Review: Blue Swallow Motel—Tucumcari, NM
Arriving at the Blue Swallow Motel is like riding into the past. Only, this motel has been lovingly restored, neon-lit, and made perfectly comfortable for modern-day motorcyclists.
We stayed here last summer on our Route 66 trip, and it was one of the most memorable stops of the entire journey. After a long day of desert miles and roadside attractions, pulling into the Blue Swallow felt like it really was 1962.
The retro motor court has been welcoming travelers since 1939, and today, it still radiates charm and hospitality. From the hand-painted garages to the glowing neon signs that light up Tucumcari’s night sky, every detail is preserved and cared for.
We were greeted warmly at check-in and handed actual keys instead of plastic key cards. Each room had its own little covered garage space to park the motorcycles.
Inside, the rooms are a delightful blend of vintage decor and modern comfort. They’re compact but quite cozy, with reliable Wi-Fi and a great shower. Not that we spent much time inside our rooms.
The best part about the Blue Swallow is that it breaks the mold of modern motels. It invites guests to park their vehicles in the garage (facing outward) to display the ride they’ve picked for their cross-country journey. Then, everyone sits on the patio, watching the neon lights and sunset shine in vibrant colors.
After freshening up, we sipped drinks as the sky turned a high-desert pink, chatting with fellow travelers. As the sun disappeared, the hiss of the Blue Swallow’s meticulously maintained original neon surrounded us.
Before long, we were trading stories from the road. An older couple was doing a road trip they’d always dreamed of. A young woman was moving across the country, solo, hoping to start fresh somewhere else. A few guys were traveling in vintage cars. And us? We were riding our Harley-Davidsons down the Mother Road from Chicago to Santa Monica.
The Blue Swallow is part of the Route 66 story. And if you're riding America’s Main Street, staying here is practically a rite of passage. This is the kind of place that makes you want to slow down, take pictures, and really soak in the moment.
After two nights, we left with full hearts and rested bodies, full of Route 66 spirit.
Facts & Info
Amenities
- Covered, secure parking by each room
- Restaurants and diners within walking distance
- Retro charm blended with modern updated amenities
- Communal outdoor space
- Historic Route 66 experience with original neon signage
Nearby Attractions
- Route 66 Monument
- Tucumcari Historical Museum
- Tee Pee Curios (classic roadside shop)
Nearby Roads
The Blue Swallow sits right on historic Route 66, making it a prime overnight stop for anyone riding the Mother Road. Nearby US 54 also offers scenic desert views and light traffic, perfect for a relaxing cruise through the New Mexico landscape. This is an open-road, wide-sky country at its finest.
Food & Dining
Tucumcari offers a mix of old-school diners and authentic New Mexican cuisine. Expect green chile on just about everything (as it should be).
Kix on 66 is a nice little diner style restaurant offering up burgers and other diner food. Find it at 1102 E Rte 66 Blvd, Tucumcari, NM.
La Cita is a great Mexican restaurant just down the road from the Blue Swallow. Find it at 820 S 1st St, Tucumcari, NM.
Our favorite was Del’s Restaurant which serves American and Mexican comfort food, including a delicious chile relleno dish. Find it at 1202 US 66, Tucumcari, NM 88401
Price
$110–$140 per night (seasonal rates may apply)
Location
Find it at 815 E Rte 66 Blvd, Tucumcari,