The Most Iconic Hotels Along Route 66 to Book For its 100th Year Celebration

Route 66 has formally turned 100—and America’s most mythologized stretch of asphalt is glowing a bit bit brighter in 2026. Extending almost 2,500 miles throughout eight states, from Chicago to Santa Monica, the Mother Road has lengthy been greater than a mere road trip route. Instead, it’s a dwelling postcard of neon motel indicators, dusty diners, desert horizons, and a particular essence of Americana, ever-suspended in technicolor. While the highway is now not thought-about an “official” US freeway, it is the long-lasting stops—the accommodations, motels, and roadside inns—alongside the way in which that honor its legacy and kitschy ol’ soul.

From glowing midcentury motor lodges to quirky roadside stays, Route 66’s timeless properties are simply as important to the journey as Amarillo’s Cadillac Ranch or the Santa Monica Pier. Some stay splendidly frozen in time, whereas others are thoughtfully restored with a extra tasteful, design-forward edge. All of those websites, although, are magnetic—pulling you off the highway and into an period, or a narrative, completely of their very own.

This yr, the nation’s most beloved freeway shall be in full-blown celebration mode with a great deal of parades, classic automotive rallies, artwork reveals, and festivals to have a good time its 100th birthday. Whether you’re already planning to hit the highway or on the lookout for a motive to get in gear, contemplate this your massive neon signal to examine into the historic hideaways and traditional roadside icons that outline Route 66’s timeless, in some way forever-nostalgic soul.

Read on for the most effective accommodations and inns to e book alongside Route 66, beginning with properties in Chicago, the unofficial place to begin, and ending with lodging in Santa Monica, the top of the path. These gems function dwelling time capsules for the joint celebration taking place this yr: Route 66’s centennial and America’s 250th birthday.