This Newly Opened Retro Route 66 Americana Hotel Is Perfect For Road Trippers

25.07.2023 - 19:05 / forbes.com / John Steinbeck

If you talk to folks from other countries around the world and ask them what they know and love about the United States, outside of our National Parks (“America’s Best Idea”) and grand cities, they might light up and mention Route 66, one of the most famous historic roads in America. Established in 1926, this route passed through parts of Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California for a total of 2,448 miles.

Today, you can still see a road sign in Chicago by the Art Institute of Chicago on one end, and a sign in Santa Monica by the beach on the other end. Even though the US66 route was officially removed from the highway system in the mid-eighties, history lovers and fans of John Steinbeck’s novel, The Grapes of Wrath, are forever intrigued.

What’s amazing is that there are still so many small towns along the now designated National Scenic Byway, or “Historic Route 66”, that still fight to stay alive in the face of the Interstate Highway System, which was designed to get travelers from point A to point B as swiftly and efficiently as possible.

While you can’t seamlessly start in Chicago and end up in California, following Route 66 signs on a contiguous and well-marked route any longer, you can utilize a US Road Atlas or the EZ66 Guide for Travelers, which has detailed maps and information covering most of the original scenic route.

In a fast moving and even faster changing world, it’s nice to know that there are still slower ways to get around, soak in the important sights, and enjoy a community-forward atmosphere full of history and nostalgia.

Road trippers would do well to fill up the gas tank and travel down as much of the “Mother Road” as possible. You’ll find over 250 noteworthy sites and structures like gas stations, theaters, drive-ins, bridges, cafes and more, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

In Flagstaff, a newly opened hotel, which was originally built in 1962, is making a big splash. Americana Motor Hotel is funky and fresh, with a multi-hued retro space-like design throughout its interior community spaces and 89 rooms. If you’ve ever wanted a disco ball in your accommodations, then this is the place for you!

Families will love the open-every-day heated swimming pool, fire pits, hammocks, telescopes for stargazing, and yard games. Pets will be comfortable with the dog wash and fenced-in walking area. If you need some exercise, bicycles are available and there are landscaped paths to wander for stretching your legs. When you’ve built up an appetite, classic American fare is available and drinks are offered at the pool, backyard style.

Located less than three miles from downtown Flagstaff and 77 miles from the Grand Canyon National