Review: Western Motel—Shamrock, TX
Caleb, Florian, and I rolled into Shamrock, TX, weathered from a week on the road in the sweltering heat of summer and ravenous appetites.. We pulled our Harley-Davidsons into the shade of the welcome awning at the Western Motel, which from the outside is decorated in a typically western theme.
As we stripped ourselves of the riding gear we’d been sweating in all day, the owner popped his head out the door. “You must be hot! Leave the bikes there in the shade and come have some water,” he called out.
He didn’t need to offer twice. After refreshing ourselves, we checked into our rooms and walked to dinner.
It was a short walk to Grif’s steakhouse, and we were welcomed by the cold blast of AC. We fueled up on salads and juicy rib-eye steaks, taking our time as the sun sank lower on the horizon and the temperature outside dropped considerably. The walk back to the motel was quite pleasant.
The Western Motel is a prime example of Route 66 lodging—modest, comfortable, and full of character. Its rooms aren’t anything too special when it comes to decor, but they are clean and spacious, and the air conditioning is a real treat. We all had rooms that overlooked the famous Conoco Tower, so the green glow of its neon lights kept the Route 66 vibe on high all night long.
We were able to leave the bikes under the awning, although we made sure to pull them to the side so as to not obstruct the path for other guests.
The town of Shamrock itself is small but packed with Route 66 charm. Just across the road is the aforementioned Conoco Tower Station with the adjoining U-Drop Inn, an art deco masterpiece that inspired Ramone’s House of Body Art in the Pixar movie Cars. The U-Drop Inn, with its green spire and streamlined architecture, now houses a visitor center and small museum where you can learn about the building’s history and how it became one of the most photographed spots on the Mother Road.
There’s something surreal about standing in front of it—especially at night when it’s fully lit—and realizing you’ve seen it animated on the big screen.
Stopping in Shamrock is more than just a chance to refuel—it’s a moment to soak in Route 66. Whether you're a history buff, a Cars fan, or just love an old-school motel with good bones, the Western Motel and its neon-lit neighbor are well worth the stop.
Facts & Info
Amenities
- Parking close to rooms
- Wi-Fi
- Air conditioning
- Spacious rooms and closets for hanging gear
- 24-hour front desk
Nearby Attractions
- Tower Station & U-Drop Inn Cafe
- Pioneer West Museum and Magnolia Gas Station
- Shamrock Blarney Stone
- Route 66 Moonshine Motorsports Museum
Nearby Roads
Shamrock sits right on historic Route 66, which offers a relaxed, scenic cruise through vintage Americana. The stretch between Shamrock and McLean is particularly enjoyable, with expansive views and gentle curves.
US 83 and 60 intersect just outside of town, offering longer rides through wide-open Texas plains and small towns that haven’t changed much in decades. These lightly trafficked highways are perfect for motorcyclists seeking solitude and big skies. While not especially twisty, the roads around Shamrock deliver that quintessential freedom of the open road that every rider craves.
Food & Dining
You’ll find hearty comfort food at local diners. Think steak‑and‑eggs breakfasts, piled‑high burgers, and homestyle casseroles. The town’s dining scene is simple, welcoming, and unpretentious.
Be sure to stop for a coffee and muffin at the U-Drop Inn Cafe. Grif’s Steakhouse is a short walk away and serves a meal fit for a rancher. Rusty’s is also just across the street and serves pizza and burgers with a Route 66 theme.
Price
$85/night
Location
Find it at 104 E 12th St, Shamrock, TX.