Double Full Bed Jr. Suite and The Owner’s Suite. Each room boasts Mid Century Modern furnishings. The New South Motor Inn offers special features like 1,000-thread count Egyptian cotton bedding, a kitchenette and USB charging stations.
The motor inn is just minutes from downtown Madison, Georgia where small town charm reigns. Madison is known for their preservation of historic Southern architecture and streets lined with magnolia trees. It’s the perfect small town escape when you want to get away from the rush of big city life.
Skyview Los Alamos (Santa Ynez Valley, California)
Mid-century style still reigns at the Skyview Los Alamos. Perched on top of a lookout with views of California’s wine country, this revamped motor lodge offers a location that can’t be beat. The Nomada Hotel Group kept the mid-century architecture and heated pool but transformed the previously rundown motel with modern design and luxe amenities. The end result is worth checking in.
Many rooms have indoor fireplaces and private patios, with plenty of room for traveling families. The resort also features a full restaurant and bar with poolside service, complimentary bikes for cruising into town, and the resort has its own vineyard. Be sure to check out kid-friendly California wineries during your stay.
The Atomic Blue Motor-Inn (Monticello, Utah)
If you’re craving a motor lodge that still has a fabulous retro feeling, head to The Atomic Blue Motor-Inn in SouthEast Utah. It’s situated near multiple national parks such as Canyonlands Needles District, Arches, and Monument Valley. If you’re an outdoor nature-loving family, this is where you want to stay. The property has 3 kitchenettes if you want to save money on dining out and the bright colors in the recently-renovated rooms will make the kids smile. The Atomic Blue Motor-Inn has pet-friendly rooms available, but fair warning, they book quickly with the proximity to national parks.
Blue Vista Motor Lodge (Florida, Massachusetts)
The Blue Vista Motor Lodge sits at the peak of Whitcomb Summit in Florida, Massachusetts. With only 17 rooms, they lodge shines with customer service. Every room boasts gorgeous mountain views and the property is nearby hiking trails and snowmobile trails. Hot tubs, the sauna and fire pits are available for overnight guests. It’s a seclude destination and there aren’t nearby restaurants, so come prepared to be remote as a family. The Blue Vista Motor Lodge is great for winter-loving families that want outdoor fun.