(Travel)
The Zoe Report’s 2026 Readers' Choice: Hip Roadside Hotels
The journey can be just as exciting as the destination.
The best roadside motels prove that great design and memorable hospitality aren't reserved for sprawling luxury resorts. Across the country, a new generation of independently owned properties is reimagining the classic motor lodge, pairing retro charm with thoughtful interiors, destination-worthy dining, and a distinctly local point of view. Whether it's a colorful Austin icon, a stylish lakeside retreat in Big Bear, or a design-forward desert escape in Taos, these stays transform a simple road trip stop into a highlight of the journey itself. Vote for your favorite hip roadside motel and help us crown this year's Readers' Choice winner.
Have questions? Read the official Readers’ Choice rules.
TZR’s readers have spoken, and their favorite Art Hotels of 2026 are:
1. Interstate Inn
Stephenville, TX
What TZR readers love about Interstate Inn:
- The ultimate retro 60s Palm Springs vibe in Texas! Gorgeous mid-century design, vinyl record players in rooms, and so many cool photo ops. ✌️
- We loved the courtyard pool area and getting a continental breakfast delivered right to our door in a vintage Stanley lunchbox! Such a fun touch!
- Warm Texas hospitality, super-friendly staff, and the adjacent restaurant (The Seeker) is top-tier. Hands down the coolest roadside motel around!
2. Hotel Lucine
Galvetson, TX
What TZR readers love about Hotel Lucine:
- Unbeatable beachside location with brilliant Gulf views! The rooftop bar is the best spot for drinks and live outdoor music.
- Feels like stepping into another decade! Minimalist, soulful design with super cozy rooms and a swanky, comfortable patio bar.
- Awesome, friendly staff and incredible, locally-sourced food. If you’re visiting Galveston, this is definitely where you want to be!
3. Trailborn Grand Canyon
Williams, AZ
What TZR readers love about Trailborn Grand Canyon:
- Classic Route 66 nostalgia meets modern roadside hipness! Beautifully renovated with cute rooms, board games, and great outdoor space.
- Miss Kitty’s restaurant serves delicious food—plus you get a complimentary welcome drink at check-in! Don't skip the apple pie.
- The PERFECT basecamp for Grand Canyon hiking! The staff will help you plan excursions and make you feel right at home.
4. Austin Motel
Austin, TX
5. Rhode's Motor Lodge
Boone, NC
6. The Longleaf Hotel
Raleigh, NC
7. Hotel Willa
Taos, NM
8. Hotel Marina Riviera
Big Bear Lake, CA
9. The Surfrider Malibu
Malibu, CA
10. Skyview Los Alamos
Los Alamos, CA
Photos Courtesy of Austin Motel/Bunkhouse Hotels/Hotel Lucine/Hotel Marina Riviera/Patrick Chin/Hotel Willa/Patrick Chin/Interstate Inn/Sara Forrest/The Longleaf Hotel/Rhode's Motor Lodge/River Lodge/Silver Sands Motel/Skyview Los Alamos/The Starlight Motor Inn/The Surfrider Malibu/Trevor Tondro/Three Ducks West Hampton/Trailborn Hotels & Resorts/Christian Harder/The Vagabond Hotel Miami
