The Atlas Obscura Podcast 100 Years of Motels
Jan 7, 2026
Explore the 100-year journey of motels in America, starting with the very first one featuring a Spanish Mission style. Discover the quirky tale of 'Magic Fingers,' a bed vibrator that once entertained guests. Uncover how motels evolved during the Great Depression and the dual impact of WWII on travel trends. Dive into the cultural significance of motels, from their seedy reputation in films to their revival as stylish boutique hotels. Reflect on the changing landscape of motels and how they're adapting for modern travelers.
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The First Motel's California Dream
- The Milestone Motel opened December 12, 1925, in San Luis Obispo with Spanish mission-style architecture and orange trees outside each door.
- Johanna Mayer and Amanda McGowan relay that brothers Alfred and Arthur Heinemann built it to serve early long-distance motorists.
Motels Solved The Parking Problem
- Motels arose to serve motorists who couldn't rely on downtown train hotels that lacked parking and on roadside camps that were primitive.
- The shortened sign painter's choice turned 'motor hotel' into the enduring word 'motel.'
Depression-Era Growth Was Grassroots
- The Great Depression unexpectedly spurred motel-like roadside lodging as individuals rented rooms or space to travelers for extra income.
- Motels filled a gap as hotels struggled and travelers sought cheaper, car-friendly options.
