These Are The World’s Most Luxurious Motels
Always dreamt of staying in a classy motel like you see in the movies? Live out your Hollywood dreams and book yourself into one of the world’s best motels.
From classic American diner-cum-motels to Mollie’s Motel, the UK motel group that’s paving the way for humble getaways across the pond, these are the world’s most luxurious motels to book yourself into.
The World’s Best Motels
Austin Motel, Texas, USA
A motel stay probably doesn’t get more American than in Texas. Our motel of choice will always be Austin Motel thanks to its statement artwork, retro furniture and kidney-shaped swimming pool.
For any Brit wanting to live out their true all-American experience, the interiors really let you experience your movie dreams – think retro mini-fridges, bright headboards and, of course, the classic neon vacancy sign.
You only need to look at their Instagram to know this is a party spot, with tourists and locals alike flocking here to soak up their pool area. Expect killer cocktails and snacks available from the bar and in the on-site bodega (corner shop for us Brits).
If you’re after something more, the motel shares space with Joann’s Fine Foods. Inspired by California diners and Mexican fare found in Austin, you will be chowing through club sandwiches, patty melts, tacos, enchilada plates and wood-grilled fajitas with homemade tortillas.
Mollie’s Motel, Oxfordshire, UK
For those longing for a motel experience a little closer to home, look to Mollie’s Motel. With interiors designed by Soho House, an all-day diner and a ‘grammable neon-lit entrance sign, it’s the perfect place to get your all-American fix.
The concept was dreamed up by the founder of Soho House, Nick Jones MBE and brings that famed American motel spirit across the pond. The rooms are super chic and modern, starting from just £70 – a total bargain in this economy! While the on-site diners serve up an all-day menu featuring double burger stacks, honey-glazed chicken tenders, mac ‘n’ cheese, chicken ‘n’ waffles and giant milkshakes and Coke or Dr Pepper floats with milk soft serve.
Since launching in Oxfordshire in 2019, the brand has grown from strength to strength with now an extra residency in Bristol and a soon-to-open Manchester branch.
Anvil Hotel, Wyoming, USA
If you’ve always dreamt of heading to Yellowstone one day, you’ll want to bookmark this beauty of a pitstop.
Brought to life by Erik Warner, this Jackson motel has a story to tell. Home to 50 rooms – all designed by Brooklyn-based design firm Studio Tack – you can expect rich, deep blues, iron frame beds, antique wooden furnishings and a fully stacked minibar.
Cooking up a storm, the hotel’s Italian restaurant Glorietta serves up wood-fired dishes, fresh pasta and hearty salads.
If the motel isn’t enough of a reason to visit, the surrounding area will have you hooked. It sits at the base of two National Parks – Grand Teton and, of course, Yellowstone – with plenty of year-round activities to get involved in, from hiking to skiing and snowmobiling.
Halcyon House, New South Wales, Australia
Although it looks plucked from a movie set, Halcyon House can be found in Cabarita Beach, New South Wales. A former surfing motel, this Australian east coast boutique spot is beautifully designed, complete with royal blue accents dotted around the whole property.
Home to 22 rooms and suites, each is uniquely designed by interior designer Anna Spiro and has its own story to tell. Expect plenty of antique furniture, fabric upholstered walls, king-size beds and a private balcony or terrace.
If you manage to pull yourself away from the pool or holistic spa, the surrounding coastline is a prime spot for surfers, swimmers and beach lovers alike.
Coachman Hotel, California, USA
With Lake Tahoe, North America’s second largest alpine lake, and the vistas of Heavenly Mountain on your doorstep, where else would you want to soak the great outdoors than Coachman Hotel? From kayaking and boating in the summer to skiing and snowboarding in the winter, this is an adventure lover’s dream.
Of course, the location here is the major pull but you’ll find the Coachman Hotel just as hard to leave the moment you step through the door. A renovated motel with a modern design, you’ll have access to the pool and bubbling hot tub, complimentary bikes, nightly s’mores by the fire and daily happy hour, as well as discounted day passes for seasonal access.
The rooms are simple and cosy, with dark grey walls and dusty yellow throws. For the adventure honeymooners, book into the honeymoon king suite, complete with a reclaimed vintage heart-shaped soaking tub, perfect for diving into after a long hike or day out on the water.
The Astro, California, USA
Home to mid-century modern furniture, a lush garden and relaxed rooms, The Astro is one of the original American motor lodges dating back to 1963. Following a major remodel in 2017, the motel is now a go-to spot for passersby and tourists looking to discover the best of California’s quirky art district, Santa Rosa.
A prime spot for cyclists trekking through Sonoma County, the Astro’s staff is on hand to help assemble and make basic repairs, as well as boasting Shinola Bikes for rental.
Feeling peckish? Head to The Spinster Sisters for ‘Sonoma County Cuisine’ – think ricotta gnocchi; smoked ribs; crispy chicken thighs; and an N&F ice cream sundae.
Nobu Ryokan, California, USA
Created by world-renowned chef Nobu Matsuhisa, Robert De Niro and Meir Teper, the Nobu Hotel concept just keeps growing. Ryokan Malibu is one of our favourites thanks to its incorporation of traditional Japanese design while allowing Malibu’s coastal atmosphere to seep through. Remodelled on a former motel, this might just be the most bougie on our list.
Enjoy soaring views over the rolling California waves when you book one of the Ocean and Beachfront rooms, complete with teak soaking tubs, indoor or outdoor fireplaces, in-room dining custom crafted by Nobu Malibu and Italian linen sheets by Anichini.
The Garden rooms are just as cosy, with an indoor-meets-outdoor feel complete with California palm leaves, gold vines and staghorn ferns.
Romeo’s Motel & Diner, Ibiza, Spain
Ibiza might not be where you’d expect to find an all-American-inspired motel but just wait until you hear more about Romeo’s.
Brought to you by the Concept Hotels group, Romeo’s is inspired by the Route 66 Love Motels – even the rooms are named after points along the iconic road trip route. Go big or go home is definitely the motto here, with full-on neon lights, red details lining every room and the pool area inspired by vintage American design. There’s even a Las Vegas-style chapel you can get (officially or unofficially) married in and a naughty playroom equipped with a pole dance bar, leopard print sofas, a DJ booth and a fully-stocked bar.
On-site you’ll also find Mandy’s, a playful take on a diner complete with leather sofas, giant American classics and milkshakes topped with secret sauces.
Sparrows Lodge, California, USA
For a Palm Springs experience, it’s got to be Sparrows Lodge. Originally built as Castle’s Red Barn in 1952, this luxe motel has been beautifully restored to fit the rustic desert location.
All 20 rooms feature exposed beam ceilings, bespoke furnishings and luscious Italian linens making leaving your bed all the more difficult.
The on-site restaurant, The Barn Kitchen, comes recommended by the Michelin Guide and pays homage to the nearby Coachella Valley. The team works with local farms to create desert-inspired takes on classic American dishes.
Cool off from the desert heat and make a splash in the hotel’s pool that takes centre stage. It also makes the most perfect backdrop for a wedding if you’re after a rodeo wedding.
Vagabond Hotel, Florida, USA
Dating back to 1953, the Vagabond Hotel Miami has a long history and has been renovated to replicate its legendary past as a ‘fabled Rat Pack hangout’. The bold, colourful exteriors and pool area look as if they have been plucked from a Wes Anderson movie, complete with statement turquoise features and parasols matching the central pool.
Inside you’ll find 42 chic rooms nodding to the hotel’s eccentric past, boasting geometric wall art, original terrazzo flooring and more turquoise accents.
Spend your days lazing by the pool, sipping on cocktails before heading to Mr. Mandolin, the Mediterranean restaurant serving up Greek favourites from gyros stuffed with meats, salad and chips to freshly made honey-slathered loukoumades.
Phoenix Hotel, California, USA
San Francisco’s rock ‘n’ roll history lives on at Phoenix Hotel. From Kurt Cobain to Mazzy Star, Debbie Harry to JFK Jr, just about everyone has waltzed through the doors here since the 1950s. Today, you’ll find the motel living up to its lifetime of history, home to classic motel-esque exteriors, pool-side views and classy retro-inspired rooms.
Grab a drink or bite to eat at Chambers, the vinyl-lined restaurant all-American favourites with nods of international influences. You could spend hours traipsing through the record collection, diving into the hotel’s history and still not make it through the giant collection.
