13 Motel Chains from the Past That Few People Remember
Many once-popular motel chains have disappeared or faded into obscurity over the years.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 4 min read
During the golden age of American road travel, motels were everywhere. Some chains expanded quickly but later declined due to changing travel habits, competition, and economic shifts. Today, only a few people remember these once-common names.
1. Imperial 400
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Imperial 400 was a budget motel chain founded in the 1950s. It once had hundreds of locations across the United States. The chain offered basic accommodations for travelers along highways. It eventually closed due to poor upkeep and increasing competition.
2. TraveLodge
Colin Smith on Wikimedia Commons
TraveLodge began in the 1930s as a low-cost option for motorists. Its early design included compact buildings with a bear mascot named Sleepy Bear. Though the brand still exists, the original model of roadside motor inns has mostly disappeared. Today’s TraveLodge looks very different from the early versions.
3. Alamo Plaza Hotel Courts
John Margolies on Wikimedia Commons
Founded in the 1920s, Alamo Plaza was one of the first motel chains in America. It featured Spanish-style architecture inspired by the Alamo Mission. At its peak, it had dozens of locations in the South and Midwest. The chain slowly vanished as newer hotels took over the market.
4. Hiway Host
Kevin Dooley on Wikimedia Commons
Hiway Host was a small motel chain that grew along major U.S. highways. It offered simple rooms and free parking for drivers. The brand never reached national fame and gradually declined in the 1970s. Few signs or buildings remain today.
5. Horne’s Motor Lodge
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Horne’s began as a chain of restaurants with motels added later. It was especially common in the southeastern United States. Known for its yellow and blue signs, Horne’s catered to families on road trips. The company declined in the 1980s due to rising competition.
6. Downtowner Motor Inns
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Downtowner Motor Inns were aimed at travelers visiting city centers. The chain grew quickly during the 1950s and 1960s. It focused on affordable rooms in urban areas rather than highway exits. Financial troubles led to its closure in the 1980s.
7. Friendship Inn
Gerald England on Wikimedia Commons
Friendship Inn was created as a budget-friendly alternative to big hotel brands. It grew in popularity in the Midwest during the 1960s. The chain was later bought out and lost its name. Most of the locations were either rebranded or demolished.
8. Sandman Motels
John Margolies on Wikimedia Commons
Sandman started in the western U.S. and was known for its distinctive signs and casual look. It was a favorite for families on vacation trips. The brand began to fade in the late 1970s. A few properties still use the name, but the original chain is mostly gone.
9. Esso Motor Hotel
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Owned by the Esso oil company, this motel chain served travelers at gas station stops. The idea was to combine fuel, food, and lodging in one place. It was more common in Canada and some parts of the U.S. The brand was later absorbed by other companies.
10. Budget Host Inn
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Founded in the 1970s, Budget Host Inn aimed to create a standard for low-cost motels. Owners joined a network to follow shared rules and branding. It once had hundreds of locations across the country. Though a few still operate, most are independently owned and no longer part of the original system.
11. Thunderbird Motels
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Thunderbird Motels were known for their eye-catching signs and Native American themes. They became popular in the Southwest during the 1950s. The chain grew for a while but couldn’t keep up with larger hotel brands. Most have been torn down or changed names.
12. Master Hosts Inns
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Master Hosts was a group of independently owned motels that used shared marketing. The idea was to compete with national chains without full corporate control. They offered mid-range rooms and local service. The network faded in the 1980s as brand loyalty became more important to travelers.
13. Econo Motor Lodge
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Econo Motor Lodge focused on cheap stays for long-distance drivers. It had a no-frills approach and was often located near highways. The chain struggled with maintenance issues and limited customer service. Over time, most of its motels closed or rebranded.