Americana Motor Hotel, Flagstaff
The vibrant color palette of orange, yellow and red at this 1962 hotel channels the retro-futuristic vibe of the Jetsons while a recent refurbishment lends a decidedly modern touch to the Americana.
The Aztec Motel, Seligman
The Aztec dates back to its 1915 origins as a guesthouse before it enjoyed its motor lodge heyday in the 1950s. Today, the locally owned motel offers updated rooms with an artistic flair.
El Trovatore Motel, Kingman
Built as a service station in 1937, El Trovatore became a motor court in 1939, a welcome stop set against the backdrop of the Hualapai Mountains. Visitors today enjoy the motel’s Hollywood-themed rooms.
Historic Grand Canyon Hotel, Williams
As Arizona’s oldest hotel — and northern Arizona’s first — this Victorian-styled hotel was established in 1891 as a stopover for travelers journeying to the Grand Canyon’s South Rim, not unlike its role today.
La Posada Hotel, Winslow
A former Harvey House, La Posada opened in 1930alongside the railroad tracks, where trains still rumble by. Note Southwestern touches such as rounded archways and Saltillo tile put in place by the hotel’s designer, Mary Colter.
Motel Dubeau Travelers Inn, Flagstaff
Notable for its quintessential U-shaped motor court design, the 1929-established Motel Dubeau is also famous for its unique tower sign and inclusion in the Green Book.
Trailborn Grand Canyon, Williams
Trailborn is considered the newest accommodations on all of Route 66, a modern-day hub for outdoorsy guests built in 2025 in a refurbished 1960s-era Red Roof Inn.
Wigwam Motel, Holbrook
This oasis of 15 tipi-styled accommodations opened in 1950 as part of a chain of hotels throughout the United States known as “wigwam villages” — this one in Holbrook is one of only three still in operation.
All illustrations by Ellen Surrey.
Arizona Office of Tourism
These articles are brought to you by the staff of the Arizona Office of Tourism, and occasionally local tourism organizations around the state.
