#251 - Americana Motor Hotel in Flagstaff

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
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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.
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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? 
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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
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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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