Jason V.
Yelp
Alright, so...if you want the ultimate Route 66 experience, you gotta stay in at least a few mom-and-pop motels on the Mother Road. That's just the unwritten rule for the "66" traveler. This was one of two that I stayed at in New Mexico (the other was the El Rancho Hotel - see review).
With mom-and-pop/independently-owned lodging places, don't expect fancy...or average. I consider myself more of a hotel chains kind of guy, like I want a hot breakfast and pool to go with my comfy bed and cable TV. At the Blue Swallow, you will get a comfy bed and cable TV - but with the old-fashioned experience. The room, as well as the bathroom, was small. And that's okay, because I knew what I was in for. Starting with the room, it had a few cool retro things such as a lamp made in Albuquerque several decades ago, plus a rotary phone that still works! It had an old-fashioned heater plus a little desk. I had a great sleep that night.
The exterior of the whole place is just awesome. It's no wonder it is known to be one of the most photographed places on Route 66. There are 12 units, and some of them have garages (mine didn't, which was fine) you can park your car in. There was also a laundry room, and outside every room was a small patio table and two chairs. It rained the day before, so it didn't do anyone good to sit outside (oh well!). I highly recommend walking around outside at night when everything is lit up.
There's a lot of history I can get into about the place, which dates back nearly 80 years! Built in 1942, during the prime of Route 66. It has changed hands many times, but arguably Lillian Redman was the most prominent owner as she owned it from the 1950s to the late 1990s. It is owned by a young couple today, and they were super nice and appreciative that I stayed with them. They made sure everything was in tip-top shape and that everyone enjoyed their stay. It was purchased by Rob and Dawn in 2020, moving into the place from Illinois. I got to chat with them for a bit, and I even bought some souvenirs from them.
It goes without saying, I highly recommend this place. Again, don't expect a lot of things you would expect from your typical hotel/motel chain. Definitely be sure to book plenty of time in advance, as rooms go just like that. It is also best to book your room straight from their website, as most third-party websites don't have Blue Swallow listed.