I know there are people who like to road trip in a super spontaneous way…adventuring and exploring until they’re ready to call it a night and then looking around to see what kind of place they can find to stay.
Let me put my disclaimer here…this post is based on MY OPINIONS. This is not a directory for every motel or hotel on Route 66. These are places I have either personally stayed in or seen and my personal thoughts on them.
Open since 1939, the Blue Swallow has been a long time gem along the mother road and as other places have closed down through the years, it’s made this place feel like a time capsule.
I can’t not recommend the Blue Swallow in Tucumcari, but if they’re booked, I would definitely recommend the Motel Safari. It’s super cute and very well maintained! And it has mid century modern vibes (which I love) and the rooms look a bit more modern than the Blue Swallow.
It’s on a nice property and feels more like you’re in the country than in town even though it’s right on the route. Plus there’s a cute little gift shop so stop by even if you’re not planning to stay the night.
It is SUCH a great historic hotel. La Posada is an old Harvey House that’s been completely renovated, but it’s retained all of its original character.
At the far western end of New Mexico where you see all those wide vistas made famous by Hollywood’s westerns, El Rancho Hotel opened in 1937 to serve Hollywood’s booming film operations in New Mexico.