1. Motel 6: Budget Friendly but Bare-Boned
Once known for its honest simplicity and famous line, “We’ll leave the light on for you,” Motel 6 was the go-to for budget travelers who just needed a clean bed. It felt safe, straightforward, and reliable. Over the years, though, things changed. Cost-cutting updates turned many locations into bare-bones, plastic-pillow rooms that lacked warmth. A reviewer said, “It felt sterile, like sleeping in a waiting room.” It’s still around, but it often feels more transactional than restful. That once-comforting light is still on, but it doesn’t quite glow the same anymore.
2. Howard Johnson’s: Orange Roofs and Vanilla Memories
You knew you were close to a Howard Johnson’s when you saw that bright orange roof from the highway. With 28 ice cream flavors and family-friendly vibes, it was a classic part of road trips in the ’70s and ’80s. Kids loved the novelty, and parents loved the reliability. Sadly, only one remains open today. “It’s like a ghost of happier road trips,” someone wrote online. That once-joyful stopover is now mostly a memory. For many, it wasn’t just a motel. It was the start of a good day on the road.
3. Travelodge: The Sleepy Bear Checked Out
Remember the Sleepy Bear mascot? It made Travelodge feel like a hug after a long ride. The rooms weren’t fancy, but they were clean, comfy, and just right for families on the go. Over time, though, updates slowed, and charm gave way to cheap fixtures and peeling signs. “It felt like a time capsule, and not in a good way,” one reviewer said. Though some locations still exist, they rarely live up to the inviting feel they once had. The bear may still be sleeping, but he’s definitely not smiling anymore.
4. Ramada Inn: A Familiar Name with a Forgotten Face
Back then, Ramada Inn was a reliable step up from the average roadside stop. It offered just enough luxury to make you feel like you’d treated yourself without spending a fortune. After being sold and reshuffled through several hotel groups, its presence faded. Many original properties were rebranded or fell behind on maintenance. “Feels like it’s pretending to be itself,” one review said. It’s still around, technically, but what made it warm and dependable has mostly faded. The sign might still say Ramada, but the experience often says something else.
5. Knights Inn: The Castle Crumbled
With its quirky castle logo and promise of royal treatment at budget prices, Knights Inn stood out on the road. It felt imaginative and different, perfect for kids dreaming of fairy tales and parents wanting affordable stays. As years passed, it couldn’t keep pace. Themed charm gave way to outdated furniture, worn linens, and fading signs. “Stayed for the nostalgia but got haunted house vibes,” someone wrote. Most have now closed or been absorbed into other chains. What was once a creative twist on roadside lodging is now mostly gone from sight.
6. Red Carpet Inn: No Longer a Star
Once, seeing the Red-Carpet Inn sign felt like a warm welcome. It was budget-friendly and dependable, a soft-landing spot for long-distance travelers. But times changed. Locations weren’t updated, the name got diluted, and newer travelers started looking elsewhere. “The red carpet’s been rolled up and forgotten,” said one guest online. Today, some still exist, but many are rundown or rebranded. That star treatment feel has faded, leaving just a shadow of the charm it once had. It’s like running into an old friend who somehow lost their spark.
7. Days Inn: Not Quite a Sunny Stay
Back in the ’80s, Days Inn felt optimistic. That cheerful sun logo promised rest, value, and a free breakfast in the morning. It was a staple for family road trips and weekend getaways. But many original locations have disappeared or been left to age without care. “It’s still shining, but it feels like dusk inside,” one guest joked. Today, it’s hit or miss. Some locations are refreshed, but others feel dated and tired. The sun is still on the sign, but it doesn’t always deliver the same kind of warmth anymore.
8. Econo Lodge: Cheap Sleep but Where’s the Comfort
Econo Lodge was perfect for no-frills travelers. Just a place to sleep, shower, and head out. For years, it filled that role well. But now, many locations feel more neglected than economical. Guests mention things like musty smells, noisy neighbors, and the thinnest towels ever. Sure, it’s still cheap, but the comfort is often questionable. “You get what you pay for,” someone shrugged in a review. It’s still functioning, but the experience isn’t quite the cozy budget stop it once was. These days, saving money might not feel worth it anymore.
9. Alamo Plaza Hotel Courts: A Classic That Couldn’t Compete
Alamo Plaza was a pioneer and the first real motel chain in America. With Spanish-style buildings and drive-up access, it shaped the early road trip experience. You could pull in, unpack, and relax with a view of the car. But by the late ’80s, newer competitors with flashier branding and better pricing pushed it aside. “Felt like staying in someone’s grandparent’s guest house in a sweet but outdated way,” said one nostalgic traveler. Now fully phased out, it’s a warm but distant memory of America’s original roadside spirit.
10. Best Western: Still Standing but Something Has Changed
Best Western made you feel cared for, like someone had actually thought about your stay. With its comfy rooms, loyalty programs, and traveler-friendly staff, it earned a solid spot in road trip culture. Today, the brand is still thriving, but many say it feels different. “It’s polished, but it lost the soul,” one review noted. Modern upgrades replaced the cozy charm with a more generic feel. It’s better on paper but doesn’t always feel better in person. The chain may have survived, but something nostalgic didn’t make it through the remodel.
This story 10 Motel Chains from the ’80s You Definitely Slept in and What Happened to Them was first published on Daily FETCH
