High Desert Route 66 Motels in California

The October 20th Victorville, Ca., Daily Press had an article titled "Mother Road Warriors: San Bernardino County's Route 66 motels offer a glimpse at the past" by Lara Hartley.

I especially found he "fond" memories of traveling with the family to be of interest. She said her family had a routine. Dad would drive until real late each night and then go into the motel office, talk with the clerk, and come out with a key to inspect the room. They would always go ahead and get out as they were always acceptable.

Her dad liked two rooms with a connecting door-- one for the four kids, and "one where he could escape those four kids after hours and miles on the road, who could blame him."

Her mom liked kitchenettes to prepare meals. Restaurants were not a problem as there was always a big supply of bologna sandwiches on white bread.

She talked about three old Route 66 motels on the High Desert Plains in that part of California.

WIGWAM in Rialto which has been completely remodeled and a real trip back to the 40s and 50s.

ROUTE 66 MOTEL in Barstow which has also been completely remodeled and the vintage cars outside give it the old feel. Owners Red and Mridu Shandil, however, are ready to retire after almost 25 years of ownership. Anyone want to buy a Route 66 motel?

DOWNTOWN MOTEL in Barstow also. A 1954 motel also serously remodeled by Pam and Don Patel who have owned for 15 years now.


MY DAD AND MOTELS

Lara's account of her family on the road reminded me of my own. I remember Dad always looking for the absolute cheapest place to stay (I guess this is where I get it from), even if that meant going to several or more places. We, of course, were really hoping for a place with a pool. Sometimes we got a pool, other times not.

The air was always charge with anticipation when he went in. Would this be the one or not? And we dared not complain or be too loud about it. This was back when Dad's had no problem with physical discipline.

"And the Smell in the Back Seat was..." from the movie "Vacation." --RoadDog