Motor hotels have been a popular part of American travel culture since the early 1920s. Prior to this period, the term ‘motel’ didn’t even exist. Also known as motor courts, motor inns, tourist lodges and auto cabins, motels are not as popular as they once were 50 to 60 years ago. However, they still hold a significance place in North America’s travel industry today.
A beginner’s guide to American motels is essential for inexperienced road travellers in the US. What do American motels look like? Where are they found? Where did motels originate? Despite the drop in number of motels towards the end of the last century, they can still be found along all major and minor highways of North America. If you’re planning a road trip across the USyou’ll be sure to come across them and, if you’re on a budget they’re a great option for an often surprisingly comfortable nights sleep!
Tired drivers looking for a place to rejuvenate needn’t look any further than a roadside lodging, or a motel. Historically, a typical motel consisted of a building, usually found in an L or U shape, with a series of interconnected rooms. Because the purpose of motels is to primarily accommodate motorists, they are found along major roadways and are flagged with convenience.
Within America, US Route 66 was the spark for these convenient and inexpensive roadside lodgings. Of course, Route 66 is no longer a major highway, so many of the motels that once operated along this route between the 1930s and 1970s have since disappeared. Nevertheless, the motel culture that began here is still thriving elsewhere in America today.
The shape of the motel has changed quite dramatically since the initial inception of this type of lodging 90-odd years ago. Rooms used to be cheap and simple, often consisting of a bed, a small bathroom, a colour television and basic amenities. The more expensive rooms boasted facilities like kitchenettes and balconies. Most motels also contained a swimming pool, parking spaces just outside the door, a single reception room and one or two floors.
Modern motels look somewhat different than those of yesteryear. Yes, the layout is similar. However, the facilities have changed significantly. Today, motorists can pre-book rooms online before arriving at a motel. In addition, flat-screen television, wireless internet, room service and other popular amenities can be typically found in many of America’s modern motels.
Most contemporary American motels have undergone a shift in ownership, too. Formerly operated by families, these roadside accommodations are now primarily owned by hotel chains, including Super8 Motels, Motel 6 and AmericInn. However, it is still possible to find traditional motels, but they are much harder to come by today. For a true motel experience, however, it is worth seeking out one of the older style ‘mom and pop’ motels.
Traditionally, most of the motels in America were built along the banks of early highways, like US Route 66. However, since the construction of bypass freeways, traffic along the original roadways has declined spectacularly. As a result, many of the first motels in America quickly went out of business. Nevertheless, most highways still boast motel lodging, offering cheap and comfortable accommodation for road travellers.
Fortunately in 2007, areas like US Route 66 and the Lincoln Highway were included in a scheme to restore and preserve historic places. A high number of the original motels along these routes have been revamped, offering travellers a taste of America’s past. Altogether, more than 1,400 older motels have been restored. This has led to an increase in domestic road travel in America.
[box]Contributed by Amy from Alamo who offer cheap car hire in USA for your American road trip adventure![/box]
