Motels have been making a major comeback in the past few years. Defying their stereotypes, many motels have unveiled refreshing new looks with stylish designs and well-appointed amenities. In this article, we have handpicked the 20 coolest boutique motels in the United States that we love.
Hotel Ynez
Hotel Ynez is one of the best boutique hotels in Solvang, California. Situated between Solvang and Santa Ynez, the Wine Country hotel is housed inside an old 1950s motel. Lovingly transformed by Nomada Group, the new property feels like a secret garden sanctuary. Nestled amongst verdant plants, the 18 rooms are designed with soothing neutral tones, simplistic furnishings, patios, and subtle pops of colors.
Another notable highlight of Hotel Ynez is its charming heated outdoor pool, where you can go for a refreshing dip and soak in some Vitamin D at the sun beds. The hotel also offers a ton of outdoor spaces for you to hang around, including a lush garden with a Bocce Ball court, hammocks, firepits, and loungers. There are no restaurants or bars on-site, but you will find plenty of quality dining options nearby.
Americana Motor Hotel
Americana Motor Hotel is one of the coolest boutique motels in the US. Located in Flagstaff, Arizona, it partnered with Practice Hospitality to revive the original motor hotel from 1962. Led by designer Andrew Alford, the new look presents a playful aesthetic with ample space and astronomy influences.
The motel offers 88 retro-futuristic guest rooms, each designed with stylish furnishings, dark wooden walls, vibrant patterned rugs, padded headboards, and spinning disco balls. You will also find all your basics, including sumptuous bedding, blackout shades, a work desk, a TV, free wifi, and more.
A major highlight of the Americana Motor Hotel is its large outdoor pool with vibrant loungers and umbrellas. Feel free to grab a refreshing cocktail or a beer at the lobby bar and hang out by the pool. During your stay, you will also have access to fire pits, hammocks, and a handful of yard games.
River Lodge Paso
River Lodge Paso is one of the best boutique hotels in Paso Robles, California. Located at the crossroad of Highway 101 & 46, it transformed a 1940s motel into a cool Central Coast getaway. Inspired by the building’s time period, the interior is reimagined with a delightful mid-century design. The 28 rooms are fitted with bespoke furniture by Nomada Deco, checkered bathroom tiles, and modern essentials.
The centerpiece of River Lodge Paso is its beautiful adults-only outdoor pool and hot tub, surrounded by plush lounge beds, umbrellas, and potted plants. There is also a guest lounge and outdoor firepits with seating spaces for you to hang out. Ciao Papi will take care of your meals on-site. The breezy restaurant & poolside bar offer an all-day California-Italian menu alongside a wide selection of beverages.
Silver Sands Motel
Silver Sands Motel is a charming boutique motel on Long Island, NY. Nestled at the waterfront of Greenport, it revived a 1950s motel with a playful charm. It now offers 32 accommodations, including rooms, shacks, bungalows, and beach houses. Their design centers around cozy creamy tones, accented by relaxed furnishing, floral patterns, modern amenities, and delightful pops of colors.
The crown jewel of the motel is its private sandy beach with lounge beds and sweeping water views. The culinary program on-site is also stunning. Trained at Michelin-starred The Four Horsemen in Brooklyn, chef Finn O’Hara curates Nookies, a nostalgic mid-century diner, while Eddie’s is an al-fresco oyster bar with a Mediterranean-inspired menu. There is also a warm lobby bar serving a variety of drinks.
Anvil Hotel
Anvil Hotel is a boutique motel in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Located near Yellowstone, the mountain retreat is housed inside a navy, mid-century motel. Designed by Studio Tack, the interior showcases a modern take on traditional mountain lodges. The 50 guest rooms feel warm and rustic, each crafted with wooden benches by Tretiak Works, Hedge House side tables, and bespoke Woolrich blankets.
Besides, the rooms are all equipped with modern essentials, including plush bedding, Co. Bigelow toiletries, a TV, and free wifi. Anvil Hotel is also home to a gorgeous restaurant. On the ground floor, Glorietta is a cozy Italian trattoria specializing in wood-fired cooking and handmade pastas. Nestled in the mountains, it is the perfect place to enjoy outdoor activities like skiing, hiking, fly fishing, and more.
Hotel Lucine
Hotel Lucine is a gorgeous boutique motel in Galveston, Texas. Just steps from Porretto Beach, it is a charming reimagination of a 1960s seaside motor lodge. Working with Kartwheel Studio, the interior has been refurbished with a soothing mid-century aesthetic. The 61 rooms are earthy and creamy hues, accented by modern furnishing, pastel bathroom tiles, and subtle patterned textiles.
The highlight of Hotel Lucine is none other than its outdoor central pool deck, featuring beautiful checkered tiles, green sun beds, and yellow umbrellas. The hotel also features two culinary concepts on-site. The Den is a cozy all-day spot with a wide variety of drinks and bites, while The Fancy is a more sophisticated American restaurant with an artistic French influence.
El Rey Court
El Rey Court is a cool boutique motel in Santa Fe. Just off the historic Route 66, it occupies an adobe roadside motel from 1936. Behind the whitewashed facade, the interior is reimagined with a contemporary Southwest charm. The 86 guest rooms are all individually designed, each adorned with chic furnishings, artisanal details, terracotta floors, playful artwork, and modern essentials.
El Rey Court offers some of the best hotel amenities in Santa Fe. The five-acre property is home to a large garden-fringed outdoor pool, a hot tub with a fireplace, a tree-lined lawn with seating spaces, and more. La Reina will take care of your meals at the hotel, which serves wood-fired pizza and a variety of drinks throughout the day. You can always grab a refreshing cocktail at the poolside bar as well.
The Surfrider Malibu
The Surfrider Malibu is a beachfront boutique motel in Malibu. Situated on the Pacific Coast Highway, it turned a former motel into a charming beach house. Inspired by the Malibu landscape and California surf culture, the interior embraces a breezy coastal design. The 20 rooms are minimalistic yet sophisticated, each fitted with custom local furniture, reclaimed teak floors, and hand-painted bathroom tiles.
The rooms are all equipped with top-notch amenities like Italian Bellino linens, Grown Alchemist toiletries, and a private terrace with a hammock. Besides, the hotel offers ample beach amenities such as stand-up paddle boards, umbrellas, beach baskets, and towels & sunscreen. For meals & drinks, the scenic Roof Deck Bar and Restaurant serves a Coastal-Californian menu curated from organic local produce.
Tourists Hotel
Tourists Hotel is a tranquil boutique motel in the Berkshires in Massachusetts. Situated on the banks of the Hoosic River, it transformed an old motel into a countryside retreat. Inspired by classic American roadside motor lodges, the interior exudes a warm vintage charm. The 48 guest rooms are designed in a white and wooden palette, accented by oak furnishing and curated objects & artwork.
The rooms all come with amenities like plush bedding, Ursa Major bath products, and an outdoor deck. Besides, Tourists Hotel boasts a heated outdoor pool surrounded by loungers and lush greenery. There are also ample public grounds for hanging out and unwinding. There are currently two dining and drinking venues on-site. For instance, The Airport Rooms is a retro cocktail lounge and restaurant.
Daunt’s Albatross
Daunt’s Albatross is a cool boutique motel in Montauk of the Hamptons. Just a short stroll from the ocean, the small hotel worked with Home Studios to transform a former motel. Inspired by a family home, the interior opts for a cozy homey charm. The 23 rooms & suites are crafted with antique furniture, vintage textiles, original stone floors, custom knotty alder beds, and pastel accents.
The centerpiece of Daunt’s Albatross is its breezy outdoor pool, surrounded by loungers and greeneries. There is also a central courtyard with fire pits and chairs for you to socialize or unwind. For meals and drinks, Bird on the Roof offers a diverse menu alongside a selection of cocktails and beers. The motel is a charming and affordable base camp for exploring Montauk and nearby area on Long Island.
Scribner’s Catskill Lodge
Scribner’s Catskill Lodge is a cool boutique motel in the Catskills, Hudson Valley. Perched on a lush hillside in Hunter, the 1960s motor lodge is now a calming countryside getaway. Working with Brooklyn studio Post Company, the interior showcases a modern take on traditional mountain lodges. The 49 rooms feature neutral hues, bespoke furnishing, dark maple floors, vintage rugs, and curated objects.
The centerpiece of Scribner’s Catskill Lodge is its large outdoor pool with scenic mountain views. The hotel also features many other in-house facilities, including a cozy library & lounge, a sauna, a kids’ zone, a rink, a garden, and more. Prospect Restaurant & Bar will be in charge of your culinary experience on-site. Opening all day, the al-fresco venue offers a New American fare using fresh local produce.
High Country Motor Lodge
High Country Motor Lodge is one of the best boutique motels in Flagstaff, Arizona. Situated beside the iconic Route 66, it worked with Adean Studios to revive an old roadside motel. The facade has been painted in a stylish deep navy colour, while the interior is reimagined with a dark vintage charm.
The rustic retro design extends into the 123 accommodations, ranging from guest rooms & suites to stand-alone cottages. Echoing the exterior, they all come in a white and deep navy palette with nostalgic furnishings, wooden touches, and a funky retro tape deck with a collection of mixtapes.
Besides, High Country Motor Lodge boasts Arizona’s first Nordic Spa, which features an outdoor pool (the largest in Northern Arizona), private wooden saunas, a private fire pit, and an outdoor shower. For meals and drinks, The General Store offers a variety of beers, wine, cocktails, and casual dishes.
Hotel Willa
Hotel Willa is one of the best boutique motels in Taos, New Mexico. Opened in early 2025, the new hotel transformed a 1940s motel into an art-filled high desert getaway. Behind the classic adobe facade, the interior showcases a stylish crossover of Pueblo and contemporary design. The 50 guest rooms feature terracotta tones, local artwork, wooden beams, Parachute linens, and Aesop toiletries.
At the center of Hotel Willa’s courtyard is its outdoor pool and hot tub, where you can go for a dip or enjoy a refreshing cocktail. Besides, you will have access to a compact fitness room, cold plunge, cedar sauna, garden, and 2,000 sq ft gallery. Juliette will take care of your meals inside the hotel. Designed to feel like a grandma’s home, the restaurant offers dishes that celebrate local and seasonal bounties.
Hotel Joaquin
Hotel Joaquin is one of our favorite boutique motels in Laguna Beach, California. Inspired by the Mediterranean and California coastlines, designer Robert McKinley transformed the former 1940s motel into an intimate seaside getaway. The 22 guest rooms and suites are playful and cozy, featuring white & wooden tones, bespoke modern furnishings, unique vintage pieces, and curated artwork.
Surrounded by daybeds and greenery, the heated outdoor pool is a major highlight of Hotel Joaquin. Make sure you also check out Shaw’s Cove Beach, which is just a two-minute walk away. The breezy aesthetic extends to the hotel’s culinary experience. Opening throughout the day, Saline is an al-fresco restaurant and bar that serves a fresh coastal menu inspired by the flavors of the Middle East.
The Dive Motel
With the recent resurgence of stylish motels, it is hard to ignore The Dive Motel. It is one of the most eclectic boutique motels in Nashville, located just north of the city center. Sticking with its past, the 23 guest rooms draw heavy inspiration from the 1950s disco culture. Their design revolves around bold shades of red, yellow, pink, and orange, accetned by retro-style furniture and large wall graphics.
The crown jewel of The Dive Motel is its vibrant Swim Club, featuring an outdoor pool, a jacuzzi, a wooden sauna, and ample lounge chairs with umbrellas. It is the perfect place to spend your afternoon with a glass of cocktail in hand. Make sure you also check out the lively in-house bar, outfitted stylishly with a vintage disco charm. There are no restaurants on-site, but you will find ample dining options nearby.
Calistoga Motor Lodge & Spa
Calistoga Motor Lodge & Spa is one of the best boutique motels in Napa Valley. Tucked away in Calistoga, the idyllic 4-star hotel revived a former mid-century motor lodge. Working with studio ArvoKO, the new interior showcases a refreshing palette inspired by the heydays of the 1970s. The 97 guest rooms and suites feature a retro aesthetic with chic furnishings, bluish accents, and modern essentials.
The wellness experience is a notable standout of Calistoga Motor Lodge & Spa. MoonAcre Spa offers a modern version of the classic 1880s Calistoga bathhouses, featuring private clawfoot tubs and a steam room. There are also three geothermal mineral pools for you to unwind. For meals, Fleetwood is a casual restaurant and bar that specializes in seasonal Italian and Mediterranean wood-fired cuisine.
Ranch Motel & Leisure Club
The Ranch Motel is one of the best new boutique motels in San Antonio that opened in October 2023. Transformed from a 1950s motel near San Antonio’s Brackenridge Park, it is now a tranquil hideaway with a beautiful personality. Led by hotelier Jayson Seidman, the facade has been reconstructed using stylish charcoal bricks, while the 26 guest rooms & suites showcase a soothing minimalistic design.
Despite opting for a more simplistic design, they are each outfitted meticulously with furniture from local vintage store Period Modern. The showstopper of the hotel is its idyllic outdoor pool, surrounded by greeneries and grey loungers. Besides, you will have access to ample other facilities, including a mezcal lounge, a listening room, a games room, an outdoor courtyard, and pickleball courts.
The Pearl Hotel
The Pearl Hotel is a small charming boutique motel in San Diego with a beautiful personality. Tucked away in Point Loma, it is housed inside a former 1960s motel. With the help of Casetta Group, the property is beautifully refurbished with a mid-century modern charm.
The 23 guest rooms and suites feel warm and cozy. Their design revolves around a simple white and wooden theme, accented by mid-century furnishing and bespoke artwork. They also feature curated amenities like Parachute Home bedding, MoonCloth Designs toiletries, and Finery bath robes.
At the center of the hotel, you will discover an oyster-shaped outdoor pool that is perfect for chilling out and unwinding. Beside the pool is the cocktail bar and Charles + Dinorah, the hotel’s in-house restaurant serving a seasonal menu. For more quality dining options, feel free to check out Mitch’s Seafood at the waterfront, which is just a stone’s throw away.
The Longleaf Hotel
The Longleaf Hotel is a meticulous modern transformation of a vintage motor lodge from the 1960s. Tucked away in Raleigh, North Carolina, the motel revived the property with a stylish mid-century modern charm. Original exterior details like the iconic starshine breeze blocks have been lovingly preserved, while the interior is now decked out in period-matching furniture.
You will find a similar aesthetic across the 45 rooms, highlighted by wooden furniture, shibori-dyed fabrics, custom artwork, and pale green or pink accents. You will also have modern amenities like luxury bedding and Malin+Goetz toiletries. For drinks and bites, The Longleaf Lounge next to the lobby is a moody gathering venue with bar snacks and a wide selection of drinks.
Rhode’s Motor Lodge
Rhode’s Motor Lodge is a new motel that opened in late 2023. Located in the North Carolina town of Boone, it partnered with Loden Hospitality to reimagine a 1950s motel. Inspired by the building’s time period, you will find an updated mid-century modern design with the essence of a mountain lodge.
The 54 rooms are minimalistic and stylish. They come in a simple white and earthy palette, accented by light wooden furnishings, custom headboards, plaid blankets, and handmade art. You will of course have all your essentials such as plush bedding, a TV, a speaker, and free wifi.
There are plenty of gathering spaces at the motel, including an expansive porch with a fire pit and a lobby lounge with games and a pool table. Canteen will take care of your meals. The in-house bar and restaurant serve casual homestyle dishes alongside a rotating selection of beverages.
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