The 6 Best Design-Forward Motels in the U.S.

Best Overall: TOURISTS

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Why We Chose It

TOURISTS feels like a chic summer camp for grownups, situated at the heart of the lively Berkshires arts scene.

Between Mass MoCA, the Clark Art Institute, Solid Sound Festival, and an array of other programs, North Adams and Williamstown have long been a destination for arts aficionados . TOURISTS is specifically catered to offer this hip crowd a place to stay during their time in Western Massachusetts, and since its opening in 2018 the hotel has quickly become a destination in its own right.

• The hotel is a revamp of a roadside motel, which was taken down to its studs and totally refurbished by the owners (among whom is John Stirratt, a founding member of the band Wilco). The property has a laid-back vibe and lots of features that emphasize the natural beauty of the surrounding woods and Hoosic River, like a saltwater pool, outdoor showers, and private balconies. If you’re drawn to the Berkshires for the access to nature and also the cultural happenings, TOURISTS offers the perfect union of the area’s outdoorsy and artistic sensibilities. To get the most out of the TOURISTS experience, book a Canopy room, which have large balconies overlooking the river.

Best for Families: Calistoga Motor Lodge

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Why We Chose It

This unique wine country property includes a laid-back spa, conversation-starter activities, and loads of nostalgic charm.

There’s something for everyone at the Calistoga Motor Lodge. For families traveling with young kids, the array of onsite activities like s’mores roasting, outdoor movie night, hiking, biking, and the three geothermal pools mean nobody ever has to complain about being bored. For couples seeking a romantic getaway, there’s poolside spa treatments (including a CBD massage for those really looking to get into the California spirit) and close proximity to all the delights of Napa wine country. And for solo travelers or friends looking to unwind amidst some good vibes and NorCal sunshine, walking into the beautifully appointed rooms alone will make your jaw unclench and shoulders relax.

The décor has a generally retro-feel (the “Camper” rooms are an ode to 60s camper vans) but the feel is clean, bright, and airy rather than dated. Overall, the atmosphere of the rooms and common spaces feel like the background of a very cool Northern California movie set. Between the on-site amenities and activities, and the close proximity to all that Napa has to offer, Calistoga Motor Lodge is the perfect home base for doing as much or as little as you want while soaking up the sunshine.

Best Budget: The Lincolnville Motel

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Why We Chose It

Maine is the land of summer camps and easy outdoor fun, and the Lincolnville Motel perfectly captures Vacationland's summer spirit on its minimalistic property.

The Lincolnville Motel is a distillation of the best parts of Maine. This refurbished 1950s motor lodge sits on four acres just north of Camden, looking out over the Penobscot Bay. If you are one of the thousands of people who grew up going to summer camp in Maine and still nostalgic about it every chance you get, the simple pleasures and beautiful scenery at the Lincolnville will bring you right back. The property consists of four motel rooms and six cabins, all decorated in with whitewashed walls and an aesthetic that perfectly meshes Scandinavian minimalism with old New England charm (think lots of blonde wood furniture and crisp white sheets paired with with charming odds and ends from local flea markets.) 

A stay at the Lincolnville is all about offline, quality time. There’s no Wi-Fi in the rooms, only in the large central common space. Rather than screen time, guests can take walks around the property, splash in the pool, enjoy the sauna, or sit on the ocean-facing deck with a book checked out of the property’s library. There’s no on-site dining, but all the lobster rolls you could ever want are available a ten-minute drive (or twenty-minute bike ride) away in downtown Camden.

Best for a Weekend Getaway: The Wayfinder Hotel

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Why We Chose It

Whether you’re in town for the Folk Festival or for a few days of beachy sightseeing, the Wayfinder is the coolest and buzziest accommodation in Newport.

Newport is a tourist town, and amongst a marketplace of traditional Victorian B&Bs and pricey luxury resorts, the Wayfinder offers something unique. The hotel is a renovated 1980s roadside property just outside of downtown Newport. Although the space’s history can still be felt in the room configurations and the nondescript location, the vibe here is anything but outdated or drab. Rooms and common spaces are decorated with bright colors and midcentury furniture, and art by local Rhode Island artists is featured throughout the hotel. The hotel takes a playful approach to it’s nautical surroundings, opting for vintage flags and mermaid-y mixed media prints rather than seashell wallpaper.

There’s a strong social atmosphere at the Wayfinder. The on-site Nomi Park restaurant is excellent, serving lots of creative dishes that make use of the excellent local seafood. The bar at Nomi Park is always crowded (in a good way) with both locals and visitors, and if you’re seeking company the collection of eclectic art around the restaurant makes for a great conversation starter.

Best Urban: Austin Motel

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Why We Chose It

Between the vibrant, retro rooms and the 1,100-square-foot swimming pool, this is the perfect home-base for soaking up the vibrant downtown Austin scene.

The Austin Motel excels at Americana retro-chic. The hotel originally opened in the 1930s, and in 2017 it was revamped by Texan hotelier Liz Lambert, who has become famous in the hospitality for her motel revitalizations. The first thing to love about The Austin Motel is the location. The property sits on the Northern end of South Congress Street, which is basically the main artery of the “Keep Austin Weird” ecosystem. There’s excellent food, shops, art galleries, and sightseeing within walking distance. Those looking to check out the Austin taco scene should be sure to save a meal for Joann’s Fine Foods, the lively on-site restaurant. In addition to excellent nachos, Joann’s has one of the best patios on South Congress for al fresco dining and people watching.

The colors and furnishings in rooms and common spaces punchy and vibrant, with brightly colored pleather headboards, custom patterned wallpaper, and vintage poolside furniture. Non-suite rooms are on the smaller side, but between the lively common spaces, pool, and middle-of-everything location this isn’t really a place where you will end up spending much time in your room anyways.

Best Beach: Sound View

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Why We Chose It

A 2016 makeover brought stylish and contemporary design and a standout culinary program to this North Fork property.

At the Sound View, Brooklyn design sensibilities meet laid back North Fork charm. This beautiful property, which has been welcoming guests to Greenport since the 1950s, was completely redone in 2016. The Sound View the perfect place to enjoy all the charm and romance of a Long Island summer without the fuss (and expense) of the Hamptons. The interior design combines Scandi minimalism with classic New England style. Rooms are outfitted with blonde wood midcentury furnishings and crisp white bedding. Common spaces, including the lobby lounge, Halyard Bar, and poolside area, are bright, airy, and stylish, combining nautical blue art and upholstery with nostalgic antiques.

The real star at the Sound View is the sound itself. The hotel sits right on the beach, and guests have access to a pristine quarter mile stretch of shoreline. If you’re the type of traveler who prefers to unwind by doing, there are tons of activities to partake in at the Sound View, from wine tasting to beach yoga to waterfront art workshops.