great takes on family travel in the U.S.

It is rare that one sits up at night, planning a fun vacation that includes the perfect destination, the best things to do, and that fabulous motel. MOTEL?

Ok, so they aren’t exciting. They aren’t the kind of rooms that you dream about staying in,with comfy robes, silky sheets, and room service. However, motels serve a valuable travel purpose. They let you enjoy a stay without swallowing your wallet and sometimes that can make or break a trip.

However, there are motels that can rise above the boring and serviceable. They have that extra flair or creative touch that makes them a little more special. In Austin, Texas….a wonderful travel destination….there is the Austin Motel. This is not your ordinary motel. Established in 1938 as a motorlodge, it has been refurbished over the years into a unique and funky lodging option that captures that old Austin charm.

Its most appealing attribute is that it is located in one of Austin’s best and most convenient neighborhoods. Just south of Congress Avenue bridge and Lake Austin, where millions of Mexican Free-Tail bats swarm every evening. It is a short walk from the famed bars and clubs of 6th street and the Texas Capitol. Plus, it is right in the middle of South Congress. Here you have a multitude of funky shopping, antique stores, hip restaurants and late-night venues. You couldn’t ask for a better location.

The actual motel has very individualized rooms. Each one is decorated differently. Not one room is like another…with entirely different layouts, furniture, wall murals, color schemes, etc. There are some very creative stylings and rooms that are very basic to slightly luxurious. Scroll through their list of rooms and find one that fits your personality! You can easily find one for $70-100/night. The hotel also has free parking, a “50’s style” pool and claims to be “green”.

You can’t ask for a better budget option in Austin. So, here’s to being cool and cheap!

Thanks to Nika for the great Austin Motel photo.

On a recent search for motels for an upcoming trip, I came across a few I would characterize as kitschy – original motor inns, catering to the auto traveler from days past. I thought these were worth sharing, if you are looking for a nostalgic trip back in time.

Ocean Park Motel

Built in 1936 (the same year as the Golden Gate Bridge) this art-deco landmark, located near the San Francisco Zoo and Ocean Beach, has not changed much since it was first built. Designed by Conrad Kett in a nautical theme, original visitors would stay while visiting Sutro Baths, Playland-at-the-Beach and Fleischhacker Zoo.

Red Victorian Bed, Breakfast & Art

Originally the Jefferson Hotel, built in 1904, the Red Victorian rose to prominence during the “Summer of Love” when it became a haven for flower children and hippies. In 1977, Sami Sunchild acquired the property, giving Red Vic its name and mission to foster peace, ecology and global friendship. Run as a Bed & Breakfast, guests can chose from 18 creatively decorated room, and are invited to join other travelers for morning Breakfast Conversations.

Madonna Inn

Construction began in 1966 on this over-the-top inn in San Luis Obispo. Phyllis and Alex Madonna designed each of the 109 rooms around a unique theme, incorporating many personal favorites (Phyllis loves the color pink and Alex is fond of rocks). Great for families who love kitsch, this inn features rooms and suites with several different configurations. If you plan to stay more than one night, don’t be afraid to ask to switch rooms for a new experience, apparently it is the thing to do!

As long as you are near San Luis Obispo, be sure to stop and see what remains of the Motel Inn, the world’s first motel, built in 1925 by Los Angeles architect Arthur Heineman. This new motor lodge, designed around a central courtyard with a swimming pool and picnic tables, was revolutionary for the time. Until then, most travelers camped or stayed home. With the advent of the Milestone Motel, travelers rested in comfortable two-room bungalows for $1.25 a night with a private adjoining garage.

What is your favorite kitschy motel and why? How about kitschy roadside attraction? Giant Bob’s Big Boy, anyone?

Photo courtesy of Ocean Park Motel.

Consider a trip to Apalachicola, Florida, on the Gulf Coast south of Tallahassee, if you are looking for an authentic, original experience in a town known for fresh seafood and quaint fisherman village amenities. With miles of beaches, nearby national forests and plenty of golf and fishing to keep you busy, Apalachicola is a vacation paradise. Here are a couple motel recommendations sure to enhance your experience:

Apalachicola River Inn

Right on the water, each recently remodeled room in this lovely two-story motel has great views across the Apalachicola Bay. With two on-site restaurants, Boss Oyster and Caroline’s River Dining, the inn is also a short walk from historic downtown Apalachicola with many retail therapy options.

Rancho Inn

This family-oriented Inn, with views of the water, features double and king rooms, along with a suite for those traveling in larger groups. Locally owned and operated, the friendly staff is available to help arrange any charter or activity that might catch your interest.

Best Western Apalach Inn

Located on the panhandle of Florida, each room in this inn is equipped with free Internet access and cable television. Add a complimentary continental breakfast, and you are off to a great start each morning. Rates start at $95, and include free parking.

No matter where you stay, don’t forget to try the oysters when you visit!

Photo courtesy of Apalachicola River Inn.

How about a trip on one of the more interesting U.S. roadways, Route 66? And what better way to experience the authentic past then staying in motels along the way. Here are three recommendations for motels along Route 66 that are worth a detour:

Carlin Villa Motel in Carlinville, Illinois

Just off the original Route 66, this pet-friendly motel is close to many local attractions, perfect for the authentic Route 66 trip.  Featuring clean and comfortable rooms, this motel also offers continental breakfast, a game room, and in-room microwaves and refrigerators. And as long as you are in the neighborhood, check out Henry’s Ra66it Ranch in Staunton, Illinois, a Route 66 original.

Desert Hills Motel in Tulsa, Oklahoma

With a giant, welcoming neon-sign, this family owned motel was built in 1953. All the rooms are lined up diagonally, allowing the maximum number of rooms on a small lot. And the bathroom floors are heated, a wonderful feature for cold mornings. All 50 units have been recently remodeled, and include free HBO. Some units have kitchenettes and there is a guest laundry facility on site.

Wigwam Motel in Rialto, California

Located just outside San Bernardino in southern California, this motel has been welcoming travelers since 1949. The motel features 19 30-foot-tall teepees, along with a swimming pool, grass area and BBQ. Teepees feature either 1 or 2 queen size beds, attached bathrooms, free internet, TV and refrigerators, and rates are reasonable, under $80 a night. And if you enjoy your stay in this location, be sure to check out the other Wigwam Motels in Arizona and Kentucky.

If you plan to take this trip with your family, check out the free online Route 66 for Kids book by Emily Priddy. Chock full of all sorts of information about the route, along with a coloring book for the kids, this is a great resource for your trip.

Desert Hills Motel photo courtesy of Desert Hills Motel. Wigwam Motel photo courtesy of Wigwam Motel.