Restored Motels in the Southeast

Blue Ridge Tourist Court

Boone, NC

Built in 1950 and on the National Register of Historic Places, Boone's oldest surviving roadside property returned to mid-century form in a 2022 restoration. The strongest case in the area for why preservation beats renovation.

Arka Motel

Rogers, AR

A 1960s cinderblock motel overlooking Beaver Lake, gut-renovated into a crisp mid-century-modern retreat and featured on HGTV's Fixer to Fabulous. Kitchenette rooms, a seasonal pool, two fire-pit lounges, and an on-site mountain-bike trail make it a base camp for the lake and the Ozark riding around Rogers and Bentonville.

Bardstown Motor Lodge

Bardstown, KY

The 1959 Bardstown Parkview, restored with a farm-to-table restaurant, fire pit courtyard, and swim club pool. A retro rec room survives intact and the original bones underneath earned every year since.

Casa Morada

Islamorada, FL

A hushed bayfront retreat where a white footbridge leads to a tiny private island with a freshwater pool and a lone cabana over the water. The suites hide among a tropical garden designed by a celebrated landscape architect, so it genuinely feels like you have the Keys to yourself.

Dame Fortune's Cottage Court

Hot Springs, AR

On the National Register of Historic Places, with individually themed rooms, original mint-green tile, and neon signage still running. A carafe of local spring water waits in every room.

Driftwood Motel

Bay St. Louis, MS

A 1961 horseshoe frame restored in 2024 with an orange and baby blue palette, a poolside movie setup, and a self-serve cocktail station. Brought back from derelict in two years.

Hotel Palms

Atlantic Beach, FL

Colorful murals, an in-house coffee shop, a courtyard fireplace, and loaner bikes in a renovated 1950s frame. Everything needed within the property or a short ride away.

Mother Earth Motor Lodge

Kinston, NC

A 1963 frame revived by the founder of a local brewery that made this neighborhood worth visiting, with a year-round pool and mini golf on the grounds. One block from the taproom.

New South Motor Inn

Madison, GA

Restored in 2024 with quality linens and in-room coffee in a mid-century frame. A name that takes a clear position on where this particular Southern town is headed.

Rhode's Motor Lodge

Boone, NC

Mountain views from every window, ground-floor drive-up rooms, and upper-floor balconies facing south. A straightforward property that gets the essentials exactly right.

The Local St. Augustine

St. Augustine, FL

Brought back in 2021 by a husband-and-wife team with a vintage pink Florida palette and half a mile from the Bridge of Lions. The historic district is a short walk in either direction.

The Longleaf Hotel

Raleigh, NC

A Sixties Travelodge discovered beneath stucco, stripped to its bones, and restored as the most specific stay in downtown Raleigh. Longleaf pine wallpaper in every room, strong morning coffee, and free parking.

The Roost Ocean Springs

Ocean Springs, MS

Rooms on a covered gallery veranda overlooking a heated pool in a restored 1894 Southern building. The Wilbur speakeasy and Maringouin restaurant on-site.

The Vagabond Hotel Miami

Miami, FL

Designed by MiMo legend Robert Swartburg in 1953 and on the National Register of Historic Places, with exterior catwalks, a pool with original tile, and Mr. Mandolin restaurant on site. Post-war Biscayne Boulevard at its most intact.