The Eternal Appeal of Retro Lodings
Why is old-fashioned roadside architecture so appealing to us? I suspect it may have something to do with the color and vibrancy that these lodgings have - very different from the bland, boxy chain motel aesthetic that we generally find nowadays. The electric beauty of a neon sign, the faded glamour of a trailer park, the retro-chic feel of a vintage Airstream or recycled camper van are the kinds of things that chic nomads of today are looking for in their travels. Retro lodgings are unusual and unique and even a teeny bit trashy. They're little moments in time that you can curl up and sleep in. This hub will take you on a short tour of some of the hipper retro lodings in the United States. We've even included road maps so you know how to get there! Keep in mind though that these are general maps and not absolute guides - you should always check with the property before setting out.The first place on our agenda is a very special small hotel made up vintage 50's trailers.
El Cosmico, Marfa, Texas
Source: Boutique Homes
El Cosmico is quite possibly the chicest small hotel this side of the Mississippi. Located in Marfa, Texas
(a historically artistic town), El Cosmico doesn't offer guests
traditional room. Instead, the small hotel consists of vintage fifties
trailers (Kozy Coach from 1951 pictured above). Yes, it's a "trailer
park" but who says that trailer parks must be run down, trashy places?
But if you're really opposed to staying in a vintage trailer, El Cosmico also offers teepees and yurts onsite.
Mojave Sands, Joshua Tree, California
Source: Small Hotel Joshua Tree
Source: Mojave Sands Interiors
Mojave Sands takes the classic roadside motel and puts a uniquely Californian spin on it. The neon sign is pure Googie while the interior is a great reflection of the rugged beauty of Joshua Tree. The 5 rooms at Mojave Sands
has handmade furnishings and old-school details like record players.
Nods to modern luxury include a steam shower. The motel is located
really close to the entrance to J-Tree and just down the road is the
Joshua Tree Bar & Grill. Enjoy some authentic road food while
staying at this authentic retro-cool motel.
How to Get to Mojave Sands
62121 29 Palms Highway, Joshua Tree, CA 92252 -
62121 29 Palms Hwy, Joshua Tree, CA 92252, USA
[get directions]Vintage Trailer, Big Sur, California
Source: Vintage Trailer
Source: Vacation Rental
A lone Avion trailer from the 1970's has been placed right off the Cabrillo Highway
in the gorgeous central coast of California. Only 28 feet in length,
this particular trailer is recommended for couples. Because it was
actually designed to be a home for nomads on the road, the trailer has a
full kitchen and folding dinette table that turns into an extra bed. In
a nod to its now stationary life, the trailer has been kitted out with a
full bathroom (yes, that means it has a bathtub). I love that the
owners haven't totally forsaken the trailer's seventies roots. Instead
they've embraced it by furnishing the trailer with colorful, retro fabric patterns and design touches.
How to Get To Vintage Big Sur Trailer
Silverstreak Vintage Trailer
Source: California Cabins
Interior of Silverstreak
Here's something neat: a vintage Silverstreak trailer that can be rented for additional sleeping room for guests in nearby California Cabins. The log cabin is just as much an icon of Americana as the vintage trailer. Here's a pretty informative article about log cabins. This particular trailer can be placed anywhere you want, which means it truly is a mobile home. Currently nestled in the High Sierras, but tomorrow who knows?
How to Get to Vintage Silverstreak
Oakhurst, CA, USA
[get directions]
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