For generations of travelers, the motor court or motel was a welcome respite from time on the road. And Georgia had several of these byways, including US-41, also known as Dixie Highway, along with US-17, a precursor to I-95. Many of these accommodations have been preserved and even restored for generations of new travelers to enjoy, part of a nationwide trend.
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The American Hotel, Atlanta
Built in 1962, The American Hotel was the first racially integrated hotel in downtown Atlanta. It hosted singer Marian Bruce, performer Carol Channing, and the then-Milwaukee Braves, who decided to move to the city after the opening of the hotel.
It remains part of Civil Rights history. After years of languishing as a basic chain hotel, it was restored in 2017. It has rooms with balconies and suites, an outdoor pool, a restaurant with Southern favorites, and a gallery of historic artifacts.
The Groovy Nomad, Trenton
Located in Northwest Georgia near Cloudland Canyon State Park, The Groovy Nomad is the former 1959 Southland Motel. The local owners kept their retro atmosphere while setting each room up with a theme, including Palm Springs, Havana Nights, and Elvis’ Jungle Room. Each includes a coffee maker, WiFi, and a park pass.
Most travelers staying here are looking to experience the outdoors at the state park, but the hotel is a short drive from the spa and restaurants at Cloudland at McLemore Resort and an hour from Chattanooga.
Hotel Clermont, Atlanta
Hotel Clermont is an Atlanta icon, first opened as an apartment building in 1924. It changed hands several times, but was a hotel by 1940 with a burlesque club in the basement. During its era as a “flophouse,” punk rocker G.G. Allin lived in the hotel.
It was completely renovated in 2018, with 94 rooms and plenty of nods to the past. It’s home to an award-winning restaurant, Tiny Lou’s, a trendy rooftop bar, and the basement Clermont Lounge, a dive bar holdover from the 1960s that remains relatively unchanged.
New South Motor Inn, Madison
Constructed in the 1950s, the New South Motor Inn is in Madison, one of the most charming towns in the state. It’s been completely restored to its midcentury modern design, with 15 guest rooms with smart TVs, a coffee maker, a mini-fridge, and free WiFi.
If you get the chance, check out the Owner’s Suite, which has additional space for entertaining, a separate kitchen, and a neon-wrapped entry. The hotel is not far from the Georgia Safari Conservation Park and several historic homes.
Queen’s Court Inn, St. Simon’s Island
The island charm is strong at the Queen’s Court Inn, open on St. Simon’s Island since 1948 for travelers navigating the Georgia coast. Three two-story buildings are set around a pool, open seasonally. It also has an outdoor grilling area.
Guest rooms are modest but comfortable, with microwaves and coffee makers. Best of all, it’s right around the corner from several restaurants, the historic fishing pier, and the iconic lighthouse you can climb, which also operates as a museum.
The Thunderbird Inn, Savannah
One of the most unique places to stay in Savannah is the Thunderbird Inn, a colorful retro motel steps away from the historic district. It was built in 1964 along US-17 but renovated in 2017. Back in the day, the Jackson Five even stayed here.
Guests enjoy check-in popcorn and Moon Pies, playing into the retro theme, and rooms are pet-friendly. Locally made donuts and coffee are on offer for breakfast, and parking is available onsite. It’s also a few blocks from SCAD and the Savannah History Museum.
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