Born as a year-round retro beach getaway for the New York (hipster) set. This transformed clam
bar is no Super 8, with 12 artist-designed and very comfortable
rooms, but the ethos remains: affordable, no televisions and
communal bathrooms. Like most of the new-gen motels, this is not a
rest-stop but a destination – thanks to its buzzing indoor and
outdoor bars and roster of DJs and live acts.

Originally built in 1946 as a live-motion set, this motel comes with authentic cowboy kudos, thanks to its role in over 200 Westerns. Re-established in 2015, it’s been sensitively restored true to its original ol’ Western look and feel. Think classic Navajo rugs, reclaimed timber and rich leathers, all charged with rugged cowboy charm. It’s the only overnight accommodation in town and keeps things simple: there’s no bar, restaurant or TV, but there is a dive bar a short mosey from your digs, which more than makes up for the lack of on-site entertainment.

A pared-back country getaway this is not. This 14-room Catskills motel is all about over the top kitsch maximalism – and it’s no surprise, being owned by ex-Broadway couple Gregory Henderson and Joe Massa. From the Flinstone themed Fred’s Lair to the kitted out bright orange and zebra upholstered Shagadellic suite. Other themed rooms cover The Jetsons, The Partridge Family and even a Mayan temple–inspired bedroom, complete with a secret passageway.

Located in the west Texas art colony of Marfa, Thunderbird was built in 1959 as a classic single-story roadside motel with 24 rooms and a swimming pool: no frills, no fuss. Not much has changed, except it’s been bought by seasoned hotelier Liz Lambert (also responsible for the San José Motel) and reimagined by Marfa-based artist/designer Jamey Garza with simple but detailed touches: polished concrete floors, simple pecan furniture and cowhide rugs.

For a 101 in mid-century modern, check into the Orbit In, Palm
Springs. Situated in the Tennis Club District and built by
acclaimed designer, Herb Burns (the man responsible for introducing
the concept of the “motor court inn to Palm Springs”) the Orbit In
is steeped in old Hollywood glamour. Guests of
yesteryear include Charlie Chaplin, Doris Day and Frank Sinatra.
Bought and re-invented in 2007, the motel still maintains its
mid-century, cold war optimism. Prepare yourself for space-age
furniture mixed with retro vintage finds, such as egg and Eames
lounge chairs, lava lamps and a poolside bar, perfect for the
complimentary 5PM Orbitinis (sake martinis).

Live the life of Avon ladies and Tupperware parties at Kate’s Lazy Meadow Motel. Situated on nine acres up in the Catskills Mountains, this haven of lime green and burnt orange hues was gutted and renovated by Kate Pierson of The B-52s and decorated with phrases like groovy, wacky and psychedelic in mind. Check into one of the nine suites, all decked out in authentic 50s-style kitchens, plastic fantastic furniture and ceramic bubble art. Or rest your head in one of the five vintage Airstream trailers behind the motel by the creek. Get ready for margaritas and Love Shack on repeat.