Route 66's Centennial: Top Stays Along America's Mother Road
Commemorating its centenary, America's iconic Route 66, known as the Mother Road, is poised to host a series of celebratory events. This historic thoroughfare, stretching 2,448 miles across eight states, is not only a symbol of American freedom and adventure but also a gateway to some of the nation's most breathtaking landscapes. This article offers a curated selection of distinctive accommodations along this legendary route, designed to enhance the journey from Chicago to Santa Monica.
The Chicago Athletic Association, a Michelin Key-rated establishment, embodies Venetian Gothic splendor. Established in 1893 as an exclusive gentlemen's club, it transitioned into a luxurious hotel in 2015. Its design, reminiscent of Venice's Doge’s Palace, features intricate woodwork, arched windows, and mosaic-tiled floors. The hotel offers 240 rooms, many preserving historical elements like fireplaces and stained glass. Amenities include an omakase counter, a rooftop bar with views of Millennium Park, a game room, golf simulators, and a fitness center.
Further along, in St. Louis, Missouri, the 21c Museum Hotel St Louis offers a unique blend of hospitality and contemporary art. Housed in a 95-year-old former YMCA, this hotel boasts a 14,000-square-foot exhibition space, incorporating original features like a double-height basketball court. Its 173 rooms are gallery-like, with high ceilings, large windows, and custom-designed furniture. The hotel also features a café, a Spanish fusion restaurant, a spa, a gym, and a large original YMCA pool.
The Bradford House in Oklahoma City is a vibrant, eclectic retreat. This 1912 Victorian mansion, now a 12-room hotel, is celebrated for its bold interior design, featuring animal prints, floral wallpaper, and a rainbow of room colors. Each room is uniquely adorned with vintage furnishings sourced from local markets and across Europe. Guests can enjoy a chic cocktail bar, a stylish restaurant offering brunch and dinner, a spacious wraparound porch, and an on-site pâtisserie.
Near Albuquerque, New Mexico, Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm provides a serene escape. This two-Key Michelin property is a 25-acre lavender farm where peacocks roam freely. Designed in the 1930s in the Santa Fe style, the inn blends old-world grandeur—adobe walls and kiva fireplaces—with modern minimalist aesthetics. It features a saltwater pool, gym, spa, and a farm-to-fork restaurant utilizing seasonal produce from its own garden.
El Rey Court in Santa Fe, New Mexico, perfectly balances classic Southwest charm with modern design. Originally a roadside motor court built in 1936, this renovated property now offers 86 bright and airy rooms adorned with geometric art and Navajo fabrics. Its common areas exude a cool vibe, including a vinyl library, a mezcal and tequila bar, and a retro-themed pool with a swim-up bar.
In Flagstaff, Arizona, the Americana Motor Hotel delivers a playfully nostalgic experience. Reimagined in 2023 from a 1962 original, this 88-room motel is situated directly on Route 66 and within the world's first Dark Sky City, offering unparalleled stargazing. Rooms feature disco balls, faux wood-paneled walls, and vibrant retro decor. Amenities include a walk-up window for food, a 'space-age' cocktail machine, a heated pool, and a backyard with firepits and yard games.
While not directly on Route 66, Under Canvas Grand Canyon in Valle, Arizona, offers a luxurious glamping detour. This property, set on 160 acres of secluded forest, provides chic safari-style tents with plush king beds, en-suite bathrooms, and wood-burning stoves. The tents boast an airy, beach-chic aesthetic. A restaurant tent serves locally sourced produce, and nightly s'mores are a highlight. As a certified Dark Sky Resort, it offers celestial-themed meals and astronomer-led stargazing.
Finally, in Santa Monica, California, The Georgian stands as a striking Art Deco mini-skyscraper. Opening in 1933, it was a hotspot for Hollywood legends. After a period of decline, it was meticulously restored and reopened, reclaiming its Golden Age opulence. The hotel features arched ceilings, custom Art Deco furniture, and bold velvet accents. Its seductive cocktail bar, playful ocean-view terrace, and well-stocked library reflect its rich history and renewed grandeur.
These exceptional destinations along Route 66 invite travelers to immerse themselves in a journey that seamlessly blends the historic allure of the Mother Road with the comfort and sophistication of contemporary accommodations. As the highway celebrates its centennial, these unique stays provide ideal havens for exploration and relaxation, ensuring a memorable experience for all who embark on this legendary American adventure.