Route 66 was officially commissioned on November 11, 1926, and in light of the 100-year anniversary, there are celebrations of “The Mother Road” going on throughout the year.
One of the many things that made Route 66 memorable was the effect that it had on hospitality and tourism. America’s love for the automobile brought about some unique lodging that included accommodations for vehicles just like those for people. Some motor courts offered an individual garage for each cabin or motel room. Often times, the owners of the establishment lived on-site, too, providing a personal touch and greeting to the experience. Talk about hospitality!
There are still some motor courts out there today that hold true to the original vision. Back in September 2022, on my way to the National Acura Legend Meet, I stayed at the Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari, New Mexico, along Route 66. It was like time-traveling back to the 1950s.
Other motor courts have had to transition out of necessity because peoples’ travel habits — and their vehicles — evolved. I recently stayed overnight in the historic downtown area of Cottonwood, Arizona, at the Iron Horse Inn. It pre-dated Route 66 (and in fact, wasn’t anywhere near The Mother Road geographically), but it still catered to cars as much as it did to people.
Opened originally as Eden Court in 1933 (pictured above), the establishment was constructed as a square around a central, open lot. Each motel room (accessible via a steep staircase) had its own ground-level garage. Here’s a modern-day look from street view:
By the 1970s (and even prior), vehicles had grown. Eden Court was redesigned to enclose the individual garages and convert them into additional motel rooms as shown below.
My room was at the top of the above staircase, and it was tiny but well-kept.
Luckily, there was plenty of available parking surrounding the property and on the streets of Cottonwood. And today, the courtyard has become the focal point of the inn, complete with trees, tables, and a fountain. Guests relax and intermingle outside during the evening hours. I know I did!
Still, I would love to have seen a couple of units preserved with the original garages intact, and I might have even paid a little extra just to get to use one for my little 30-year-old Acura Integra Type R.
