Jet Inn Motel

While you’re on the road, it’s good to take plenty of stops on your way to the motel to ensure you don’t suffer from road hypnosis, but avoid the convenience stores. Instead of the expensive snacks at the gas station, pack a cooler full of drinks and food. Not only will you have food for the road, but also for when you check in.

Did you know that the word “motel” is actually short for “motor hotel”? After World War II, motels referred initially to a type of hotel consisting of a single building of connected rooms, whose doors faced a parking lot.

Did you know that motel linens are pressed with a special iron called a mangle? The name comes from a catapult-like machine used to throw rocks. I guess they threw towels and sheets during a blanket bombardment.

If you know you will be arriving early, let us know. We do our best to accommodate you so you do not have to hang around with nothing to do. If you have other things to do, we will keep your bags safe while you take care of your business.

What did the U.S. look like before motels dotted the landscape? Before the Model T made car ownership within reach of a larger percentage of Americans in 1908, which began to trigger the building of motels, there were auto camps for the few vehicles - many horse-driven - on the roads. In 1904, there were more than 2.1 million miles of roads in the country, and more than 90 percent was unpaved.

Motels initially referred to a type of lodging that had one building with many rooms where all the doors faced the parking lot. In some cases there was a courtyard or common area. It could also be a series of cabins with common parking.

In the early hey-day of highway development, cars meant mobility. That new-found freedom along the American road system meant the motel could appear anywhere along the thousands of miles of freshly-paved highway and successfully cater to travelers.

What are the differences between hotels and motels? Motels are designed for the car traveler. They are usually one-story, with access from the parking lot and are located directly off the first highways and thoroughfares in the United States.

Some of the oldest motels were located among legendary Route 66. For example, “Route 66: The Mother Road” by Michael Wallis researched for 17 years before writing his book, and Michael Karl Witzel showcases amazing photo illustrations in “Route 66 Remembered.”

One of the great things about motels is that they are truly American. They first appeared in the United States, and the name became immediately iconic. Part of their popularity rests in the fact that they reflect Americans’ wanderlust and their love of travel, adventure, and their automobiles.

If you and your travel partner are looking for local fun, ask for recommendations at the front desk. We can direct you to local theater(s) or cinema(s), dining establishments, and other entertainment venues for your enjoyment.

In the post-WWII years, nearly all motels were owner operated or mom-and-pop businesses. These didn’t start to be replaced by chain and franchise motels until the 1960s.