This Friday (December 12) marks the 100th anniversary of the first motel in the US, which opened its doors in 1925. To celebrate this centennial milestone and given the enduring legacy of motels in California, Visit California has rounded up eight of the Golden State’s most iconic motels.
The world’s first motel, or motor hotel, opened in 1925. This was Milestone Mo-tel (later renamed the Motel Inn) in San Luis Obispo in California, which opened during the rise of America’s highways and a boom in road-tripping across the country.
While the original motel closed in 1991,California’s motels continue to thrive with many lovingly revived as stylish inns and boutique B&Bs, celebrating their mid-century roots while appealing to a new generation of travellers.
From classic roadside lodgings that echo the early days to reimagined gems in deserts, wine country, mountains and along the coast, here’s a guide to the top motels to visit in the Golden State in honour of this centennial milestone.
Retro chic renovations – Farmhouse Paso Robles, SLO CAL
Farmhouse Paso Robles, which reopened as a trendy motel in 2023, boasts 26 country-style cottages which blend the original 1947 architecture with fresh, modern design along California’s Central Coast. The downtown Paso Robles property, formerly known as Farmhouse Motel, has seen a stylish transformation thanks to Nomada Hotel Group, which has revived several of California’s pre-loved motels and inns into chic and beautiful retreats. Guests can hire a bike and explore downtown Paso Robles on the doorstep of the property, or sit back and relax in the central courtyard with fire pits and fountains. Classic Kings from £95 per night.
Inner city excitement – Beck’s Motor Lodge, San Francisco
The family-owned Beck’s Motor Lodge has been part of Castro’s story since 1958, witnessing the neighbourhood’s transformation from Eureka Valley to the heart of San Francisco’s LGBTQ+ community – including the historic election of Harvey Milk, California’s first openly gay public official. Today, the motel sits just steps from local icons like Twin Peaks Tavern and The Café. With 58 rooms and free parking, Beck’s Motor Lodge offers a convenient base near the action, perfect for kicking off a California road trip. The property is also home to beehives on its rooftop, part of the local movement working to sustain the bee population while producing honey. Doubles from £138 per night.
Scenic lakeside mountain views – Crown Motel, Lake Tahoe
Situated on the shores of Lake Tahoe, the largest alpine lake in the US spanning 191 square miles, Crown Motel is a hidden gem with charming lake and mountain views. Located on the northern side of the lake in Kings Beach, the property boasts one of the largest private beaches on the lake and offers a range of 70 different rooms and suites. By summer, visitors can enjoy hiking beautiful trails, exhilarating watersports or gentle boat rides onto the lake. For those looking to visit in the cooler seasons, guests can get discounted lift access and lessons at Palisades Tahoe ski resort, as well as a free shuttle to many of the ski resorts. Doubles from £95 per night.
Relaxation in wine country – Flamingo Resort & Spa, Sonoma County
Located in the heart of Sonoma Wine Country, the 226-room Flamingo Resort & Spa is a mid-century modern property inviting guests to relax and unwind in Santa Rosa. With a 25-meter lap pool, tennis and pickleball courts, group exercise classes, spa and music lounge, guests at Flamingo Resort & Spa are spoilt for choice when it comes to activities. The resort embraces its surroundings by offering an exclusive Flamingo Flight programme which provides complimentary and discounted tastings across a selection of the local wineries, encouraging guests to drink in the local produce. The iconic neon motel-style sign was designated a local landmark in 1997. Doubles from £129 per night.
Desert pink and poolside glamour – Trixie Motel, Palm Springs
Set in the desert city of Palm Springs in the Coachella Valley, the Trixie Motel transports guests back to the area’s mid-century modern heyday with its incredible interiors and decor. Owned by RuPaul’s Drag Race winner, Trixie Mattel, this playful boutique property features seven uniquely themed rooms, from the ‘Queen of Hearts’ suite to the ‘Yeehaw Cowgirl Room’. Entertainment doesn’t stop there as guests can enjoy weekly pool parties, live DJ sets and a Barbara Bar on-site, the motel is sure to inject some colour and fun into any road trip. Rooms from £237 per night.
Laidback charm and luxury – Le Petit Pali at Ocean Ave, Carmel-by-the-Sea
Formerly known as The Village Inn circa 1950, Le Petit Pali at Ocean Ave brings all the charm of a traditional inn but with modern amenities. Opened in 2023 by Palisociety and recognised by the MICHELIN Guide, the property offers 34 rooms in the heart of downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea with a laid-back beach vibe. The smaller size allows for a more personal experience while the town of Carmel, known for its fairytale cottages, quaint galleries and tasting rooms, is on the rise with two local restaurants receiving Michelin Star recognition, Chez Noir and Aubergine. Double rooms from £275 per night.
Surf lovers paradise – Surfhouse, Encinitas
Situated north of San Diego in the beach city of Encinitas, the surf-inspired beach motel, Surfhouse, lets guests dive straight into the California lifestyle, with staff providing expert knowledge of the local surf breaks. The eight-room property, just a 5-minute walk from the beach, is perfect for those wanting to connect with the surfing community, where camaraderie is at the heart of the stay. Embracing Southern Californian friendliness, the motel features communal patios and offers great eateries nearby. Twin rooms from £145.
Mid-century modern charm – Skyview, Los Alamos
Built in 1959, the Skyview Motel was a classic stop for roadtrippers on California’s Highway 101, famed for its pool and mid-century charm. Nomada Hotel Group bought the property in 2016, before transforming it into a trendy motel in 2018, with 33 stylish guestrooms. Guests can enjoy the on-site Norman restaurant + bar, an adults-only pool, a vibrant courtyard and salvaged original features like the yellow ‘MOTEL’ sign and the working vineyard. The property also offers outdoor fire pits and the opportunity to hire bikes on site to explore the surrounding Santa Ynez Valley. Doubles from £120 per night.
For more information about Visit California, go to visitcalifornia.com.
