Affordable roadside stays have never been cooler!
The Magnolia
For a very chic motel stay, check out The Magnolia at the luxury Quinta do Lago resort, on Portugal’s Algarve coast. It features golf courses, restaurants and top-of-the-range sports and fitness facility, The Campus. Created as a nod to the fashionable motels of Palm Springs in California, The Magnolia combines smart and airy rooms with jasmine-lined walkways, retro yellow striped parasols around the pool and plenty of kitsch neon signage. Whether you’re staying in a standard room or in one of the seven cottages, which sleep up to six people, you’ll have access to the premium facilities on this 600-hectare estate for an affordable price tag. • Rooms cost from £98 on a B&B basis. Visit themagnoliahotelqdl.com
Mollie's Motel
Arrive at Mollie’s Motel just off the A420 near Oxford and you’ll be welcomed by friendly staff with complimentary coffee on hand. The stylish and thoughtfully designed rooms are compact, but offer everything you need for a comfortable stay. Expect Egyptian cotton sheets and fantastic showers stocked with Cowshed products. Bunk rooms comfortably sleep four, while interconnecting doubles are perfect if you’d like a little space away from the kids. Mollie’s is also home to The Diner, a retro-inspired spot with leather booths and a buzzing atmosphere. Try the boneless wings, Dirty Double bacon burger or unmissable pancakes. It’s often busy, so booking is advised. There’s also a drive-through and takeaway on site. • Rooms cost from £70 per night. Visit mollies.com
The Local
For a full-on, vintage Florida vacation, The Local captures the spirit of historic St Augustine with a fresh, modern twist. This beautifully renovated boutique motel pairs minimalist design with dusky pink hues, creating comfortable rooms just minutes from Atlantic beaches. With a pool, fitness centre and nearby bike rentals, it’s the perfect base for guests wanting to explore the city and truly stay like a local. We recommend requesting a poolside room as this area is an ideal spot to unwind and soak up the sun after a day of sightseeing.
• Rooms cost from £65 per person at thelocalinns.com
Road Stop Motel
Around an hour from Düsseldorf in Germany is the Road Stop Motel, a fun-filled roadside stay the whole family will love. Each room is themed and you can choose from Route 66, Safari, Wild West and Space. There’s also a lively American-style diner, which is a great spot in the evenings. Plus there’s mini golf and a playground on site. We love the proper drive-up style motel vibes with parking right outside your room. It’s perfect for a quirky, memorable family pit stop on a road-trip adventure.
• Rooms cost from around £80. Visit hotels.com
Motel One
Stay right in the heart of Dublin at Motel One. This budget-friendly and super-stylish accommodation offers comfortable, modern rooms. The impressive lobby, vibrant bar and lounge-style restaurant are perfect spaces to relax after a day of exploring and the friendly local staff are always happy to share their hidden gems and insider tips to help you experience the city like a Dubliner. The famous Temple Bar district is just a 10-minute walk away and there’s a bus stop right outside the hotel for easy access to the rest of the city. By joining the membership programme, you’ll enjoy 10% off your room rate and other exclusive perks.
• Rooms cost from £68, visit motel-one.com