Marvellous motels

Roadside stays never looked so cool!

Mollie’s Motel & Diner, Oxford

You will find the wonderful Mollie’s Motel located just on the A420 next to a service station, and as you arrive you will be greeted by friendly staff in the very cool lobby, which serves free coffee. The stylish, well-thought-out rooms are small, but have everything you need for a comfortable night’s stay, including Egyptian cotton sheets and fantastic showers with plenty of lovely smelling Cowshed products. Bunk bed rooms are available, which comfortably sleep four, and they have interconnecting double rooms if you want to escape the kids for the night.

Not only does Mollie’s offer a great night’s sleep, it has fantastic food, too. The Diner is housed in a separate building, and has a very retro vibe with its leather booths, tiled floor and chrome bar. We suggest booking a table (it tends to get very busy) to sample the tasty boneless wings or the Dirty Double bacon burger – and there is also a drive-through or takeaway option if you’d rather eat in your room after a long journey. We recommend breakfast – the waffles and berries are a popular choice – but make sure you save room for a shake!

Mollie’s is also a great base for Bicester Village, which is just a 30-minute drive away. There are sister hotels in Bristol and Manchester set to open next year.

Pig Shed Motel, Norfolk

You will find the eco-friendly Pig Shed Motel just on the side of the A1065, in easy reach of the Norfolk coastline. The ten rooms all have a modern feel, with grey walls and a retro-style desk. Take your pick from a twin, double or family room, all with pure wool blankets and cushions from the Welsh wool mill Melin Tregwynt. Everything about this motel is high-end: rooms come complete with a Nespresso coffee machine, speedy wifi, TV and hairdryers. Just across the car park is the George & Dragon pub, run by the same owners, which serves great food, including a delicious breakfast from 8am.

Wigwam Motel, Arizona

Nestled on Old Route 66, Wigwam Motel in Holbrook provides the perfect blend of Midwest American culture and hearty hospitality. You can rest up in comfort in one of the 15 pointed-roof lodgings, which are fronted by a beautifully restored classic car. Opened in 1950, the motel transports guests back to a simpler time, evoking a sense of nostalgia and offering a slice of history. One great thing about staying here is that you can pull up right outside, so it’s easy to take the bags in. The concrete wigwams are fairly compact but have everything you need, including a small bathroom, a heater for the chilly nights and air-conditioning for the warmer evenings.

We love the vintage cars parked outside the wigwams – they make for a great photo opportunity!

Vagabond, Miami

The Vagabond initially opened as a motel and restaurant/lounge in 1953, and it quickly gained a reputation as a hangout for Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr and the rest of the Rat Pack. The lights were brilliant and bright, and through it all, The Vagabond maintained a legendary yet laid-back feel as a place for anyone to have a good time.

Fast-forward several decades to the present, and the motel has been given a very cool, kitsch-style makeover. Situated just 15 minutes from downtown Miami, it provides an ideal base for exploring the city. Most of the 42 rooms open up onto the lush palm tree-laden courtyard and pool area, with orange day beds, a mosaic-tiled  pool and relaxing cocktail bar.

Words: Carly Honeyfield