With their splashy neon signs and retro vibes, motels have always embodied a distinctly Americana romance, symbolizing the adventure, freedom, and independence of the open road.

Despite their inherent nostalgia, motels are only just turning 100 this month, as the first “motor hotel” opened halfway between San Francisco and L.A. on December 12, 1925. The idea was born from the rise of car culture and the post-WWII industrial boom, created for a newly optimistic nation dreaming of progress and comfort.

Lately, they’ve been gaining newfound popularity. COVID-19 lockdowns are partly to thank for that: Road trips saw a resurgence during the pandemic as people eschewed flying for driving and tended to travel domestically. Simultaneously, trips to national parks and trends like stargazing caught on.

Their cheerful, pastel-hued mid-century designs and vintage aesthetics also speak to an increasing longing for simplicity and authenticity—motels remind us of a time when travel felt less polished and more spontaneous, filled with possibilities.

Today, motels around the country have undergone extensive renovations and modernizations, many of them becoming stylish and contemporary hotspots—here, find our pick of the 11 coolest motels in the country.

Austin Motel in Austin, Texas

The Austin Motel has certainly taken its hometown’s slogan, “Keep Austin Weird,” to heart—and in the best way possible. The 41-room hotel is loud, bright, and funky—and featured by the Michelin Guide as part of its collection of exceptional lodgings (no surprise that it’s part of the hip Bunkhouse Hotels group). Kitschy but charming, the rooms feature bright red vinyl beds, patterned red wallpaper, and old-school phones and radios, balanced by modern, minimalist furniture. The property’s centerpiece is the original kidney-shaped pool and its bar, as well as its distinctive neon sign, which has been beckoning weary travelers on South Congress since 1938. Additional incentives to visit include its tropical-themed bar, Rocky’s (try its signature shave ice); on-site Mexican-influenced diner Joann’s Fine Foods; and its stylish retail shop.

Skyview Los Alamos in Los Alamos, California

Photo: Sydney Brown / Courtesy of Nomada Hotel Group