Blue Swallow Motel

Route 66 is famous for the bright neon signs that light up the way. And perhaps no neon sign on The Mother Road is more recognizable than the one at the Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari, New Mexico.

The Blue Swallow Motel was built in 1939 by carpenter W.A. Huggins. It opened soon after, around 1941, with ten rooms and a cafe (two additional rooms, bringing the room count to the 12 it has today, were added in 1948).

Many owners have operated this New Mexico Route 66 motel through the years. Ted and Marjorie Jones took over around 1944. In 1958, Floyd Redman purchased the property as an engagement present for his wife Lillian. The couple ran The Blue Swallow together until Floyd’s death in 1973. After, Lillian continued to run it on her own. In 1998 it was sold to Dale and Hilda Bakke, who worked on restoring the motel, including updating the electrical system, repairing the neon lights, and replacing the old monochrome TVs with modern color ones. In 2006, it was sold to Bill and Terri Kinder. In 2011, Kevin and Nancy Mueller. In 2020 it was again sold to Robert and Dawn Federico, who operate the motel today.

The L-shaped property winds around the main reception building (be sure to stop back in in the morning to buy a souvenir and get a cup of “the best coffee on Route 66” to enjoy on the patio set outside your room). The buildings features pink stucco walls embossed with seashell designs topped off with a stepped parapet. Of course, all of this is embellished with those touches of neon we all know and love.

Unlike most other classic drive-up motor courts where you park in front of your room, most of the rooms at The Blue Swallow are equipped with attached garages to pull in your car or motorcycle. But don’t worry, if you’re driving an oversized vehicle or are just not comfortable with the tight fit of the garage you can also park next to the main building.

What makes this historic motel most unique compared to many other classic hotels and businesses on Route 66 is that this is one of the longest continuously operated motels along the New Mexico stretch. While many others suffered after the faster I-40 was built and allowed travelers to speed past the smaller towns, Blue Swallow has never closed its doors. It’s always been a beloved and recognized New Mexico Route 66 motel, and was even listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1993.

While a stay at the Blue Swallow Motel in many ways feels like a step back in time you won’t have to worry about being deprived of modern amenities, with flat screen TVs, high-speed WiFi, and comfy beds in each room. It truly is one of the best hotels on Route 66, so book your stay today!

Those without reservations can still flock to the motel to take photos of the famous neon sign that has been immortalized on countless Route 66 guidebooks, magazines, prints, and postcards. Jutting out in front of the building is a geometric sign post topped with a neon blue bird declaring “Blue Swallow Motel,” “TV,” and “100% Refrigerated Air.” It says “Vacancy” too, though you will rarely see that part of the sign lit up. So if you want to make sure you get to spend the night, book well ahead.

For those who are staying the night you’ll be welcomed with warm hospitality, comfy beds, a touch of nostalgia, and a convenient location near everything you’ll want to see in Tucumcari.