Photos of Roy’s Motel & Cafe in Amboy, California
Know Before You Go
To make the most of your visit to Roy’s Motel & Cafe in Amboy, California, here are some things to know before you go.
What are the hours of operation?
The gas station and gift shop typically open each morning around 8:00 am and close around 8:30 pm. The neon sign glows at night, giving you a great photo opportunity in the desert dusk.
Can you get gas there?
Yes, the gas station reopened in 2008 and still operates today, offering fuel (at a premium price due to its remote location). Ask inside the cafe for assistance. Try to fill up in Needles or Barstow.
Where can you park?
There is plenty of parking available near the cafe. You can park your car and explore everything in Amboy.
What souvenirs can you buy?
You can browse a gift shop stocked with Route 66– and Roy’s-branded merchandise, including mini versions of Roy’s neon sign, t-shirts, mugs, magnets, pins, keychains, and keepsakes. Cold sodas, including Route 66 sodas, are also available.
What should you photograph while visiting?
There are several photo-worthy subjects at Roy’s Motel & Cafe. Here are some popular subjects:
- the towering 50-foot Googie-style neon sign that features a rеd аrrоw-hеаd design, one of the most photographed signs on Route 66. Many travelers pull in and drive right up to the sign for a unique photo with their car.
- the motel’s mid-century lobby building and the abandoned cabins,
- the painted Route 66 shield on the roadbed in front of the station (watch for cars when stepping onto the highway for that perfect shot of the shield)
- The Albert Okura Mural and Monument celebrating the man who saved Amboy
- The Clothing Post
- Amboy Post Office across the street
What are the future plans for Roy’s?
Roy’s owners hope to reopen the cafe and six motel cottages by 2026 (Route 66’s centennial year). The goal is to restore full services without losing the site’s nostalgic 1950s charm.
Is this a popular Route 66 attraction?
Yes! Roy’s Motel & Cafe is one of the most visited attractions on Route 66. It is one of our picks for the Top 10 California Route 66 Roadside Attractions, 66 Route 66 Attractions Worth Pulling Over For, and 66 Most Instagrammable Spots on Route 66.
Where to Stay Near Roy’s Motel & Cafe
There are currently no operating hotels or motels in Amboy. Complete your travel itinerary and get a good night’s rest with a stay at one of these California Route 66 motels in nearby Needles.
Rio Del Sol Inn
Rio Del Sol Inn is a Needles motel designed for comfort and convenience. The property features an outdoor pool, cable TV, free high-speed WiFi, microwaves, mini-fridges, and coffee makers. The free parking lot can accommodate cars, trucks, and RVs and there’s an outdoor pool, a hot tub, and a steam room for guests to enjoy.
Best Western Colorado River Inn
The Best Western Colorado River Inn in Needles offers comfortable accommodations with convenient access to Route 66 and Interstate 40. This well-equipped hotel provides modern amenities, including an outdoor pool, hot tub, and complimentary breakfast, making it a great stop for travelers exploring the historic highway.
Attractions Near Roy’s Motel & Cafe on Route 66
Clothing Post in Amboy, California
