Wigwam Motel

Route 66 Wigwam Motel: a quirky stay

One of the things we were most looking forward to on our US road trip was the chance to stay in the Route 66 Wigwam Motel in Arizona. I absolutely love spending the night in weird and wonderful hotels and I’d choose novelty over comfort any day.

The Route 66 Wigwam Motel in Holbrook is basically a kitsch-lover’s dream. It was built in 1950 as part of a hotel chain, but is now one of only three remaining. It has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 2002. 

One of the wigwams at the Route 66 Wigwam Motel

Stepping back in time at the Route 66 Wigwam Motel

I loved the Wigwam Motel from the moment we drove in and read the sign: “Have you slept in a wigwam lately?” Oh yes, I do it all the time…

The welcome sign at Route 66 Wigwam Motel

The welcome sign at the Route 66 Wigwam Motel

The motel consists of 15 wigwams arranged around a carpark, which is filled with old cars from the 1950s and 60s. The cars themselves are in varying states of disrepair. But their presence adds to the sense of nostalgia on the site.

Each wigwam is 14 feet (4.3m) wide at the base and 32 feet (9.8m) high. Inside they’re basic and are kitted out with traditional furniture and brightly coloured furnishings. There’s no amenities like hairdryers or mini bars, but there’s a small TV.

A tiny bathroom is squeezed into the back of the room, with the shower tucked under the sloping wall.

Wigwam Motel

We absolutely loved everything about our stay at the Wigwam Motel. In fact, it was probably one of our favourite stays on our US road trip.

Sure, the facilities are basic, but its charm and history won us over in seconds.

Wigwam Motel

What’s the quirkiest place you’ve ever stayed in on a trip?

If you enjoyed this post, why not check out this one about a Meteor Crater we visited in Arizona, or this one about the ghost town of Chloride on Route 66.

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