Route 66
Hotels Guide
State by state hotel recommendations for motorcycle riders — from legendary historic motor courts to luxury finish-line hotels in Santa Monica.
Illinois
Start your journey in Chicago, the birthplace of Route 66. The city offers everything from budget hostels to five-star towers before you hit the open road heading south-west.
The Buckingham Athletic Club Hotel
Elegant hotel in the heart of Chicago's Loop district. Ideal first-night stay before setting off on the Mother Road.
Historic Lincoln Hotel
A genuine Route 66 classic. The Lincoln Hotel dates to 1924 and sits on the original alignment. Beloved by road-trippers and motorcyclists.
Super 8 by Wyndham Springfield
Clean, reliable budget motel with free parking for motorcycles. Perfect for an early start on day two.
Missouri
Missouri blends classic Americana with surprisingly good riding roads. St. Louis's Gateway Arch marks a natural overnight stop before heading through the Ozarks.
Moonrise Hotel
Boutique hotel in the Delmar Loop neighbourhood. Stunning rooftop views of the Gateway Arch and a dedicated Route 66 storytelling bar.
Red Cedar Inn
One of the best-preserved Route 66 roadhouses in Missouri. Built in 1934, it still has the original stone exterior and a legendary welcome for riders.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma has the longest driveable stretch of original Route 66 in any single state. Expect classic motor courts, neon signs and legendary roadside Americana.
Avery Hotel
Named after Cyrus Avery, the "Father of Route 66." Modern boutique hotel in Bricktown with immaculate rooms and a rooftop pool.
Arcadia Round Barn Motel
Sleep beside one of Route 66's most photographed landmarks. Rustic rooms, friendly hosts and a real "on the road" atmosphere.
Texas
Texas is a short but iconic stretch — the Panhandle, Cadillac Ranch and the U-Drop Inn diner. Amarillo is the natural overnight stop.
Big Texan Motel
Home of the legendary 72oz steak challenge. Classic Route 66 motel with cowboy themed rooms, pool and a steak house that riders rave about.
Courtyard Amarillo Downtown
Modern and reliable. Secure underground parking and a great location for an evening walk around Amarillo's restored 6th Street district.
New Mexico
New Mexico is arguably the most visually stunning state on the route. Adobe architecture, turquoise jewellery and a riding atmosphere that's hard to beat.
Blue Swallow Motel
The most celebrated motor court on all of Route 66. Restored neon sign, immaculate vintage rooms, and owners who truly love motorcyclists.
Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town
Upscale Southwestern hotel adjacent to Old Town Albuquerque. Valet parking, pool and the best green chilli cuisine in the city.
Arizona
Arizona delivers the most dramatic scenery on the route — Painted Desert, Petrified Forest and Flagstaff's cool pines. Arguably the highlight of the whole trip.
Hotel Monte Vista
Opened in 1927 and reportedly haunted. Flagstaff's most beloved hotel — named after celebrity guests who stayed here on Route 66 drives.
El Rancho Hotel
Famous "Home of the Movie Stars" — over 30 Hollywood legends stayed here filming westerns from the 1940s onwards. Outstanding Navajo artworks throughout.
Little America Hotel Flagstaff
Set in ponderosa pine forest. Enormous grounds, outdoor pool, outstanding steakhouse and easy access to Grand Canyon day trip. Rider favourite.
California
The final stretch takes you from the Mojave Desert through the San Bernardino Mountains and into the sprawl of LA before the triumphant finish at Santa Monica Pier.
Wigwam Motel
Sleep in a concrete teepee. One of only three surviving Wigwam Motels in America. Every motorcyclist's favourite novelty overnight stop on the final day.
Shutters on the Beach
The ultimate finish-line hotel. Steps from the Santa Monica Pier and the end of Route 66. Treat yourself — you've earned it.
Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel
Superb oceanfront finish. Rooftop pool, spa and Pacific views from your window. Valet parking for your dusty bike after 2,448 miles.
All links above go directly to Booking.com. Booking through our links helps support The Road Ahead at no extra cost to you. Book early — the Blue Swallow Motel and Big Texan fill up fast.
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Cooling Vest
It hits 40°C in the Mojave. A cooling vest keeps your core safe when there's no shade for 100 miles.
See Cooling VestsHydration Pack
Fuel stops are far apart and few sell water. Carry a hydration pack so you never run dry.
See Hydration PacksGarmin Zumo
Route 66 splits into historic alignments constantly. A bike-specific GPS keeps you on the right road.
See Garmin ZumoTravel Insurance
US medical bills are brutal. Motorcycle-specific travel cover is non-negotiable before you fly.
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