Owner/operator Larry Smith is a true Route 66 enthusiast and a big fan of all things mid-century modern. With his trusty sidekick, Sam, his goal is to make your stay at the Safari a major highlight of your next epic road trip. Relax in affordable comfort! All rooms are non-smoking - and sorry, but pets are not allowed.
2 Full Size Beds - includes Sealy Posturepedic pillowtop mattress, hypo-allergenic down pillows, full-size luxury cotton bath towels, premium bath amenities, 32-inch LCD HDTV, Keurig coffee maker, Tivoli Audio radio with Bluetooth, fiber optic WiFi, and basic cable. Maximum 4 persons, including children.
2 Full Size Beds - includes Sealy Posturepedic pillowtop mattress, hypo-allergenic down pillows, full-size luxury cotton bath towels, premium bath amenities, 32-inch LCD HDTV, Keurig coffee maker, Tivoli Audio radio with Bluetooth, fiber optic WiFi, and basic cable. Maximum 4 persons, including children.
Services
The Motel Safari opened in 1959, designed and built by Chester Dohrer, an independent motel developer, using an architectural style known today as 'Googie' or 'Doo Wop.' Many of the original design elements are still very evident today, including the quirky geometric sign, oozing brick mortar and counter stacked bricks in the facade, square holes in the cinder block structures, and the metal cylinders with perforations that light up at night.
We're proud to show you the room first! Our guest rooms are tastefully decorated, well appointed and feature Sealy Posturepedic Pillowtop Mattresses, fine linens and fluffy towels. You'll love your stay! Owner/operator Larry Smith is almost always at the front desk to greet you upon arrival, along with his loyal sidekick, Sam.
The Motel Safari is known by Route 66 enthusiasts and frequent southwest travelers alike for its 'Squeaky Clean' rooms and 'The Best Beds on the Mother Road.' Our guests come back again and again - and for good reason. Get your zzz's on our plush SEALY POSTUREPEDIC pillow-top mattresses, with premium linens and hypo-allergenic down surround pillows.
Reviews (23)
Ginny E.
Jan 01, 2022
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Joseph Wheaton
Dec 30, 2021
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This was a fantastic little route 66 motel. The owner was very friendly and welcoming. The off season price was shockingly cheap. The remodeled rooms were tastefully done, but interestingly kept much of original decor, fixtures and such but just really well kept and maintained. I have a soft spot for these older motels where the owners clearly care and take pride in keeping these places up. Such a nice transition from all the souless chains. Room was quiet. Bed was comfy.
Sonja Bottiger
Dec 27, 2021
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Darren Wright
Dec 17, 2021
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Sue Geffen
Dec 07, 2021
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Perfect in everyway! Very clean, spacious, convenient, nicely updated rooms. Very comfortable bed and linens. Great attention to details. One note: Our bath was a step over/in tub.. so might not work for everyone. Be sure to ask as they may have rooms withother types. Everything is well maintained. Fun space inside and out. Nice staff. We really liked this motel. We felt safe, the price was fair, and there are several good restaurants nearby. Highly recommend.
Diane Slater
Nov 24, 2021
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Jj Three
Nov 04, 2021
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Super clean. Excellently maintained motel. Very well lit parking lot. A couple of parking ports available. Was great for my motorcycle. Larry was very friendly and accommodating, as I popped in for a stay. I'll get reservation next time. Larry suggests it, due to the town being a popular crossing point, for multiple directions of travelers.
Misty A.
Oct 06, 2021
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We are coming back to this little town just to stay at this Motel again. (and eat at the POW WOW). (and we are bringing our moms)
The attention to detail is incredible!!!! I was blown away by the feeling of nostalgia and although I wasn't born until the late 70's I appreciate every single detail and was really transported to a simpler time of the 60's. Larry the owner and his dog are both so sweet and we were enamored. My best friend and I could not stop "oohing and ahhing" at every little thing.
My favorite part was when we got into our cute little room and the radio
The attention to detail is incredible!!!! I was blown away by the feeling of nostalgia and although I wasn't born until the late 70's I appreciate every single detail and was really transported to a simpler time of the 60's. Larry the owner and his dog are both so sweet and we were enamored. My best friend and I could not stop "oohing and ahhing" at every little thing.
My favorite part was when we got into our cute little room and the radio
Jennie L.
Oct 04, 2021
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Road-tripping from Ohio to Arizona along Route 66, we were in need of 2 rooms with a rollaway bed or cot for one of the kids. I called ahead of time and was told they had a camping cot that could work if in a pinch but it would be tight- this was better than anyone else had to offer and we appreciated his honesty. Upon arrival, the lobby/office is absolutely adorable - very retro and cute. This neighborhood reminds me of Cars the movie. Turns out this stretch of highway is exactly what the movie was modeled after. They have a gift shop with reasonably priced merchandise that represents the area
April Clement
Sep 21, 2021
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Lisa Barron
Sep 07, 2021
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Very clean, comfortable beds! I highly recommend this motel! It is affordable and worth every single penny! The authenticity of the room decor is awesome! The owner was so personable. If you want the real experience of an amazing route 66 hotel then this is a must see! They have a king suite music room filled with the most awesome memorabilia.
The patio with the huge fire pit is awesome and so comfortable. We will be back! Great price for the stay!
hotel.. then this is where you need to go!
The patio with the huge fire pit is awesome and so comfortable. We will be back! Great price for the stay!
hotel.. then this is where you need to go!
Silvia G.
Aug 26, 2021
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This 1950s Motel is so so so adorable and reminds us of a great time in history ...Route 66... simpler times... awesome mid century decor:)
Super nice owner with adorable Boxer babes Sam.
I'm super happy we decided to eat at Pow Pow Lizard Lounge and stay the night in this clean cute friendly spot:) with stars above.
Super nice owner with adorable Boxer babes Sam.
I'm super happy we decided to eat at Pow Pow Lizard Lounge and stay the night in this clean cute friendly spot:) with stars above.
Laura V.
Jul 15, 2021
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Love this Route 66 Motel!
It's a true MCM gem. Hats off to the cleaning staff-our room was clean and cool and we felt safe while here.
MCM fans -this place is for you. The office is full of MCM decor as was our room. Everything was updated but also somehow keeping with the style. Great job with the artwork and furnishings!
Room: Each lamp had usb and plug in charging stations on the base-super handy. The air conditioning unit got the room icy cold which is what I need to sleep. Everything was tidy, clean and neat. We got to park "in a garage" which made my sons day. Comfy bed
It's a true MCM gem. Hats off to the cleaning staff-our room was clean and cool and we felt safe while here.
MCM fans -this place is for you. The office is full of MCM decor as was our room. Everything was updated but also somehow keeping with the style. Great job with the artwork and furnishings!
Room: Each lamp had usb and plug in charging stations on the base-super handy. The air conditioning unit got the room icy cold which is what I need to sleep. Everything was tidy, clean and neat. We got to park "in a garage" which made my sons day. Comfy bed
Texas
Jun 16, 2021
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This hotel is AMAZING!! The owner has done an outstanding job remodeling and you can see the care and effort in every detail! Rooms are clean, spacious, and the beds are divine. The 50s Route 66 theme runs throughout the motel, from the office to the nice outdoor sitting area with a fire pit. Ads from the 50’s surround this adorable social area. Music is even playing in your room on the retro radios when you come in your room. After a long drive it’s so easy to park right in front of your door, too! The owner and his dog Samantha couldn’t have been nicer! And to think I almost paid double
Sharon V.
Apr 08, 2021
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Kevin B.
Dec 19, 2020
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The owner definitely knows what he is doing. As someone who has stayed in dozens of motels across the country and loves small locally owned establishments, I can honestly say it's usually a gamble. This was one of the cleanest and most comfortable places I have ever been to. The owner stayed up late to meet me and check me in because I showed up later than expected, and the pillows were fantastic (which is usually my main source of agony when staying at any property).
If you love traveling and you love Route 66, this place is a no brainer!
If you love traveling and you love Route 66, this place is a no brainer!
Denise S.
Oct 21, 2020
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Aubrey S.
Oct 05, 2020
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What a stay! This place is wonderful, the owner is very attentive and has amazing attention to detail! Everything about this place is one of a kind, from the 50s doo wop playing when you walk in your room to the thoughtfulness of the owner and his cute dog Sam! It was very clean and met the COVID guidelines for safety. I not only recommend this place but cannot wait to stay again!
Jami A.
Sep 23, 2020
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Petrea B.
Apr 11, 2019
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Great welcoming on arrival
Showed rooms before confirming reservation.
Highly recommend stopping here your sure to be happy.
A real gentleman.
Motel was spotless.
Rooms were clean.
Beds cosy.
Pillows fine.
Great restaurant across the road.
The only thing missing was a fridge and laundry facilities. Ice available at reception and laundry three blocks away note closes at 6pm
Showed rooms before confirming reservation.
Highly recommend stopping here your sure to be happy.
A real gentleman.
Motel was spotless.
Rooms were clean.
Beds cosy.
Pillows fine.
Great restaurant across the road.
The only thing missing was a fridge and laundry facilities. Ice available at reception and laundry three blocks away note closes at 6pm
Teresa T.
Nov 25, 2018
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Teresa L.
Jul 07, 2017
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Super quaint Route 66 motel. Nostalgia in fine form with the luxuries of modern day...Sealy posturepedic pillow top bed with high thread count, quality linen. Heavy bath & hand towels. Flat screen & wifi.
Clean everything, carpet, bathroom, lobby & parking lot. Loved it. Yes, you can get a less expensive room but it won't be anything like this one. The owner turns on lights, a/c & walks you to your room. Friendly & helpful with restaurant recommendations & sights to see. Service not seen from days past. Beyond personal & charming. I highly recommend this retro
Clean everything, carpet, bathroom, lobby & parking lot. Loved it. Yes, you can get a less expensive room but it won't be anything like this one. The owner turns on lights, a/c & walks you to your room. Friendly & helpful with restaurant recommendations & sights to see. Service not seen from days past. Beyond personal & charming. I highly recommend this retro
Michael K.
Nov 18, 2015
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My wife and I stayed in the Wanda Jackson room here passing through town on a Friday night. Our room was large, comfortable and clean. We really enjoyed the artwork and memorabilia in the room as well.
No problem checking in. We got some dinner suggestions and tourist map before being shown to our room. Looked like only four or five guests staying this particular evening.
I didn't care much for the overly soft king size bed but still got a good night's sleep. The giant TV can only be viewed from the living room and not the bed. The front door was a little thin allowing in more road
No problem checking in. We got some dinner suggestions and tourist map before being shown to our room. Looked like only four or five guests staying this particular evening.
I didn't care much for the overly soft king size bed but still got a good night's sleep. The giant TV can only be viewed from the living room and not the bed. The front door was a little thin allowing in more road
