We’re not going to sugarcoat it: Motels historically haven’t been your preferred type of travel lodging—and we kind of understand why. For years, these properties got the reputation of being a roadside pitstop, not particularly the destination. But now? A handful of motels along the West Coast are getting a major makeover—and finally becoming “it” accommodations after all these years.
Motels might be having a moment, but why now? For Casetta, a hospitality company that focuses on boutique properties, today’s motels bridge the gap between old and new. “We think people want charm, story, and character, not just luxury,” explains Sana Keefer, head of brand at Casetta. “Reimagined motels check all those boxes: they’re nostalgic, accessible, often in epic locations, and full of design potential.”
Patrick Chin
When Casetta acquired Hotel Willa—a motel in Taos, New Mexico—the once classic roadside stop had fallen into disrepair. However, instead of creating a hip hotel, Casetta opted to pay homage to its old-school roots. The property’s exterior might look like a typical motel, but inside? It boasts a grounded minimalism, thanks to an earthy color palette, sleek silhouettes, and a mix of tactile materials.
“There’s something nostalgic and inherently democratic about old motels: They’re accessible, unpretentious, and often full of hidden character,” Keefer explains. “The inspiration for the transformation came from wanting to preserve that spirit, but elevate the experience, creating a stay that feels thoughtfully designed and rooted in place without being overdone.”
Trevor Tondro
Meanwhile, The Surfrider— a Casetta-managed, reimagined motel in Malibu—boasts light interiors and woven accents that pay homage to Californian surf culture. “What sets them apart is their authenticity,” Keefer notes. “They’re not trying to replicate a vibe, the buildings are the vibe.”
Of course, motel makeovers offer far more than Instagram fodder. If you ask India Archer of Somos Destinations—a Palidrome Company whose roster includes El Vado Motel in Albuquerque, New Mexico—they can also uphold today’s eco-conscious ethos.
“Many guests, particularly those of younger generations, are drawn to and even prioritize the application of minimizing waste, to reduce, reuse, and recycle,” she explains. “El Vado Motel brings new life to something once discarded revealing that its value was never truly lost, but rather just needed reimaging.”
El Vado Motel
The pandemic, Archer adds, also made it possible to look at motels through a new lens. “As many made the transition to remote work, [motels] allowed them to spend more time away without sacrificing time working. For many, road travel is a more cost-friendly and approachable option and roadside lodging fits well within this new lifestyle.”
That mix of convenience and low cost made these properties ideal for crashing overnight and hitting the road early the very next day. However, Keefer argues today’s motels are less transactional and more connection-based. “Guests are greeted with thoughtful details in their rooms,” she explains. “We’ve created moments that encourage presence. You’re not just staying somewhere, you’re part of something while you’re here.”
Thomas J. Story
In Malibu, The Surfrider hosts a range of activities like horseback riding sessions, guided hikes, and beachfront yoga. Hotel Willa lures locals and guests in with its distinctively Taos dining experience at an on-site restaurant called Juliette, while El Vado’s taproom offers a lively spot to enjoy a snack or beverage. Each of these motels has found its own “wow” factor and, in doing so, offers far more than a quick stay.
“These motels weren’t built to be trendy, they were built to serve,” Keefer explains. “And when you take that humble foundation and layer it with detail and intention, something really special happens. Guests feel like they’ve discovered a hidden gem. It’s intimate. And usually far more unique than what you’d find in a new build.”
An affordable, well-appointed spot to kick back and relax? Now that’s something worth checking out—and checking into.
