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Unplanned Stay in Flagstaff, AZ Don and I hadn't planned on staying at the Americana Motor Hotel.  But that's where we ended up, on June 4, 2025. North Rim's Grand Canyon Lodge We had expected to be at the Grand Canyon. We had cabin reservations for 2 nights at the North Rim. When we arrived we were told all reservations were cancelled, due to a power outage. (click to enlarge) That was frustrating, but at least we got to spend some time enjoying the views, before hitting the road. It was sad driving away not knowing when we'd luck into reservations again. (hard to come by) We felt even sadder, 38 days later when we learned about the devastating fires that destroyed the lodge and other structures. On Route 66 Lucky for us, our internet search came up with this mighty fine motel, on Route 66! Flagstaff wasn't close, but it was the direction we were headed.
We knew a Motor Hotel wouldn't offer the same epic overnight, as a stay in an iconic National Park Lodge. But, it could be homey and easy and we needed that. We were both a little worn out and I had a sinus infection brewing. Americana from 1962 It took us over 6 hours to reach the old Americana. Don and I are drawn to anything kitschy, so we were eager to check out our retro motel from 1962. But we've learned from our travels, not to expect too much luxury, with lodging on old Route 66.  We (weary travelers) hoped our 63-year-old motel wouldn't end up being too far out of the comfort zone. Far Out! I grew up in the 60s, when "Far out!" was a good thing. The recently spiffed up Americana Motor Hotel was indeed far out! We knew right away when we spotted the astronaut gazing out towards Route 66.
The colorful sign and lobby building looked fun and welcoming, after its $20 million renovation! Surroundings We pulled off Route 66, parked and headed for the office. I paused under the porte cohere to take it all in. Sweet whirly-gigs spinning nearby and mountains in the distance... the old Mother Road, in the opposite direction.
A glance at the window told me it was the 100th anniversary of Route 66! But wait, that's actually next year. 1926 was the birth year of the historic highway. The Americana was ahead of the game and ready to celebrate! Modern Colorful Lobby The lobby welcomed us with a step back in time, to the '60S & '70S! Modern furniture, bold colors, geometric floor designs! Best of all, there were colors shining down from the ceiling!  This mod look was more like The Jetsons cartoon that I adored as a kid. The roadside motels my family stayed at in the 1960s, never looked this cool. Inspired by the Flagstaff Location To the right of the lobby was another long area, with bright blue seating and a wall decorated with hike/ski poles. A reminder that there's plenty of outdoor activity, around this mountain town.  The TV at the end of the room was showing some neon images of space. Along with the retro and adventure vibe, the hotel embraced a space theme, inspired by Flagstaff's deep ties to astronomy. Check In Staff members behind the desk were just as welcoming as the lobby colors, They offered us welcome beverages as we checked in. Don was happy for a beer after the long drive. My throbbing head was thrilled with a fancy water.  We were given the scoop about all the goodies that were offered with our $15.00 resort fee. The use of the telescope for one! Flagstaff is recognized by the International Dark-Sky Association as the world's first "International Dark-Sky City". Bikes & Games There was a lot more hang-out seating in the lobby, than the mid-century motels I recall. The lobby also had lots of goodies that guests were welcome to borrow. Like bikes.
And games. We could check them out and enjoy them in our rooms. The boxed Wordle game was a reminder that it was NOT 1962. I wish they'd had Cootie or Mouse Trap. Blue We got our room key and headed out. I glanced back at the simple structure, with all its red, orange, yellow and lots of blue.  But hardly a glimpse of blue in the sky. The sky past the whirly-gigs was clouding up.  I guessed we wouldn't be borrowing the telescope. Colorful Doors There are 89 rooms at the Americana.  About a third of those had yellow doors. These colors took me back to my childhood. I could almost smell my box of crayons, that sometimes melted in the car on road trips.  Bright colors meant fun, when I was a kid. Oh how I loved sitting in the back of the station wagon and spotting the orange roof of Howard Johnson's when we pulled in! Room 109 We were happy to have a red door on the lower level. Such a treat to back in and unload in front of the door.
I liked out magnetic Do Not Disturb sign, with the little astronaut! I should have asked if he/she had a name. Seventies? Our room took me from the '60s right into the mod seventies. The headboard supposedly was inspired by 1970s ski wear.  The swirly carpet was a fun contrast, to the angular shapes of the mirror, headboard and chair. Darn, there was only one of those cute orange chairs. We Are All Made of Stars The words above the bed reminded us again about Flagstaff's connection to lunar history.  I wish we'd had time to visit nearby Lowell Observatory. I didn't know that this whole area had once been training ground for astronauts. Particularly those who walked on the moon! Desk and Decor There was quite a bit going on around that faux-wood paneled wall, opposite the bed. The 43-inch TV looked nothing like the boxy motel TVs I remember watching, on childhood road trips.  The left side of the long desk had a cabinet holding a bright orange fridge. We never had fridges! Cool and Cool Instead of an ice bucket, our room had a Playmate cooler and retro plastic glasses. I didn't realize that cooler design, (sometimes called America's lunchbox) goes back to 1971!
The 1970s disco ball was very cool! It was a hoot watching the colorful show in the corner of the room. The rotating mirror ball didn't exactly remind me of retro motels, but it certainly fit the space theme. Spherical, rotation, reflection... sparkling stars... Art There were a couple of fun collage accents. Is that the Thelma & Louise car above the planets?  Is that photo of man and telescope, Clyde Tombaugh? He was the astronomer who discovered Pluto, at Lowell Observatory in 1930. No comments about the rest... Pops of Red I liked the bathroom design so much I took 5 photos. There was no phone by the toilet, but the framed image of a red princess phone could fool you.
I love a little Pop Art in the bathroom. The pops of red color in the walk in shower were fun, too!
No complaints about the spacious bathroom or products or towels. More Perks There was also a generous dressing space. Gotta love the orange pegboard holding the Americana robes.
And yay for cute mugs. We made use. The Grounds Weather was not ideal and neither was my health.  I wasn't able to make full use of the property, but just wandering was the best medicine.  The cute picnic tables with metal umbrellas looked sort of charming.  The fire pit and Adirondack chairs were inviting.  I did try out a hammock for a moment. Celebrities in the Pool? This old postcard shows the hotel pool, back in the '60s. The pool had a slide and there was a snazzy fountain.  I wonder if Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper hung out around the pool, when they stayed in 1968. That was during the filming of Easy Rider. Quiet Today The only celebrity I found in the pool, was Chester, the Cheeto Cheetah.  He looked mighty cute, floating over the letters on the floor of the pool.  He also looked lonely. There were plenty of lounge chairs and umbrellas, if there had been a crowd.  Chester bobbed around while I took a few photos.  Then I was off to check out the games.  Bocce balls and beanbags for Corn Hole, were available in the lobby. Later, I saw a father and son pedal up on motel bikes. I was glad to see them making use of the games. Happy Hour Wherever kind of lodging we end up in, Don and I always find a good Happy Hour spot. We always have to offer a toast to whatever kind of adventure we have.  My happy hour drink was just a fruit juice, but it still worked for toasting. Baha Mar Seafood For dinner we could have enjoyed some Sinaloa-style Pacific Mexican tacos, or quesadillas.  Just steps from our room, there was an en-site cafe with walk up window. There was also an I-Hop, next door. Pizza at the Pit? We decided to just order pizza to our room. I almost had enough in me to enjoy it by this little fire pit.  But I we decided to just enjoy in our room, with the hypnotic disco ball and a little TV time. Night Wander I was ready to go to sleep by 8:00, when I suddenly realized I needed a photo of the motel at night. Motels, lodges... motor hotels. They always take on a different personality, after the sun goes down.  I knew I'd be mad in the morning if I didn't drag myself out to enjoy a quick glimpse of the The Americana AND the night sky. There were no stars in view, but the sky still looked dramatic.  I liked the soft glow of purple, green and yellow near the office. The lit up sign made me smile. The "i" was dotted with a 2-toned star.  "Host to the traveling world...". I guess Don and I are part of the Traveling World. Morning After a decent night's sleep, I put on a sweater and headed out to the same chair near the fire pit.  It was a pleasant morning and I was feeling a little better. I hated to leave. Posing Don was still in his lounging jammie-pants when we decided to wander over and take photos with the Astronaut Greeter.
We both were feeling rested and ready to hit the road for Santa Fe. What's Notable? Even with glum weather and gloomy health, our stay at Americana was sweet.  They've done a fantastic job creating a retro-futuristic oasis, right on Route 66. There's a happy feel to this place and it did us good!
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Historic Peery Hotel A Google search, led us to our stay at this fine hotel. A fresh hotel with years of history.  The Peery opened as a luxury hotel, 115 years ago. Perfect Location We arrived in downtown SLC, on a pretty Saturday in May. The 3-story hotel looked pretty spiffy sitting there, in what's now called the Warehouse District.  I'd read good reviews, but one traveler fretted about whether the area was safe. Safe from what? From my view in the passenger seat, the area looked pretty great! Stylin' in 1910 The location was also ideal in 1910, when the Peery family opened the hotel to mostly wealthy travelers. Many arrived by train at the nearby Denver & Rio Grande Depot.  I wonder what the first visitors thought when they laid eyes on the new hotel, with its E-shaped design. A Taller Version We've stayed at a few hotels with this unique shape that allows for more windows and light! Houston's Rice Hotel comes to mind. 18 stories instead of 3!  Actually Don and I have only dined on the first floor. The 1,000 hotel rooms became lofts before we moved to Texas. P or HP? We found the hotel entrance in the center wing. It was impressive, from the brick walkway, up to the flags.  The logo on the black canopy got me wondering. HP? Is that for Hotel Peery? Or maybe it was for Hilton-Peery? The hotel is now part of the Tapestry Collection of Hilton. Or maybe that's just a single fancy P! Brick Quoins Before we stepped inside, I took in a few architectural details. Standing on the corner of one of the hotel wings, I looked up and admired the brick quoins. A pleasing contrast of white and gray.  Honestly, I only studied the quoins after reading a plaque on the outside of the hotel. I actually didn't know the name of that decorative feature! More... Once inside, I looked up again, to notice something else the plaque had mentioned.  This time it was Egg-and-Dart molding. Another new term for me! I will make up my own name, for the shape below the eggs. Sugar cubes! Lobby I likely would have missed the pretty molding if I hadn't read the plaque.  There was a lot more than molding to attract my eye in. Another Era I know the hotel was built during a time of rapid growth, fueled by the gold rush. People with big bucks were lured to the Peery Hotel. But where was the glam, in this vintage postcard?  The image seems to be luring Old Folks, to come gather 'round and sit a spell. The words on the right, claim the hotel is for Wife, Sister or Mother! That's odd. I guess ladies could enjoy the rockers, while they enjoyed some Fatima cigarettes, purchased from the nearby glass case. Check In I saw no rockers or cigarettes in the lobby. We did find a classy little 2-desk set-up, for check in. I liked the nearby framed decor, focusing on trains. I once again pondered the logo, tastefully displayed on the wall behind.  I could have asked the young staff member about the logo, but she'd already made it clear she wasn't into history. Classy Less than 10 years ago, the hotel completed a major renovation.
The spacious lobby was such a lovely mix of modern and vintage decor. The open space was broken up with different kinds of sitting areas.  There were cozy couches and seats for chatting, or reading. A couple of tall tables had sockets for laptops. No signs of business travelers on a Saturday. Near the elevator, I couldn't miss the intricately carved display cabinet.  I read somewhere that this piece has been around since the hotel's early days. Staircase Initially we used the elevator for luggage, but the grand stairs were much more fun to use.  I loved the light fixture at the foot of the stairs. Like a giant birdcage with about 20 glowing birds! Looking down from the landing, I had to pause and wonder...  ... where is everyone? It's Saturday on the last day of May? We often used another staircase, near our room.  I loved the 3-piece artwork. We found a lot of railroad themed accents in the hotel. Railroad and mining industries were a huge focus at the time when The Peery was built. Cozy Halls As we wandered to find our room, I had to give the hallway an A+. Hilton didn't scrub away all the history.  The narrow hall still had the feel of an old hotel, with dark woodwork and molded ceiling. It was pleasing to the eye... AND nose. Some old hotels just smell... old. Room 349 Our old door (with transom) opened to a modern room.
There are about 70 rooms now. There were nearly twice that originally. That was before renovations enlarged many rooms. Our room was not one of those larger ones! It was pretty small and the view made me chuckle.  We could have played Jimmy Stewart, in Rear Window. We didn't need Jimmy's binoculars to spy on neighbors. (I promise, we did not spy)  I would have preferred a view of mountains or old city buildings. But in truth it was interesting to see how this whole E-design works! The rest of our cozy room was nice.  There was a lot squeezed into the desk corner! A nice vintage train image on the wall, nifty coffee maker with different mug options, a make-up mirror, lamp with sockets, an ice bucket with 2 comp bottles of water.
A 55-inch TV welcomed "Donald" when we entered. Sadly No Turner Classic Movies station. I love TCM movies in old hotels. Decent Bathroom I liked the black & white tile and large window with frosted glass.  Nice walk in shower and fluffy towels. Wandering I did a little exploring before dinner.  One more set of stairs took me down to the basement. Fitness Friends Besides conference and event rooms, there was a decent sized fitness room.  I was tempted to get my workout gear from the car. But instead I just enjoyed the artwork. Love those Circus Folks! Christopher's Prime Steak House I love a hotel that has it all. Like being on a big ship, with multiple restaurants. There were a few food & drink options on the street level.  We thought about making reservations at Christopher's Prime, located on the corner.  I peeked in a window before it opened. Interesting decor. 2-Part Restaurant? Around the corner I saw Sonoma Grill... But wait, it was so confusing. Were the 2 restaurants connected? The website had one name, Christopher's Prime Steak House & Sonoma Grill & Wine Bar. I'm sorry, that's just too long of a name.
Toro Rosa Tapas & Tequilas is another long name. I peeked in through a lobby door. It looked cute and informal. Spritz on Saturday We couldn't decide on dinner, so we stopped in to have a drink at the hotel's Spritz Lounge.
I loved the little pink phone display, near the street entrance. A handy reminder that guests need to check in with their IDs. Don and I came through the lobby entrance and sat at the bar. I almost burst out laughing when our IDs were checked. A SLC thing?  We sat on dainty stools that looked like they belonged in a Ladies' Powder Room. We sipped our beverages and amused ourselves watching the woman behind the bar. She spent about as much time dealing with IDs as she did making drinks.  I enjoyed my Pink Prosecco, sitting on my pink velvet stool, beside a shiny elephant with curled trunk! Fun! Evening in SLC We switched gears about dinner. Instead of enjoying the steakhouse, we decided to embrace the good location and explore the downtown vibe.  Weather felt balmy and our wandering was entertaining. We ended up at Caffee Molise for a wonderful Italian dinner. Peery at Night The lit up hotel looked festive when we returned.  It also felt very safe. Not sure about that review comment about safety. Before heading inside, we enjoyed the night air...
... and we read another plaque. Evidently this hotel was built on (or very near) the site of the Utah's first permanent Jewish house of worship, in 1883. Eggsburgh In the morning, we spotted another hotel cafe. This one was hopping with breakfast diners. We had just slugged down some coffee and granola bars in our room, so we held off a bit.
We got a late check out and took off to see the city before the temps warmed up. We enjoyed breakfast/lunch at Eggsburgh, around noon. Walking Distance We had the absolute best time exploring the city on a pretty Sunday morning. There was lots within walking distance. I share these photos, because it feels like our stay at Peery Hotel was enhanced by the location. So much to see, nearby! What's Notable? Our stay at the historic Peery Hotel was pleasant and comfortable. It was quiet for a Saturday, which was nice. But a curious or memorable people encounter, could have made our visit extra fun,  I was pleasantly surprised that the hotel renovation was better than expected. Surprised to learn the hotel has been open continuously since 1910. That's unusual. I wish there had been more hotel history spotlighted. I read that a box of 300+ old photos was discovered, during renovation. I wish they could have displayed some.
Mostly I'll recall, how easy the stay felt. Easy parking. Easy getting to and from the room. Easy wandering in the evening and morning. Easy dining options. It was an enjoyable stay for a reasonable price of $140. Motel Lodge in Kanab In June, we finally got to stay at this intriguing lodge, with its colorful sign.  The lodge/motel sits right on US Route 89, in the remote town of Kanab. Don and I first spotted it 10 years ago, when driving from the North Rim to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.  The town of less than 5,000 residents, is surrounded by a stunning natural landscape. Ideal Location The South Utah location makes it a popular place for travelers, trying to hit numerous National Parks.  Nearly a century ago, the nearby red sandstone, attracted Hollywood studios, interested in filming Westerns. We didn't know that when we arrived for lunch 10 years ago. Fall of 2015 It was early October when Don and I first laid eyes on the quaint office building..  The sweet white building looked smaller than it actually was, sitting under the towering green trees. Oasis in Kanab The 2-block shady oasis, included 5 buildings and 89 guest rooms.  The property goes back to 1892, when the Johnson family built a farmhouse. The fun history began In 1928, when the 3 Parry brothers bought the property to create a lodge. The brothers expanded and created a complex of cottages, guest rooms a dining room and more. Parry Lodge ended up attracting tourists and Hollywood crews. Cookbook A decade ago Don and I stopped in Kanab for food, not lodging. At that point, the only thing we knew about Parry Lodge, was that they once served Pot Roast!
In other words, this was a cookbook-inspired lunch stop! We've discovered a lot of places, by flipping through our mid-century cookbooks, put out by Ford Motor Company. The Coffee Shop sign got me extra excited. It look about the same age as our 1950 cookbook.  Maybe we could sit at a counter and order Pot Roast!. The coffee shop located below the sign, was actually closed.  The main dining room on the right, was open. It looked old-timey-inviting. with white curtains, picket fence and rose bushes. Just like Grandma's house. Lobby in 2015 It wasn't until we stepped inside, that we learned about Parry Lodge and its curious connection to Hollywood.  19The lobby walls were covered in framed photos of movie stars! 250 autographed photos. Stars For over a half century, Parry Lodge was home to Hollywood celebrities and crews. From the 1920s to the early '70s, over 100 films were shot in the area. The lodge was a welcome escape for stars of Western films and TV shows. John Wayne, Roy Rogers, Barbara Stanwyck, Clint Eastwood, Fess Parker...  Other actors that I don't associate with Westerns, also stayed at Parry Lodge, while working on films. Gregory Peck, Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack, Ava Gardner and Sidney Poitier... Younger stars like Shirley Temple and Johnny Whitaker...
And good ole Buddy Ebsen. He's the only actor from the endless list, that I actually met once. I was starstruck at age 19, when I met the sweet guy in St. Louis. Greeted by Staff A young man greeted at the lobby desk when we arrived. He shared a little about the hotel history and told us his grandmother had managed the hotel & restaurant in the '60s. "Yep! She had some good stories about guests!"  The stairs near the desk reminded me that this had once been a home. In the 1950s those stairs led to a special place called "Red Room". The secret area (with red carpet) was created to give some of the celebrities a little private getaway in the evenings. There was a bar and private dining room. A dumbwaiter carried food up from the kitchen. I wish I'd asked what was up there today. Cookbook Posing It's been 10 years, since Don and I had our lunch at the lodge. But I clearly remember that pot roast was not on the menu. Don ordered the Beef Patty Special for $7.95, which seemed like retro pricing.
After we finished, we had a surprise meet up with the fellow who cooked our lunch. He was intrigued with the old cookbook. Darla the manager, was eager to take a photo of the 1950 recipe and illustration. Then she showed me some old hotel postcards that looked similar to the book's image.
We sat on the porch a moment and Darla pointed to nearby rosebushes. She said they were the original bushes. 100 years old? Farmhouse An old black and white photo made me wish I could go back in time, when the lodge looked more like a home.  More grass and less road, back then! "Little Hollywood" At some point Kanab acquired the nickname Little Hollywood. This photo from the 1950s, shows that Parry Lodge did more than house film stars.  In 1957, the lodge was used during the filming of "The Girl in Black Stockings". The Girl in Black Stockings I've never heard of this film noir doozie, but I watched the trailer!  What a hoot! I doubt Anne Bancroft was too proud of her part in this film. It was fun to spot parts of the hotel in the trailer. Parry Lodge in 2025 It took us 10 years to get ourselves back to Kanab. Finally Don and I got to be overnight guests at the iconic Parry Lodge.  We pulled off of Highway 89 on a June afternoon. We couldn't miss the bright sign on the corner. Sadly the blue & white Coffee Shop sign was missing.
We stepped into the office and to the left I could see where the Coffee had been. Tee-shirts and some seating, now. The rest of the lobby looked pretty much the same, although the wallpaper had changed.  Of course I had to pose with the Duke!  I was glad to see all the framed photos were still displayed. Dining Suzanne checked us in at the counter. We were sad to know the lodge restaurant was no longer serving lunch or dinner. Just breakfast.  I spotted a white piano in the corner. Suzanne told me to feel free to play. I declined, but was glad to hear Suzanne describe a few spontaneous guest performances she'd enjoyed. Tim Conway We found our Tim Conway Room in one of the 2 buildings with celebrity names above the doors. Right between Peter Lawford and Walter Brennan.  I really wanted Gregory Peck, but Don wanted a couch and Tim had one. You definitely have to be a certain age to get a good chuckle out of the names! Cottage Row This is how some of the motel style rooms looked, back in the day.  I love the screen doors and garage space. This is the updated version. Not nearly as quaint. This building had some bigger celebrity names above the doors.  Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr and Dean Martin supposedly stayed here. Frank evidently talked the Parrys into connecting rooms so they could create their own party space. Tim's Room They say the rooms are named for the stars who stayed there.  Don and I were skeptical that stars really stayed in those specific rooms. But I was quite amused just thinking that our room was named for the guy that used to crack me up, on the Carol Burnett Show. Decor No complaints about the room size. And Don was happy with his couch. The floors were new and all was clean, but the decor was a bit odd.  There seemed to be a few things missing in the large space. A coffee table maybe. The tiny framed poster looked a little lost on the barn red accent wall. There was an identical poster in the hall. That sort of tickled me.  Apple Dumpling Gang Rides Again, starring Tim Conway & Don Knotts! It was probably one of the last Westerns to be filmed in the area. Probably the silliest too. Bed & Bath Honestly no complaints. We had a separate bedroom and the bathroom was updated. And the price was very reasonable.
We weren't staying for luxury. We weren't even staying for the early parks. We were staying for the movie history. John Wayne's Pool I was excited to spend a little time sitting around the kidney shaped pool!  It was around 1950, when John Wayne talked the Parrys into building the pool. He offered to pay half.  During tourist season, travelers got to enjoy a refreshing dip as well. Don't forget your swim caps, Ladies! The Cottages There was a cozy little cluster of duplex buildings, surrounding a grassy courtyard.  The cottage below had John Wayne's name above the door. Likely this really was where he frequently stayed.  It was booked or we would have gone for it. Happy Hour At 6, Don made drinks and we headed to the pool. Sadly the gate was locked. A storm was brewing and the pool was closed. I peeked across the fire pits and saw another sitting area.
The covered sitting area had a tree growing up through the roof. We suddenly had a better idea. The Porch Don and I love porches with rocking chairs. We couldn't resist.  We sat with our drinks and snacks and watched the skies darken. A dramatic lightening show entertained. Old Barn Playhouse At 6:30 it was time to head for the barn, where horses were once boarded. Today it's a mini theatre and lodge guests can watch one of the many westerns filmed in the area.  Earlier, I asked Suzanne what would be playing that evening. She said she wasn't sure. Then she remembered we were staying in the Tim Conway Room and she put in a request for the Apple Dumpling movie.  That silly 1979 Disney movie would not have been my first choice of Westerns. But when in Rome... or when staying in the Tim Conway Room, why not? First they showed a documentary about the film history in Kanab and Parry Lodge.  That was actually very intriguing. Don and I had the barn theatre to ourselves when Tim Conway and Don Knotts hit the screen.  We enjoyed watching about 20 minutes of the very silly movie.  We chuckled a few times at the corny humor. What a silly pair. But we couldn't stay too long since we needed to grab dinner. Across the Highway Suzanne recommended Iron Horse Restaurant, just across the "street". Parry Lodge guests were given a discount. We enjoyed some quick posing with touristy things before and after we ate.
I invited Don to pose with the Lone Ranger, but he declined. We ate a very decent meal at the touristy Iron Horse.
I enjoyed the masked guests at a nearby table. Parry at Night It was dark when we headed back to the lodge, so we didn't take the most direct route.  We played it safe and walked down to a traffic light. I enjoyed the lit up sign before heading back to our room.  Then I took a peek in the windows of the dining room.  I spotted a few guests playing games. No one playing the piano. Breakfast Buffet In the morning the dining room was open and lively. A breakfast buffet was available for $10.00.
It was interesting to see some of the other guests. It looked like most were getting ready to head off on outdoor adventures. No Hollywood celebs sipping coffee. Just Don. I headed for the pool and finished my coffee sitting under a big umbrella.  After relaxing a bit, I wandered near the parking lot to read a few more displayed plaques. "Little Hollywood's" Walk of Fame Markers The "Walk of Fame" markers, are scattered along the main street. All dedicated to Western Stars from film and TV.  There must have been 50 plaques, featuring stars who filmed movies and shows in the area. Some I wouldn't have expected, like Omar Sharif! What's Notable? We stayed in a small town, motel/lodge, with a big history!  We knew a little about what to expect. but there were still surprises. Our stay was definitely not about the room. I was happiest, sitting on the pool deck where John Wayne and others hung out... or watching the movie in the 100 year old barn... or sitting on the porch and watching a storm brewing... or chatting with Suzanne and some of the housekeeping staff, to get more Hollywood history.
I'm so glad we finally stayed! Retro Sign In the summer of 2024, Don and I spotted this dandy sign in Winnemucca, Nevada.  Our road trip conveniently took us through the curious town, with the curious name... with lots of curious signs. The Griddle in 2024 We saw 2 great signs that morning in Winnemucca.
The sign with glowing pink letters lured us in for pancakes. After eating we spotted the bright motel sign. More Signs We followed the big arrow and drove 2 blocks, towards this sweet motel oasis.  We continued right past the motel office (with yet another colorful sign) and stopped at the end of the road.  I hopped out of the car and admired the bold letters with unlit neon. The mountains added some extra drama. Quiet Office I quickly texted our son. I knew Scott would appreciate a photo of a motel with his name. Then I headed for the office, to learn more about this vintage place.  The sign on the office roof was a bit worn, but the placed seemed bright and welcoming. I tried the door. Locked. I ran around to the back door, which was also locked.
When I looked through the glass, the tidy lobby told me not to fear. This retro motel was clearly still in business. Play & Sleep Don sat in the car patiently, while I happily gave myself a tour. My eyes were drawn to a row of motel rooms, with pointy roofs. Their doors and windows looked towards something fun.  Nothing pleases me more than an old fashioned playground, with chains holding up metal swings, with horse faces!  I'm not sure what charmed me more. The vintage playground, or the retro motel design. Good-bye Winnemucca As we headed back on the highway, I eagerly shared all the details, with Don.  As we traveled, I looked up reviews and they were all positive! Rooms were cheap and visitors seemed to love the homey place! Another Trip About 6 months passed and we began planning another trip out west. Only way to book was with the phone. I spoke with the manager, Merry and she was delightful. No need to give a credit card to hold a room. So retro!  I told Merry that we loved historic motels and hotels. I mentioned that I'd recently bought a vintage postcard featuring the old motor court! The card showed a boxy porte cochere near the office, with a different sign above..  The postcard got me excited. I was eager to stay in the steam heated "home away from home"... for the "Rest" of my life! May 2025 Don and I arrived on a sunny afternoon, on the last day of May. We pulled up to the office, across from the extended stay units. We spotted a few trucks that could have belonged to contract laborers, mine workers, or drillers...  Why would I say that? Because the website offered special pricing for those hardworking folks! Time Warp Lobby We stepped inside the spacious lobby and I was transported back in time. Paneling on one side, stacked sandstone on the other.  I loved the welcoming vibe, with comfy seating near the fireplace. A deer head, kept an eye on the place. We were greeted at the desk by Elisa and Merry.  Both were friendly. They seemed excited that we had lots of questions. Snacks & Rules Elisa offered us complimentary snacks from a quirky little dish on the counter. There were also dog biscuits, if we'd had a pet.
I took note of the framed sign, near a jar of peppermints. I do appreciate a good sign message. This one had no neon, but I liked the words that went right to the point. $250 fine. Scott the Cat! I noticed a kitty curled up on a desk chair!  I inquired. Of course the cat's name was Scott. Love a sweet motel cat! Merry the General Manager Merry was just as chatty in person, as when I booked on the phone. I asked questions, even though I'd learned a lot on the motel's website. The site featured stories about the "Elite Staff" at SSC. That was a nice, personal touch. I could read the names of the housekeeping and maintenance staff. Many had worked at SSC for decades. I also learned that Merry lived on site and that she was very excited about their recently renovated, enclosed pool.
I asked about the pool and Merry was sincerely apologetic. The pool was not open, due to some complicated repair issues. However, she was eager to share some pool pictures from her phone. Since 1928 I was actually more interested in having Merry fill us in on some of the motel's history. She pointed to some framed images on the wall. I learned that the Scott family began welcoming guests in 1928. I believe the same family still owns the property!  Another vintage image on the wall looked like my postcard. My eyes were drawn to the words on the corner structure and above, on the sign. Only later did I notice how the roof sign matched the neon sign at the end of the road. Interesting. Joseph and Ida Scott Merry pointed out some aerial photos of the property, when it included a farm. Mr. & Mrs. Scott were Swiss immigrants, who once ran a dairy farm on-site. The property later became "Scott Shady Camp" offering guest rooms, a full service station, and a grocery store.
In one of the old wall photos, I could see the zig-zag roofs over the guest rooms. In the other, I could see an old dairy barn, behind the flat-roof units. Barn Search After we got our room key, I looked across at the row of extended stay units.
I stepped around behind and spotted 2 old barns. Still there, after all these years! "Rooms on the Park" That's what l called the spiffy section of rooms, that overlooked the playground.  There were over a dozen of these rooms. What a treat to park right in front of the door. Room 72 for $85 Total Merry seemed pretty happy to put us in Room 72. She said it was a double queen, with a little more space than some of the others.  We entered our room, just beneath our own triangular roof. The sandstone veneer and picture window, added some nostalgic appeal. Vintage Heaven The room was dated, in the most perfect way. Wood paneling and burgundy bed spreads. A lot of pillows for 2 people!  I loved the golden glow from the hanging lamps in both corners. The mid-century chair was comfy and so were the beds. All was spotless.
There was lots of space. There was a desk and mirror and a built in bench for a suitcase. Don is a big fan of a good luggage rack.  He's also a big fan of a 65-inch TV. The flatscreen and HGTV show did not take us back to the '50s. The microwave and modern fridge didn't either. But we made use of all. The bathroom was updated just enough. Like the rest of the space, it was spotless. Amelia (of nearly 3 decades) and her housekeeping crew did well.  I know some of the rooms have older sinks and pastel tub tile. That would have been sort of fun, but we appreciated having the space. Fancy Lock There were so many signs to enjoy at Scott Shady Court. The signs on the door made me chuckle.
I needed glasses to read the smallest sign, with directions for using the special lock. I turned the dial (for a moment) so the words read, "Maid Request". Park View We opened the drapes for our park view and finished unloading.  Then I took the ice bucket and went exploring, Property I'm not sure why this property just pleased me so. I liked the red mailbox.
I liked the red letters and arrows. "SODA POP ICE" Lit! I held off getting ice and wandered back to the old sign at the end of the road.  The neon was lit! Except for the last 2 letters of SCOTT. I spoke with one of the housekeepers who was getting into her car. She chuckled over my enthusiasm. We chatted about how difficult it was to get an old neon sign fixed. California Rooms! Towards the back of the property, I spotted a different row of units, with pointy roofs.  Oh man! I suddenly realized these were the original rooms. The cozier rooms, with casement windows and pastel bathroom tile.  Best of all, each room was named for a California town that begins with Santa! Dang these were cute! But Merry steered us well. They looked tiny when I viewed photos in reviews. Garages I made lots of discoveries before I got my ice.  I found a whole row of garages! I spotted a car in one and a grill in another. I guess some of the extended stay guests were renting these. Between Office & Pool I wandered to the back of the office and admired the Christmas colors. Red trim and bright green leaves.  I walked away from the office, across the playground and came to the pool house.  I found some patio seating and a grill and just enough shade. It was a Friday. Would this patio get some use in the evening? Playground I wondered about the old playground and when it was last used.  There were 3 deep "divots" beneath the swings. How many feet have pushed off the grass, to get the swings started? The horse swings (and horse on spring) looked brighter than I remembered. Were they freshly painted?  My photo of the tetherball, fails to show that it was brand new. The shadow was hiding the bright colors. I wanted to thank Merry for keeping up with details like this.
I didn't ride the horses, but I eventually tried out a swing. I made sure to push off the grass just like all the feet that have helped create dips beneath the swings! Off to Dinner We didn't get a chance to hang out at SSC in the evening, because we had dinner reservations. We were excited about sharing a Basque meal at one of Martin Hotel's community dining tables.  We met some interesting people during our evening. We ended up meeting a neon artist... who knew all about the neon sign at Scott Shady Court. We were happy and exhausted when we drove back from dinner. Lots of gabbing for 2 hours! Motel at Night It was dark when we returned.  Sadly the office sign was not glowing. But the red and green letters were bright at the end of the road. We wondered if we should throw in some money to get Jeff, (the neon artist) out here to fix the dim letters.  We parked near the room and walked to the sign. The balmy night seemed to bring some of the extended stay guests out. Lots of chatting in the wide street.  It felt like a different era, where neighbors were sitting on porches chatting to each other.  As we approached our car, we talked to a young couple from Tacoma. They had been camping for a while and were opting for a motel night, with bed and shower. So many nice folks. Morning Don and I slept well and rose early.  We walked down the wide road to The Griddle for breakfast. The Griddle Again At breakfast, we met more interesting people, involved in the Murals & Music weekend.
We ended up chatting with 3 artists, sitting at the counter. When we mentioned we were staying at Scott Shady Court, one of the locals lit up and mentioned Merry. "Oh, she's the best, isn't she?" Here & There Our short walk back to the motel offered a few more glimpses of fun things. We packed up and dropped our key in the slot. Merry wasn't on duty yet. We drove around town and saw a few more murals that were in progress. The town looked sweet and happy on a Saturday morning on, the first day of June. What's Notable? Our stay was plain, simple, sweet and welcoming. For a total of 85 bucks, we enjoyed a spacious retro room, with a view of an old playground.  For me, all the fun signs made the stay extra memorable! Cheers to the old neon sign, that must have once been on the office roof!
Honestly, I think my memory or SSC will always be a blend of the motel and the town. What nice people and what a fun step back in time! Beautiful in 2025 This is how the National Exchange Hotel looked, on our recent visit in May.  Not terribly long ago, the hotel completed a 3-year renovation. 2013 The grand old hotel was green, when we passed through town, over a decade before.  The exterior with tall windows and balconies, looked pretty inviting. We were staying elsewhere, but headed inside to have a look. Inside Peek in 2013 The interior was not so inviting. We climbed some stairs and found a woman at a desk. She told us only a few rooms were being rented out and mostly there were shared bathrooms. I believe the upper floor had been condemned.
We were allowed to peek at the Bridal Suite. There was nothing romantic about the worn wallpaper, carpet and furniture. But, there was something sort of amusing about the space. A console TV! A dramatic plant pedestal. Built 1856 The National Exchange hotel was rather grand, when it opened 169 years ago. By the late 1800s during Gold Rush Era, the hotel was bustling with permanent borders and transient guests.  The 3rd floor offered long term accommodations for wealthy guests, like local mining bosses. Herbert Hoover was once a mining engineer, living at the hotel. The 2nd floor housed the brothels! First Floor The bottom floor once housed a stage coach stop and a bank.  The lower level also housed a post office and one of the early telegraph offices. A lot going on in that building! One Night at The National On May 29, Don and I drove from Sacramento to Nevada City. This time we would stay a night at The National. We needed a fun evening to lift our spirits, after leaving our new grand baby behind. We'd had a magical month with little Nora and her parents. It was hard saying good-bye..  We parked in the lot beside the hotel and entered the front door, where the stagecoach station had once been. Inside Once inside, we passed the staircase on the left. Same stairs we'd climbed 12 years before, to find the lobby desk.
On the landing we spotted a display of old Hotel Register books. Was Hoover's name in there? Mark Twain? Ulysses S. Grant? All past guests! New Lobby Don checked in at the desk in the newly renovated downstairs lobby.  I admired the Victorian parlor furniture and the fabulous wallpaper designs. Lion faces peeked out at the end of every armrest.
Some faces were more worn than others, depending on how easily a hand could reach the carved lion... while resting an arm on the red velvet. Second Floor We were given Room 206. One of now 38 guest rooms. It was on the second floor, across from a dimly lit sitting area and stairway.
I climbed the stairs to the third floor just for fun. The banister felt well-worn and the steps felt a bit slanty-crooked. I love old stairs!  Did the Ladies of the Night stay put on their second floor? Or did they sneak up those stairs? Room 207 I really wanted room 207, with the lion door knocker. Originally this door didn't lead to a guest room, it led to a sky bridge, which was connected to an annex.
From the side parking lot, you can see the annex is gone. The small balcony now belongs Room 207. Guests long ago found an enclosed walkway, instead of a balcony. It took them to the annex. Annex and Sky Walk I'm not sure when the annex was added, with its fancy little walkway. But when it opened, the 2-part hotel suddenly held 100 guest rooms.
This old postcard shows the annex on the far left. A snazzy turret tops part of the structure.  The annex disappeared in the 1960s, when Hwy 49 came through. The pointed turret was rescued. I found it on a building, behind the hotel. Room 206 We had no door knocker for our room, but there was a lovely old photograph near our door. A flashlight could have helped me enjoy some of the artwork and wallpaper designs in the hall.  Our room was beautifully renovated and also very small. But we went for a bargain price. $135. before fees.  The queen bed was lovely, with comfy linens. The antique headboard was pretty, but a little wobbly.  Don rates hotel chairs and he gave the soft green one an A for comfort. Luckily I don't mind lounging on the bed. Only 1 chair.  We did have 2 sweet tables and 2 lamps. Don got the retro phone. I got the retro radio, which played a little soft classical for me! The teeny radiator was cute! The tea kettle and cups, were nice.
A beautiful tall door opened to our teeny bathroom. We were glad to have a bathroom of any size, since guests long ago had to go down the hall to find one. The tall frosted window filled the small room with light.
The pretty mirror also enlarged the space... and showed off the exposed brick. Nicely done. Outside Space In the back of the hotel we found some sitting areas that were pleasant.
The hotel is built next to a hill, so the rear entrance brought us directly to the second floor. No elevators at The National, so this was a handy entrance when lugging bags. The best seating was on the second floor veranda. We had a nice view overlooking Broad Street and all the old buildings.  The floor to ceiling windows were fun. Iron shutters were added at some point, to guard against fire.  We enjoyed veranda time in the afternoon, after dark and in the morning! Nora Moon Surprise One of the nicest moments on the veranda was at dusk, when I looked up and saw a sliver of moon, smiling beside the building.  Exactly a month before, I'd seen a similar "moon-smile", on the night before baby Nora was born in Sacramento. Here it was May 29 and we'd just said good-bye hours before. A new Nora Moon was smiling on us, the evening before her 1-month birthday! Hotel Saloon After sunset, we made our way to The National Bar, conveniently located just below us.
The hotel's saloon was originally located upstairs, along with the brothels. This first floor space had once been the telegraph office. At some point, the saloon moved downstairs.  Today's backbar is old, but not original. Evidently during Prohibition, some feisty characters broke the front windows and pulled the bar out into the street. I loved the clever repurposing of old hotel radiators!  They don't produce heat anymore, but they do hold up the current bar. Ladies of the West The saloon had cozy seating options, besides stools. The classy booths beneath the framed classy lady portraits, looked very comfy.
I wish I could have learned the history behind all the photos of the women who decorated the bar. There were dozens of nicely displayed portraits... of women, with stories to tell. Celtic Night We lucked out with our Thursday night stay. It was Celtic Sessions Night, which meant a group of about 10 musicians filled the Bar, with music and song.  It felt like we were hanging out in someone's home, as this talented group entertained us... and themselves. Lively fiddles, flutes and drums, made me want to jig! Sobering ballads changed the mood quickly... harp, violin, guitar. Food & Drink Along with music, we enjoyed Guinness Beer and a shared platter of fish & chips! We watched the bar gradually fill. Locals we assumed, since many greeted the musicians and each other.  We watched the performers casually come and go. Grabbing a drink, or a quick bite... switching instruments. I was envious of the talent and camaraderie. "The Parting Glass" At 8, the group was ready for their final song. They put instruments down and stood with drinks in hand. Their voices (along with many around them) sang a traditional song, similar to Auld Lang Syne.  The song ended with sounds of glasses clinking, all around us. Such a sweet ending to our evening. Good Night Before turning in, I had to step out and see the hotel at night.  I was surprised there were no spotlights. Just some glowing mounted fixtures and lit up windows.  Looking further down Broad Street, I saw white lights outlining the buildings. I spotted that sweet Nora Moon, again. Good Morning Grand Lounge Sunshine woke us early. We headed for the second floor lounge before 7.  The glamorous decor seemed more suited for a nighttime event, but the morning sunlight made the space welcoming. A coffee bar was set up on the nearby counter, which had been the lobby desk, in 2013.  Don and I helped ourselves to complimentary coffee and banana bread treats. We did not grab any of the non-coffee liquids further back!  We chose a table near the stairs. Stairs that had been in a movie once. Not Paul Newman or Tom Hanks... A Hallmark movie, starring Ed Asner. Debbie... Lola After lounging a bit, I went down those stairs to ask for restaurant suggestions. Debbie at the lobby desk ended up being my private tour guide! First she showed me Lola, the hotel's upscale restaurant that serves a fabulous brunch.  I was impressed with the appearance. The plush tufted seating reminded me of a classy cafe in Paris. I've read excellent reviews.  The mirrors and lighting were bright and modern, but the restaurant was named for a 19th century performer, who was as wild as the Wild West. Lola Montez is a name worth Googling! History Debbie seemed excited when I started asking questions. She took me in a room, off the back of Lola's. The restaurant space had been a bank at one time, so it wasn't surprising to find a vault. But the mini vault within the vault was a fun surprise to me.
A fireplace across from the vault added a homey touch. This room is now used for events, I believe. Martini Shakers The saloon was dark in the morning, but Debbie wanted to show me around. "Let's wake her up!" She said, flipping on the lights. She showed me something I'd missed the night before. A wall case, with an amazing display of martini shakers.
The shaker shaped like a snowman was my favorite. Evidently some other past "guests" had their favorites and took them. Debbie said a couple of the solid silver shakers walked away. The case has been locked since. Upstairs We headed up the stairs to the second floor, to see where the saloon had originally been. A horse supposedly once climbed those stairs to pay a visit to the saloon.
We walked through the lounge and entered a room that made me think of champagne and wedding receptions. It was hard to whiskey and miners , back in the Gold Rush days. Or horses... Image in the Mirror I was eager to see one last thing before Debbie had to get back to the desk. She took me to a hall and asked me to look into a mirror attached to a table.
When I stopped straining so hard, I could suddenly see the face in the glass. A man with a beard and shadowy eyes! Debbie called him Babe Ruth!  And that was the end of my tour! What a treat to have an enthused staff member showing me around. Suddenly it was time to check out and be on our way. What's Notable? We stayed in a sweet North California town, in a beautifully renovated historic hotel. The evening in the bar with food and music, was unforgettable. Lounging on the veranda was relaxing and pleasant.  Our room was lovely and comfy, but next time we'd probably pay a little more for a larger room. Maybe one with its own veranda!
Having a spontaneous tour with Debbie was an added perk. We didn't end up dining at Lola, but I have a feeling we'll be back! A better than expected stay! |
Ninety Notable
Nights My New Year's Resolution for 2014 was to start documenting some of the memorable overnights I've had in some very odd and curious motels and hotels. Like the adventures in my Dining Blog, I have learned to enjoy the surprises that happen when you step out of the comfort zone, far away from the well-known chains. I began with a few entries recalling my very first home away from home memories from my youth. Then, I started sharing about some of the quirky and unforgettable motels, hotels and inns that my husband and I have discovered in recent years. The best part about this challenge was making some lists with Don and getting on the road in search of new overnight adventures. I gave myself a 2-year goal to write up 90 stories and the goal was met. Now we just keep on adding! Archives
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