Photograph by Ben Fitchett
A portmanteau of the phrases “motor” and “resort,” motels emerged throughout the nation within the Nineteen Thirties and ’40s in response to the expansion of the U.S. freeway system, which peaked within the ’60s. Highway trippers want a handy place to remain, and no-frills spots that supply fast entry to the pillow from the car parking zone fill that void. However competitors quickly arrived: chain inns. Within the 70s and 80s, motels fell out of fashion and ultimately went out of enterprise—till now. Lately, formidable renovations have reworked sleeping properties into trendy stays with facilities corresponding to high-end inns. Many embrace their mid-century quirkiness, whereas others go for a refined strategy. Listed below are a number of the South’s retro gems
Skyline Lodge
Highlands, North Carolina
Perched excessive within the Blue Ridge Mountains, this 40-room, Nineteen Thirties property initially catered to rich people who might afford leisure journey after the inventory market crash. Frank Lloyd Wright’s scholar Arthur J. Designed by Kelsey, the lodge displays the streamlined, nature-inspired structure of Kelsey’s mentor. An intensive renovation in 2021 accentuated these options, with reclaimed wooden, native granite and plenty of pure gentle. Customized Nicely Mattress Co. bedding, walk-in showers, and heated tile flooring echo the intent of the unique luxurious residence. Skyline affords many experiential facilities, together with whiskey-pairing courses, oyster roasts and mountain climbing concierges who create customized path routes for visitors. Dinner at Oak Steakhouse, with its sweeping mountain views, is ideal for unwinding after a day’s actions.
Photograph by Tim Lange
Vagabond Lodge
Miami, Florida
Within the Fifties, motor lodges dotted the ends of dynamic Biscayne Boulevard, however this funky motel inbuilt 1953 was the king of all of them: rumors nonetheless swirl that it was the favourite hang-out of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and fellow members of the Rat Pack. A complete renovation in 2014 introduced again the gleeful ’50s really feel that outlined its heyday with new geometric wallpaper, teal Jetson-esque bedframes and crimson orb-shaped lighting fixtures. Turquoise Poolside Bar is a energetic hangout for mingling with a marg, however for meals, head to Mr. Mandolin, the Greek and Turkish restaurant subsequent door (the informal outpost of Mandolin Aegean Bistro’s sister restaurant, winner of the Michelin Bib Gourmand). The motel’s location within the Mimo district, outlined by an abundance of midcentury structure, makes the Vagabond slot in nicely with its neighbors.
Photograph by Sylvia Rose
Thunderbird Inn
Savannah, Georgia
When the quaint inn was constructed 60 years in the past, one in all its foremost promoting factors was that the rooms have been refrigerated (aka air-conditioned). In the present day’s tour nonetheless consists of these “services”—and the genuine neon signal out entrance—however rely on some Southern-inspired extras, together with a complimentary Moonpee in your pillow and a can of RC Cola on the nightstand. Every of the 42 rooms hearkens again to the motel’s midcentury origins, with shiny pops of crimson, yellow and turquoise—the precise hues scraped from the partitions of the 1964 construct—accentuating the light-filled areas; The king suite even has working typewriters. Whereas the motel serves as a blast from the previous, its ongoing eco-friendly upgrades look to the longer term, together with an electric-car charging station and an entire conversion to reusable dishware (assume mugs as an alternative of espresso cups). The inn is a brief stroll from the historic district, making it a super house base for exploring the Hostess Metropolis of the South.
Photograph by Adam Kuehl
Sundown Inn and Cottages
Treasure Island, Florida
Simply steps from Sundown Seaside, this quaint roadside motel leans again to its Fifties roots. In 2022, new possession saved the property from demolition and gave it an entire makeover. An area-age aesthetic is unfold out with mirrors, vibrant pop art-style chairs and unique terrazzo flooring. Within the second-floor penthouse, a hearth engine–crimson fake fire is a focus; In 13 different rooms and cottages, rotary phone lamps, atomic sculptures, boomerang artwork and MCM analog clocks improve the 50s aptitude. Two courtyards have loads of seating, garden video games (shuffleboard, ping pong, big join 4) and gasoline grills for post-beach eating. Lodge rooms have kitchenettes, whereas bigger cottages have full kitchens, making for a long-lasting keep in paradise.
Photographed by Tamara Alvarez
Dive motels and swim golf equipment
Nashville, Tennessee
Calling this retro spot groovy can be an understatement. With the flip of the get together change, your room is immediately flooded with the reflections of the spinning disco ball and enjoyable music transports you to a very totally different period. A panel on the wall helps you to select tunes based mostly on intercourse, medicine and rock and roll themes—or sleep themes, for while you want a break from the get together vibe. Every of the 23 rooms is drenched in dreamy ’70s nostalgia, however all have a novel aesthetic: some have a country “city cowboy” really feel, whereas others run on psychedelic patterns and vibrant colours. The Honeymoon Suite guarantees most pampering, with double soaking tubs with a pretend fur comforter straight subsequent to the platform mattress. Go to in the summertime to benefit from the hopping pool and wood-paneled dive bar, and verify the calendar for sudden occasions, like a “paint your nudes” class or a respiratory and chilly immersion session.
Photograph by Ben Fitchett
Longleaf Lodge
Raleigh, North Carolina
This mid-century fashionable stunner pays homage to its house state, from the identify of North Carolina’s official tree to its shiny neon signal that sings the nationwide anthem (“Lengthy Stay Longleaf”). Initially opened as a journey lodge within the Nineteen Sixties, the resort obtained a significant renovation in 2019, however unique components from the previous period have been salvaged, together with starlight breeze blocks hidden behind stucco throughout its years as a Days Inn. Longleaf enhances the expertise with subtle touches like Malin + Goetz toiletries and pillowtop Kingsdown mattresses. Nature influences all the pieces — from the hatching sample on the carpet (harking back to pine needles on the forest flooring) to the colour palette of grey greens and heat woods. The modern, crimson velvet-clad lounge, the place visitors sip mezcal cocktails and native beer or seltzer, results in an expansive patio with a firepit and hovering shade sails. Bingo nights, wine-and-music pairings and DJ units convey the enjoyable.
Photograph by Tyler Northup
Billy Motel
Davis, West Virginia
Fewer than 700 individuals reside on this small mountain city, and also you’re sure to fulfill a couple of of them on the bar or socializing on the patio of this 60’s hidden gem. Situated on the sting of Blackwater Falls State Park, Cheeky Motel—the self-proclaimed “Hillbilly Fabulous”—attracts vacationers to revel within the space’s scenic wilderness. With its chinoiserie-inspired decor, the colourful turquoise and fuchsia lounge contains a pair of classic gold cubicles dealing with an attention grabbing bar made from picket bowling alley slats. Ten normal rooms have comfy comforters and pillows, free French press espresso and poker chips that may be redeemed totally free drinks on the bar. Pair a craft cocktail (usually made with house-made fruit juices) with a meal from the on-site ISH Kitchen, which focuses on ethnic-“ish” cooking.
Courtesy of Billy Motel
This text appeared within the Summer season 2024 concern of Southbound.
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