Ellie Seymour's Book Maps Revamped Mid-Century US Motels

2 hours ago7 min read

In a delightful journey that feels like a cross-country road trip for the soul, Ellie Seymour’s new book meticulously charts forty mid-century motels across the United States that have been masterfully revived into contemporary boutique hotels, all while clinging fiercely to the nostalgic soul of their original eras. This isn't just a catalog of renovations; it's a love letter to the golden age of American road travel, a time when a neon sign glowing in the dusk was a beacon of adventure and a promise of a quirky, personal stay.Seymour’s work dives deep into the architectural quirks that defined these roadside oases—the soaring butterfly roofs, the kidney-shaped swimming pools, the sunken conversation pits, and the iconic, humming neon signs that have been meticulously restored to their former kitschy glory. She explores how modern proprietors are walking a delicate tightrope, weaving in today's essential amenities like high-speed Wi-Fi and artisanal mini-bars without sacrificing the tangible, sometimes slightly worn, charm of the past.It’s a design philosophy that resonates deeply in our current moment, a collective yearning for authenticity and tangible history in an increasingly digital and homogenized world. We’re not just looking for a place to sleep; we’re searching for a story, a connection to a simpler time of family vacations and spontaneous detours.Through interviews with the passionate owners and designers behind these transformations, Seymour reveals the painstaking efforts involved—sourcing original atomic-age furniture, matching long-discontinued wallpaper patterns, and preserving the unique, sometimes slightly crooked, character of each structure. The book serves as both a practical travel guide for the aesthetically-minded wanderer and a poignant commentary on preservation, asking us what we choose to save and why these particular slices of Americana are worth the fight. It’s a celebration of the mom-and-pop spirit triumphing over the bland uniformity of chain hotels, proving that with enough vision and care, the past can not only survive but thrive, offering a uniquely charming and deeply human alternative to the sterile sameness of modern hospitality.

#featured

#mid-century motels

#boutique hotels

#neon signs

#retro design

#Ellie Seymour

#travel guide

#architecture

#US travel

#preservation

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