Middle of Route 66 Hotel Roundup

After a long day of riding on Route 66, nothing beats a cozy bed in which to lay your head and dream of the next day’s adventure. We’ve previously covered some unique and nice hotels on Illinois Route 66. Now, we’re continuing to the middle section of the Mother Road.

Many of the famous Route 66 hotels and motels in Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas (such as the Big 8$ Motel seen in Rain Man) sadly no longer exist. However, there are still holdouts that have stood since the route’s early days, alongside many excellent newcomers.

Here are six RoadRUNNER-approved motels, hotels, and inns along Route 66’s middle section, proceeding from Missouri to Texas.

Wagon Wheel Motel—Cuba, MO

The Wagon Wheel Motel in Cuba, MO, is a true mainstay along Route 66. This cozy inn has housed travelers since 1934, and continues to do so to this day.

The rooms have been thoroughly updated to modern standards. However, the owners have maintained the motel’s historical ambiance by keeping the original exterior stone walls and the windows and doors.

You can choose between rooms of several sizes, from single traveler rooms to larger suites with a jacuzzi. It’s easy to find the motel, too, as you can’t miss the original Wagon Wheel Motel neon sign, made in 1947.

The Wagon Wheel Motel is less than a mile from Cuba’s historical district. You’ll have quick access to good restaurants, and the famous wall paintings of Missouri’s Mural City

Rail Haven Best Western—Springfield, MO

Riding by Rail Haven, you might dismiss it as just another Best Western motel. But although it now bears the hotel franchise’s logo, in reality, Rail Haven has a long and colorful Route 66 history.

The motel opened originally in 1938, its name deriving from the rail fence that once surrounded the property. It has gone through multiple name changes over the years, but travelers have always found a comfortable, warm bed here.

Today, Rail Haven is a conveniently located establishment with large, clean, and comfortable rooms. It also offers a few themed rooms, such as one modeled after Wild Bill Hicock and another after Elvis, who reportedly stayed here in 1956.

Rail Haven serves a continental breakfast, and it’s within walking distance of multiple restaurants. Adding to the classic Route 66 vibe, Rail Haven keeps several classic cars in its large parking lot.

Old Riverton Post—Riverton, KS

A business—whether a general store, antiques store, or inn—has stood at this location since the 1890s. Today, the Old Riverton Post offers a well-sized, fully furnished guest apartment on its second floor.

Decorated in a delightful retro style, the Old Riverton Post makes for a quirky home away from home on Route 66. The apartment has a fully-stocked kitchen, two bedrooms, a separate dining room, a balcony, and even a fenced backyard in case your pooch is your pillion rider.

The Post is only a short ride away from Galena, KS, a town which famously inspired parts of the Pixar movie Cars. You’ll find multiple good restaurants there if you don’t feel like cooking yourself.

The Mayo Hotel—Tulsa, OK

While motels are part and parcel of the Route 66 experience, there are fancier accommodations along the road as well. Staying at the Mayo Hotel in Tulsa, OK, inserts a dose of luxury into your motorcycle tour.

This high-end establishment opened in 1925 and is still located in the same historical building. Over the years, it has hosted quite a cavalcade of guests, from John F. Kennedy and Charles Lindbergh to Elvis Presley, Charlie Chaplin, and Bob Hope.

After falling into disrepair, the Mayo Hotel returned to glory in 2009. Today, it’s 102 apartment-style rooms make for a swanky break from the dust of the road.

Of course, this hotel comes with all the amenities you would want, from private parking to dry cleaning  services, on-site coffee house, in-room dining, a rooftop bar, a spa, and more. With its location in downtown Tulsa, you’ll also have quick access to everything the city has to offer.

The Bluebird Inn—Elk City, OK

Many hotels claim to be “boutique” while actually being regular chain establishments. You certainly can’t say that about the Bluebird.

This local inn might be small, but it has unparalleled charm and character. The rooms are surprisingly spacious with comfy beds and squeaky clean bathrooms.

Despite it offering thoroughly modern comforts, the decor harkens back to Route 66’s early days. This delightful inn lets you make a small trip back in time with style.

Although the Bluebird is located in downtown Elk City, it’s very quiet, so you can ensure a good night’s sleep. Its central location also means local eateries are just a couple of minutes away.

Western Motel—Shamrock, TX

Shamrock, TX, is a small city with a curious duality to it. On one hand, this Texas Panhandle town is thoroughly Western; on the other, Shamrock is proud of its Irish heritage.

Its name already tells you on which side of the divide the Western Motel sits. This no-nonsense motel offers you the kind of accommodations you’d expect on Route 66—simple but comfortable, clean, and quiet.

You can leave your bike in front of your door, spread your gear around your decently-sized room, and wash clothes at the on-site laundry facilities. Afterward, go grab dinner at the excellent steakhouse right next door.

But for Route 66 fans, the best part of the Western Motel is right across the road. It’s located opposite the Conoco Tower Station and U-Drop Inn Cafe—a Route 66 classic that you must see.