Americana Motor Hotel has opened its doors following an extensive transformation led by Dallas-based Practice Hospitality. Located on Route 66, the retro-futuristic motor hotel comprises 89 guestrooms, a pool and garden. 

With the hotel situated in the world’s first International Dark Sky City, designers have taken the location’s starry night skies into consideration, refraining from shining or reflecting too much light from the property. With the intention to create minimal impact on the planet, the property also offers a menu of aluminium canned beverages to eliminate the use of hard-to-recycle glass or plastic, reusable water bottles, EV chargers and drought tolerant landscaping.

The hotel’s design, led by Andrew Alford, draws inspiration from the region’s deep ties to astronomy and a lively retro-nostalgia. Americana Motor Hotel showcases bold colours and graphics through custom geometric floorcoverings, artwork and architectural elements inspired by the surrounding natural landscape. Sly references to the number 66, astronomy and the great outdoors are hidden across the property, with bedside tables abstracted into Roman numerals, the lobby floor using simple shapes that evoke mountains and moons, and guestroom art filled with nods to road trips and the folklore of Route 66.   

Guestrooms at Americana Motor Hotel use a warm palette of rustic brown, navy blue and orange, with a blend of wood textures and rich textiles coming together in a look that the designer dubs “rustic futurism”.  

All rooms feature carpets with swirling stripes, headboards inspired by 1970’s ski wear and spinning disco balls. Meanwhile, bright red shower hardware and geometric white tiles were selected to nod to NASA’s Apollo moon landing equipment – a reference to astronauts training for those missions in the nearby Cinder Lake Crater. 

In the lobby, the front desk resembles a vintage travel brochure rack, a staple in classic roadside motels. The space also features an almost 30ft long communal banquette, envisioned for remote working.   

Just outside, Americana Motor Hotel’s spacious Backyard includes a heated pool, play yard games, hammocks and firepits. 

“Flagstaff is a year-round playground filled with outdoor adventure and history, and we’re excited to welcome travellers to experience all Northern Arizona has to offer from the comfort of this roadside retreat,” said Bashar Wali, Chief Executive Officer of Practice Hospitality. “Guests will be transported through space and time. We’re pairing innovative design that channels the spirit of the original 1962 hotel paired with curated details and all the modern amenities today’s road trippers crave to revolutionize the motor hotel experience.” 

CREDITS
Photography: Courtesy of Practice Hospitality