Motels in Missouri
Wayside Motel St. Louis, Mo. A good no-frills motel with cute 1940s-style brick cottages. Nothing fancy here; just a clean, quiet room at a reasonable price. Located across Watson Road (Route 66) from the site of the late, great Coral Court Motel, the Wayside features decorative stone walls similar to those that once graced the entrance to the Coral Court. For more information, call (314) 961-2324.
Wagon Wheel Motel Cuba, Mo. A Route 66 institution, the Wagon Wheel fell into disrepair a few years ago after the deaths of its longtime owners. Purchased in 2009, the Wagon Wheel has been completely refurbished and now offers some of the most luxurious accommodations on the road. With its attractive stone architecture and iconic neon sign, the Wagon Wheel has long been a favorite among Route 66 travelers, and its beautiful restoration will delight historic preservationists. Amenities include pillow-top mattresses, flat-screen HDTVs, Wi-Fi, laundry, a bike shelter, outdoor decks, a pavilion, and an on-site gift shop. Some suites available. For more information, call (573) 885-3411 or e-mail wwheel@centurytel.net.
Vernelle's Motel Newburg, Mo. Dating from the early 1940s, Vernelle's is a classic Route 66 survivor. Not a lot of amenities, and the mattresses are a little spongy, but the rooms are clean and cute, and staying there is like stepping back in time to the 1960s. Very inexpensive. Worth a stop. Located right next door to the famous John's Modern Cabins. The historic sign at Vernelle's was repainted in 2003 by members of Friends of the Mother Road. For reservations, call (573) 762-2798.
Boots Court Carthage, Mo. A Route 66 icon for decades, this Streamline Moderne masterpiece fell into the wrong hands when its longtime owner retired. Threatened with demolition at one point and occupied by tenants who cared little for its history or value at another, the Boots easily could have gone the way of the Coral Court if not for a few determined, preservation-minded people who bought it and undertook a meticulous restoration. Now boasting immaculate rooms, historically accurate furnishings and a radio in every room -- just like it had in 1939 -- the Boots is back to its rightful position as one of the Mother Road's must-stops. For reservations, call (417) 310-2989 or email bootsmotel@hotmail.com.