Mark P Betts
Route 66 remembered
Nostalgia
Before the Interstate system and the big motel chains, U.S. Highways were lined by motor courts which often featured individual bungalows with attached car-ports. Often large neon signs were used to lure swarms of newly mobile tourists especially in the 1940's and 1950's.
Route 66 used to pass through Santa Fe until the late 1930's when a shorter route was built by-passing New Mexico's state capitol.
The first units of the El Rey Court (its original name) were built in 1936 on the original Route 66 as it swung through Santa Fe. A year later, US 66 bypassed Santa Fe, but thanks to the popularity of Santa Fe, The motor courts still prospered on Cerrillos Road.
Most of the motor courts have disappeared, driven out of business by the large chains and luxury hotels and inns after the 50's and 60's.
A few however, still remain, and remind us of those earlier days of travel in the west. A good example, is the El Rey Inn. It has been lovingly restored and expanded and is a comfortable throwback to those motor court days.
I was given their contact information by a friend and we stayed there on our last night in New Mexico. It was an excellent choice - clean, comfortable, and nostalgic with beautifully manicured grounds inside the court.
I couldn't resist taking a few photos, especially after I spotted this vintage Hudson.
(MG_1178)
Route 66 remembered
Nostalgia
Before the Interstate system and the big motel chains, U.S. Highways were lined by motor courts which often featured individual bungalows with attached car-ports. Often large neon signs were used to lure swarms of newly mobile tourists especially in the 1940's and 1950's.
Route 66 used to pass through Santa Fe until the late 1930's when a shorter route was built by-passing New Mexico's state capitol.
The first units of the El Rey Court (its original name) were built in 1936 on the original Route 66 as it swung through Santa Fe. A year later, US 66 bypassed Santa Fe, but thanks to the popularity of Santa Fe, The motor courts still prospered on Cerrillos Road.
Most of the motor courts have disappeared, driven out of business by the large chains and luxury hotels and inns after the 50's and 60's.
A few however, still remain, and remind us of those earlier days of travel in the west. A good example, is the El Rey Inn. It has been lovingly restored and expanded and is a comfortable throwback to those motor court days.
I was given their contact information by a friend and we stayed there on our last night in New Mexico. It was an excellent choice - clean, comfortable, and nostalgic with beautifully manicured grounds inside the court.
I couldn't resist taking a few photos, especially after I spotted this vintage Hudson.
(MG_1178)