Everything in life has a time to shine and be adored before everyone moves on to the next best thing. In the past, motels offered easy lodgings and comfort to individuals and families who needed temporary accommodation on travels or vacations. Now, most of them have been closed and abandoned. So, the question is, what has happened to them now? Are they still standing the way they used to, or have they been left to ruins? Thankfully, a page on Instagram called Dead Motels USA has given life to and commemorates these structures that were once famous, giving us pictures of how they look now compared to when they peaked in popularity. No one really knows why most of these motels have become “dead,” maybe their owners passed or they became bankrupt, but some were remodeled to suit the evolving style of the new world. The amazing thing is they even have merch for these old “dead” motels so that you don't forget about them. They have cute little pins representing different motels, and you can purchase them here. This piece is dedicated to 44 “dead” motels that have either been abandoned or renovated. If you love historic architecture, a glimpse into the past, and drastic before and afters, this article is for you. Most of the images are taken from old postcards and Google street view, so enjoy the vintage aesthetic and see how motels looked back in the day.
The Boulder Courts Motel
The picture on top is a view of the Boulder Courts Motel in the 1930s compared to the one below captured in 2021. It is situated in Alexis, Texas, and currently lies in ruins. The structure was demolished in 2020 after it had remained closed and unused for decades.
As you can see, the only significant remains of the impressive, once famous structure is the corroding motel sign and the stone arch. There aren't that many details about this hotel on the internet. So, let's say this is one of the structures that have gone down with age.
Sunrise Resort
This is one resort with a long history of name changes. It was first known as the Elm Camp before it was changed to Ted Hilton's Vacation Hideaway, then switched to Frank David's Resort before they finally settled for Sunrise Resort. That's a lot of indecisiveness.
It was bought from the founders by the state of Connecticut in 2009 and has since remained abandoned for reasons known to them. The Sunrise Motel was founded in 1916 and consisted of a pool, an office building, a dance hall, cabins, and motel-style lodgings; this all summed up to 80 buildings, which were all demolished in 2013, including the structures in the image above. Guess what? It was renamed again! This time, it is called the Sunrise State Park.
The Penn View Motel
I know, you are already shocked at the transformation, but this is just one of many. The Penn View motel was part of a small chain of motels called the Ivory Tower Motels. It was founded in 1965 and had branches in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut.
They closed in 2006 when the motel began attracting criminals and became the center for many illegal activities. It was soon demolished and replaced by a bigger and more modern hotel. Isn't that interesting? At least it wasn't left to rot.
Gabe's Motor In
If you are looking for fun facts, you should know that this was once the tallest building in Owensboro, Kentucky but has since been outranked by the Roosevelt House I. This round building featured a rooftop pool and a restaurant on the 12th floor.
The structure has been passed down through different businesses in the last few decades. At some point, it was the Owensboro Junior College of business, but it finally closed down in 2001 and was demolished for good in 2020.
The White Swan Motel of Lakeland
The White Swan Motel was founded in the 1960s by Harry and Mary Pool in Colorado. It was located on a famous street in the state, Colfax Avenue. It had very comfortable lodgings and was famous in its time, but sadly it has been abandoned, and there isn't even any information about it on the internet.
It was abandoned in 2010 and hadn't been used for two decades before that, but surprisingly, it seems to be in top condition. For a structure that hasn't been used for so long, it still appears quite fit. A few renovations here and there, and it could come to life again!
Elms Motor Court
The Elms Motel is as old as you think it is. It was built in the early 20th century in a style that was more modern and advanced at its time. There have been reports that the entirety of the Elms Motor Court is to be demolished and replaced.
This will be a sad loss of significant cultural history, and there are pleas to stop the Winchester city government from demolishing and at least encouraging the adaptation of these structures in its new plans.
The Tonto Motel
The Tonto Motel was a top-notch motel and offered quality services in its time. It had TVs in every room, a heated pool, and offered 30 units. It is located in Holbrook, Arizona, and first opened its doors to tired travelers seeking comfortable lodgings in the 1950s.
It soon changed to the Knights Inn before it was abandoned in 2012. The hotel burnt to the ground in 2018, with the only surviving structures being the breeze block wall and an empty pool. Now, what was once a beautiful motel is just a place where tired truck drivers park for some peace and quiet.
The Ute Motel of Vernal
As you can already tell, the Ute Motel of Vernal no longer operates as a motel. It hasn't functioned as one for decades! The structures are now used by local shops, Ashley's Trading Post and Arlene's barber shop.
The Native American statue, installed in 1958 by the University of Utah, remains untouched and stands proud, although the motel sign was changed to Ashley's Trading Post sign. The entire location still looks somewhat the same, although a lot has changed in the last few decades. Kudos to them for trying as much as possible to preserve as much as they can of the original motel structure.
The Red Apple Rest Stop & Restaurant
The Red Apple Rest Stop and Restaurant opened its doors in 1931 and was located between the Catskills and New York City. The great location meant there was a throng of travelers waltzing in and out of the establishment. The business ran all day and every season and could serve up to 20,000 customers a day on their most active days. Isn't that mind-blowing? They would need to have hundreds of staff to handle that many people!
In 1960, the New York Thruway was completed, which caused a complete diversion of traffic, resulting in a loss of over half of its customers, causing the business to dip. It didn't shut down until 2006 when it was closed and completely abandoned. It is a shame that a restaurant so famous had to be left to “die.”
Oklahoma's Capri Motel
The Oklahoma Capri Motel was part of the Capri chain motel and was renamed the Super 9 Motel before it was closed down. It had a pool, 80 rooms, and a club. The motel shut down and was put up for sale in 2018, with an asking price of $699,000.
Thankfully, this is one of the few monumental structures that wasn't left to complete ruins. At least, if it is sold, its history would continue to be told as it changes hands and evolves.
The American Motor Inn
While we know this image was taken in the late 1960s, there isn't much information about the American Motor Inn, but it is good to know that it is being renovated and should be up and running again sometime soon.
It is one of the very few hospitality structures that have stood the test of time. As you can see in the image above, not much has changed about its structure, but it has been maintained over the years. It is located in Waterville, Maine. So, if you are ever in the area, you could go on a short tourist visit.
Reno's Carousel Inn
Rename alert! The Reno's Carousel Inn was renamed the Courtyard Inn and took a chip out of that mid-century magic. Well, that doesn't matter much now because the Courtyard is simply an open yard for free parking.
The Inn was acquired by a development company called Jacobs entertainment in 2017. In 2018, the entire structure was demolished with a plan to turn it into a loft of 601 apartments with units set higher than market rates. Hopefully, they get to do that soon.
The White House Motel
The White House Motel was opened in the summer of 1953 in Newburg, Maryland. After several years, it was later named the Shine Inn Motel. Its reign came to an end after fifty-three years of dedicated service to its patrons.
It was even listed in the Maryland inventory of historic properties in 1999. Sadly, it now lies abandoned and has been unused for several years. A structure with such historical value shouldn't go to waste. Something should be done about it!
The Ambassador Motel
The Ambassador Motel was located close to the main entrance of the Mammoth Cave National park in Cave City, Kentucky. They had enough room to accommodate up to 120 guests, had full air conditioning, TVs in each room, water heating, and more! It was co-owned by Mr. and Mrs. Dick Mouser and managed by Mr. and Mrs. Harry D.
Unfortunately, the prestigious motel has now been replaced by Hunt's Storage Units and a funeral home parking lot. What a sad end to a once lovely place.
The Knox Motel
The Knox Motel is a simple yet lovely motel located five miles north of Knoxville in Tennessee. It was well known in the 1950s for its exceptional services, electric heating, private tile baths, and amazing food. Since it is situated directly across the highway, it is very accessible.
The image above captures the Knox Motel in the 1950s and now. As you can tell, quite a lot has changed, and it isn't as popular as it used to be back in the day. If they can still function properly even after so many decades, then they must be doing something right.
The Swiss Chalet Motel
The Swiss Chalet Motel is located in downtown Bath, New York, and was in its prime in the 1960s but no longer functions as a motel. Now, its rooms are being rented out as studio apartments.
Looking at the picture above, you can see that the motel sign has been removed, and some repainting and tweaking have been done to give the place a more “homely” feel. So, if you were to rate the transformation on a scale of 1-10, what would it be? Personally, I'd give it a five because it kinda lost its “old-school” vibe.
The Glancy Hotel of Clinton
The Glancy Hotel of Clinton was opened in 1950 in Oklahoma. Like any other mid-century motel, it had the grand sign and colorful hues that could be sited from miles away. As you can see, the once glamorous hotel seems to be suffering the deterioration of age.
It was condemned in 2019, and word has it that it is under restoration. They also have a pool! So, if the restoration is complete, you could drive by Route 66 and experience a bit of this old-school nostalgia.
The Wheatley Motel
The Wheatley Motel opened in 1950 and is one of the first to have opened on Park Avenue in an area now known as Motel Row. Several such establishments popped up in the area. The establishment was owned by Vernon Rouse and Hill Wheatley.
The motel was easily identified for its simplistic decor and exceptional service. They were even listed on the national register of historic places in 2004 but were abandoned immediately after that and left for over a decade before being demolished in 2015. Now, not a single brick stands where the Wheatley Motel once was. It is now just a park.
The Coffee Pot Motor Hotel
The Coffee Pot Motor Hotel opened in the early 1960s and is located in Blythe, California. It offered patrons great food and proper relaxation because of its calming environment. Now, it has been remodeled and named the Oasis motel.
The image above shows the original Coffee Pot Motor Hotel in the 1960s and the Oasis Motel in 2019. Which do you prefer? I think the previous one looked better. Something about the greens of the grass, the central pool, and the entire environment screams comfort.
The Buckhorn Baths Motel
The Buckhorn Baths Cottage first opened in the 1930s, where it was known as the Buckhorn Mineral Wells, a place that allowed people to soak in natural mineral water baths. They pulled in crowds from far and wide and soon upgraded to the motel so that they could accommodate even more people. Several athletes and tourists stayed there, and it thrived in the 70s and 80s.
At the ripe age of 98, the Buckhorn Baths Motel tipped its cap for good. It has since been abandoned but looks not to have aged a day. It still sits intact with 25 rooms and multiple bath buildings. Could it possibly be renovated into a spa/bath?
The Admiral Vee Motel
Maurice Weintraub designed the Admiral Vee Motel in 1957, and it sits at 8000 Biscayne, Boulevard, Miami. It ceased operating as a motel in 1967 when movie star Paul Lynde acquired it. He reopened it and named it the “Millionaires Club,” where stars like Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Amstrong have come to perform live.
Over the years, the “club” changed to a photography studio and then a medical clinic, but the structure was damaged after Hurricane Irma hit the building in 2017. The damage resulted in several broken windows and the “death” of the establishment as it has since been abandoned. Hopefully, this changes at some point in the future.
The Pine Tree Motel
The Pine Tree Motel is in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, and it began its business in the 1950s. As you can tell, not much has changed, except the huge unmistakable sign. I wonder why businesses in the modern era all seem to prefer smaller minimalistic logos when the neon signs of the 1950s were eye-catching and unique.
The Pine Tree Motel ran its course and was supposed to get demolished in 2005, but that didn't happen. Since the structure looks well maintained, it is probably being used in some capacity, which is great!
The TraveLodge of Lordsburg
Opened in the 1960s, the TraveLodge of Lordsburg has seen better days. The picture above was taken at peak performance, and the one below shows the motel in recent years after it was renamed the “luxury motel.”
I quite believe in affirmations. You know, speak what you want to be into existence and all that, but this one seems to be a long shot. There is so much more to be done to make the motel look better, starting with that sign.
The Peninsula Motel
The Peninsula Motel was built in the 1950s and was designed like a strong fort, which is probably why it stood the test of time. However, it was sadly demolished in January 2015. The old motel was located on 1002 Peninsula Drive, Pennsylvania.
The property was acquired by Latif Panhwar in 2013 at $160,000. He had initially planned to leave the front of the building intact to “leave his options open” but then decided against it and had everything demolished. He said he still had no idea what to build in its place, but since the property is zoned resort commercial, he could probably decide on a restaurant or hotel.
The Bryson Motel
This motel was built in the 1960s, as shown in the picture above- it is being compared with a picture taken in 2018. It has lost all the luster and shine of the mid-centuries, which is probably why it now operates as a budget inn instead.
So, if you are ever in Boise, Idaho, and need a place to lay your head before moving on, the Bryson Inn could be just what you need. The previous structure was much more appealing and would have attracted more patrons, but oh well!
Binns Motor Inn
Binns Motor Inn was built as a luxury beach hotel in the 1940s in Wildwood, New Jersey, and maintained that standard for decades. They are rated as a 2-star hotel online and have rooms for $29 per night. They have a restaurant, a rooftop terrace, an outdoor pool, and great food too!
The Binns Motor Inn has 57 rooms and has been put up for sale at $5,900,000. With the sale still pending, their services are still running quite strong with a dedicated service to customer satisfaction.
The SkyTop Motel
The SkyTop Motel opened in 1950 in Dover, New Jersey. They offered low-cost accommodation to travelers who followed the highway. The motel ran a steady course up until 2008.
It was demolished in 2018 to give room for a CVS, but its reign was a good one and will forever be remembered as one of the motor lodges along the American highways. SkyTop may be gone but is surely never forgotten.
The Lone Star Motel
There isn't much detail about the Lone Star Motel, which already says a lot. It is in complete disarray and was abandoned entirely after. However, it was featured in the 2001 thriller “Joy Ride.” It is located in Wells, Nevada and if it is ever renovated, remember never to sleep in room 17. Don't say I didn't warn you!
Like many other motels, its glory days are only remembered when the next traveler drives past, and many do not know the tales of its origin. It is just another motel that has been abandoned.
The Desert Sun Motel
The Desert Sun Motel is located in Grants, New Mexico. As you can tell, it has been abandoned. Only the sign seems to have been redesigned at some point.
As of 2010, they offered lodgings as low as $20 for singles and $31 for couples, but with the new motels and establishments in the area, the business failed tragically. Now, the only people who lodge within the historical walls of the Desert Sun Motel are homeless drifters or truck drivers who take advantage of the remaining furniture and the little comfort a roof over the head offers.
The Rainbow Autel
The Rainbow Autel was a roadside motel located along Chilhowie, Virginia. The main structure of the motel was torn down, but the neon sign was saved by a collector in Abingdon, Virginia. No, there wasn't a mistake with the spelling. Autel is just an unpopular word for motel. It was mostly used by older motels.
Like several old motels, it has been permanently closed down, but it shall always be remembered by the neon sign, a trademark for businesses in the 40s and 50s.
The Harleigh Inn
The Harleigh Inn is situated at 500 North Main Street, North Canton, Ohio. Through affiliation with Magnuson Hotels, a hotel with a global portfolio of over a thousand hotels, the Harleigh Inn has now been converted to the “M Star Hotel.”
Unlike before, the M Star will expand its reach to accommodate local and international travelers. It boasts 30 rooms with twin and king-sized beds and kitchenettes available. All rooms have a mini fridge, coffee maker, free wi-fi, and more! This is a complete upgrade! Kudos to M Star for this exceptional development.
The Cavalier Motor Lodge
The Cavalier Motor Lodge was a beautiful establishment in her glory days, but the crazy thing is no one knew who owned it. In 2015 it was tragically raged by a fire, and it was ruled as arson, but investigations are still ongoing and inconclusive as to who would have perpetrated such a horrendous act.
In 2017, what was left of the building was demolished, leaving only a wide expanse of land. So, think for a moment about this. Do you think there is some sort of connection between the missing owner and the fire?
The 9 Arizona Motor Hotel
The 9 Motor Hotel was once called Sutton's Hotel Cottages and is located on Route 66 in Williams, Arizona. It was bought by the Whiting brother's motel chain and ran as the Whiting Brothers Motel for almost 30 years before becoming the 9 Arizona Motor Hotel, a name that has stuck to date.
Unlike many of the hotels in this thread, the 9 Arizona Motor Hotel still has a heartbeat and is in no way dead. This hotel is highly recommended if you are going to the Grand Canyon and need a place to stay.
The Harvard House Motel
Before you ask, the Harvard House Motel has no affiliation whatsoever with Harvard University. This old motel is one of the very few that has maintained its standards and even kept its original designs over the years. A short fence and some painting seem to be the only changes made.
The Harvard House Motel began functioning in 1947 and still has its doors open to patrons today. They even have a 3.5-star rating on the internet! That's great considering that they have maintained their style for decades! Sadly, they have been put up for sale at $9,500,000. So, we could lose this historical treasure at any point.
The Tennessean Motel
The Tennessean Motel was built in the 1940s and is situated in Rogersville, Tennessee. It shouldn't come as a surprise that this motel has long since been condemned to waste and left to rot; even the grass has refused to grow green around such a gloomy structure.
The windows are broken, the roof has partially caved, and it is only a matter of time before the other side follows. With the level of water damage, the Tennessean Motel will most likely never be brought to its former glory.
Carty's Camp
Carty's Camp was built in 1923 in Needles, California. It had a gas station and over 20 rooms. It was pretty popular until its competition, the 66 Motel, opened next door. With the reroute of the old Route 66, most businesses along the main road suffered a huge blow, and Carty's wasn't spared.
Now it has been abandoned and sits unused, with only the whispers of its glory days left for people to remember. The structure remains the same, with the palm tree in the center still standing tall, but that's where it ends. Now, you'll likely only find drifters within the walls of Carty's Camp.
White's City De Luxe Motel & Court
The abandoned structures were once part of the White's City De Luxe Motel and Court built in the 1930s in Whites City, Mexico. These side-by-side images compare the motel in the 1940s and 2015. Do you see any differences?
The motel is located in a very small town occupied by less than ten residents, according to a 2010 statistic. Want to know the insane part? The town was put up for sale on eBay and sold for almost $2 million! Unfortunately, you can see the level of disrepair the motel is in, no wonder it has been abandoned.
The Key Lodge Motel
The Key Lodge Motel has long-term visions. It has undergone a drastic makeover which included interior and exterior changes, along with a name change to suit the Gen-Z era. It is now called the Orchid Key Inn, situated in Key West, Florida.
As you can tell, it retained most of its original design but acquired some modern touches through its renovation, and it's quite lovely! I like that they stuck with the neon sign, which resonates with its origins in the '40s and '50s.
The Christmas Island Motel and Cottages
It did look like a Christmas Island, with reindeer hidden away and tiny little elves wrapping up presents, but now it looks like a collection of haunted homes. The Christmas Island Motel and Cottages was later renamed the Christmas Island Resort and ran for several years before being closed.
In 2013, it was demolished by fire and burned to the ground. A couple of condos were soon built in its place, but the Christmas Island Resort Steakhouse still remains and functions just next door and is located in Laconia, New Hampshire.
Burlington's Midtown Hotel
The Burlington's Midtown Motel was opened in the 1950s and bought by Jeff Nick and his partner in 1995 with hopes of repairing it and running again. However, that idea was abandoned when costs rose astronomically, although they made some money renting out the 14 parking spaces beneath the building over the years.
While Burlington's Motel was popular in its time, it wasn't considered historic by the Vermont Advisory Council on Historic Preservation and therefore had to be demolished. Now, an empty lot stands where the motel once proudly stood, even in ruin.
Norwood Farms Hotel
The Norwood Farms motel began running in the 1940s and continued serving patrons until 2008. It is assumed to have been owned by Gloria and Edward McGuire in Gould City, Michigan, although they have long since passed. There is no relevant information on the internet about this business, so it was likely never registered.
Even though the motel isn't currently functioning, it seems to be in perfect condition and doesn't even look to be in shambles. Hopefully, they do not let it sit like this for too long, or it will rot.
Capitol Motel
The Capitol Motel opened in the 1960s and continued for over fifty years before it was transformed into transitional housing for low-income individuals seeking affordable and adequate accommodation.
In June 2020, it was demolished, but you one thing that makes me glad? It stood tall, proud, and beautiful till the very end and served its purpose several times.
The Henry Johnson's Motor Lodge
Sit tight, it's story time! So, Henry Johnson's Motor Lodge was just across from another motel called Howard Johnson's Motor Lodge. Confusing, right? Howard wasn't too happy with Henry and dragged him to court, claiming that Henry had imitated his brand, which he denied.
This must be very confusing if you were driving at night within the area. Howard Johnson's Motor Lodge has long since been demolished, while the Henry Johnson's Motor lodge still stands, although now it is known as the Village Motor Lodge and Restaurant. Do you believe Henry Johnson's Motor Lodge copied Howard, especially since Howard's business was there before Henry came in?
Admiral Bennie Inn
The Admiral Benbow Inn is located in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. It was one of many motels in the now defunct Admiral Benbow Motel chain, named after an Admiral in the British Royal Navy who was immortalized in Robert Louis Stevenson's book “Treasure Island.” The motel chain was at its peak performance in the '60s and '70s, managing 18 locations. Mind you, these motels were not owned by the admiral but by George Early and Allen Gary.
The Admiral Benbow Inn of Pine Bluff has been abandoned for over six years and was renamed Regency Inn just before its closure. It still maintains some of its mid-century features and hopefully won't fall into total ruin before it is put to good use. Thanks for time traveling with me to discover the dead, abandoned, and renovated motels and inns in the United States. We should do this again! Like always, I am dedicated to bringing you the best content on the internet. Stay tuned; you do not want to miss what's coming next.