Blue Swallow Motel

Great stop if you like following Route 66. Blue Swallow was owned by the same woman for 40 years, and kept it in 40-50's mode. Hail two years ago knocked out the beautiful neon lighting. It has now been replaced, and is magnificent. Rooms are period style- old rotary dial phone. No community breakfast, but there is coffee and snack bars. Now, Robert is running this place, with lots of stories of the history of this unique lodge.

Had my third stay a few days ago. Still my favorite place to stay on Route 66. Rob and Dawn are excellent, hands on hosts. The neon is great and I always enjoy how other guest come outside after dinner to visit and listen to the music. Rooms are always clean and a true throwback to another era. And Rob makes a great cup of coffee!

The Blue Swallow is a beautiful motel with a classic theme that feels like walking into a time machine. Offering all the amenities one could want in a modern motel (wi-fi, TV, laundry, microwave, and fridge are all available in either the rooms or the lounge) while also keeping it's classical roots (period appropriate furniture, lighting, and working rotary phones). In addition to waking up to a good cup of coffee being available, the owners also provided good travel advice and recommended another motel in West New Mexico as my next stop for the night which was very helpful. Come for the neon, stay for the hospitality. This place is a labor of love of the owners and it shows.

We throughly enjoyed our experience at The Blue Swallow Motel. We were on a two week road trip that involved parts of old Route 66 and some National Parks. Robert and Dawn are doing some amazing things there with the property. The vintage vibe was perfect. We were in room #1. To think about all the souls that have stayed in that room was quite enticing. The hopes and dreams traveling out on the road. To quote Jack Kerouac, "So shut up, live, travel, adventure, bless, and don't be sorry". Thank you Blue Swallow.

So WONDERFUL! 66 year old traveler on Route 66. The Blue Swallow Motel is absolutely wonderful. So clean, so pretty, so historic, so comfortable. I lived it up in the Suite, and it was so precious. You will not be disappointed; I promise. Fair price, Beautiful quiet, convenient. Thank you for this experience.|Hugs from LTC Jake Linehan

One of the most iconic stops of our Route 66 trip. Book early and then enjoy! It was like time travel. The rooms were extremely clean and comfy. Probably the best nights sleep we had on the entire trip. The beds were great, the room was quite and peaceful and simple but nostalgic. The owners/hosts could not have been nicer or more accomadating. The owner took you personally to your room and showed you all around the property. Who does that??? The attached garages to the motor court were just adorable. You felt like you were staying in a motel like in the Cars Movie.

If you’re traveling Route 66, definitely stay overnight at the Blue Swallow. It is a vintage motel that is well maintained, comfortable, and clean. Robert and Dawn are excellent hosts! Robert also makes a VERY GOOD cup of coffee. I cannot say enough good things about their hospitality.

We really enjoyed our nights stay at the Blue swallow motel , quirky, unique a real step back in time, the neon signs in the evening makes for a lovely setting . The Owners were a great couple friendly, welcoming, & informative. We loved how you could walk over in the morning to help yourself to a brewed coffee or tea from the reception come shop before we continued on our journey ... many thanks for a great stay 👍✨️💯😊

Another Historic Route 66 motel sign. Although we viewed it from the road I believe you can still stay here. The outdoor area is decorated like it is the 1950's or 60's so very photo worthy. Worth the quick stop for the nostalgic feels.

Cutest motel with retro decorations, lots original. One of the nicest check-in people in the world. Garages next to each room so able to lock up bikes etc. Iconic.

This is a historic motel and has been operating since the 1940's. We didn't stay here but it is pretty cool to visit.

It looks like very cute place-but the night we were going to check in it Watermain had broken and we were unable to stay. The owner was very apologetic and even recommended other places for us to stay. I'm not sure how to rate it but it was darn cute so I'll give it a five.

This roadside motel was highly recommended by my brother. I checked in at 3pm and got a tour of the property by Robert, who was very accommodating and helpful. Learned about the history of the motel, etc. the room was comfortable, warm and clean. It was a Sunday night and some of the restaurants were closed. Robert recommended a local authentic Mexican restaurant which was also good and laid back. Later when the sun sets, the whole block lights up in neon which was fun to observe. In front of each room there are chairs and tables you can sit and enjoy the neon and night sky, along with some period correct music. I thought I was back in the 50s-60's until I heard a Covid vaccine commercial . My room had a mural of Easy Rider in the garage - only fitting since my travel was a return trip from a memorial service of a high school buddy who was a biker in his youth. Good vibes here and I'd do it again. There is really nothing in town - stay for the neon nostalgia experience. The bathroom is small but works...

I am currently driving across the country from AZ to OH because we are moving, and this was our first stop of the week. The Blue Swallow is SUCH an adorable little motel. Robert greeted us when we got there and gave us a tour of the place after showing us our room, and he included some history about the motel. The rooms were very clean and well-kept. I really enjoyed staying here and would highly recommend this place!

We travelled Route 66 this summer over the course of 18 days (including the Grand Canyon). Of all of the places we stayed, Blue Swallow was by far my favorite! I highly recommend staying here when you're in the area or taking Route 66. Everything about the motel and the owners made me feel like I was traveling Route 66 in the 1950s. I was magically transported to the heyday of Route 66 the instant I stepped onto the property. The rooms are adorable and retro furnished. The neon lights and evening vibe cannot be beat! We bought some bottled pop/soda along the way on Route 66 and we spent a nice evenings outside relaxing with them at Blue Swallow. I would give them a 10 star review if possible. Make reservations early. The price is more than reasonable! Tucumcari is also a cute town and the motel owners are more than happy to give you suggestions on things to do and see. You have to check this place out!

Cute quaint little stop for us! Loved the people, the decor, the music, the neon lights and the friendliness of the owner!!! We will stop by anytime we come through without our pet, as that is the ONLY drawback for us staying here every time. Just a cool spot everyone should visit when passing through Texas/NM! I wish we had known about it years prior when staying off the Highway each time we passed through, just never occurred to us. The town should put better signage up for the small LOCAL OWNED mom/pop places and not just the corporations you see from the highway. What a cool strip!

This is the best motel in Tucumcari. I think it's the best motel period on old route 66. I have stayed here many times over the years going to and from skiing/vacationing in Santa fe. We always get here really late and leave really early in the morning and I never had a chance to get some great pics till today as I made it my destination. I'm not really a fan of Tucumcari but i'm really a fan of this motel. And when I get sleepy in the middle of my drive again in the future, this is where I will stay again, as always. For me, it's the only place to stay in Tucumcari. Highest Recommendations.

Very clean accommodations. Wonderful customer service. Careful of the kids going to each room asking for alcohol. Complimentary coffee and snacks ready in office right when I woke up. The decor is wonderful. The A/C worked great. Plenty of hot water, never got cold. Price was good for what you got.

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.

This has to be greatest motor lodge anywhere great super clean and large rooms the ownrrs are the most kindest people we have ever met also they have a sweet dog a must to visit when your here

Awesome stay at a vintage motel. Clean, well designed room, comfortable bed. Awesome owners and cool spot to stay.

We coasted into Tucumcari while on a cross-country drive. It was a cool January evening. We pulled up under the warm neon glow, and immediately the proprietor greeted us and encouraged my photo taking of our vintage convertible under the motel's beautiful vintage sign. The motel's individual entries and garages, laid out in a cute "L" pattern, make for a community feel even in the offseason, chairs flanking our room's entry, all awash in neon glow. Our stay in Tucumcari was relatively brief, but we enjoyed conversation with the front desk, our delightfully vintage (and clean!) room, and the personality and warmth that's often absent from a vintage chain. If you can make the detour from the interstate and stay in Tucumcari, stay here and enjoy some warmth and tranquility. We bought a mug and a magnet in the shop. We told our friends about the wonderful vintage motel and will be back on our next drive.

We have traveled this road a few times, and always said we should stay here sometime. Well, sometime finally happened! And it happened to be on a road trip, on our anniversary. The best stay ever! The owner welcomed us and showed us to our room, the Queen deluxe room. Fabulous! Chenille bedspread, period lamps, a free standing rub, and even a working rotary 40s telephone. One of the best things about staying here was the hospitality. We had a great conversation and coffee with the owner. It is just the best place ever. Of course I had to have several souvenirs.

Robert was super helpful, gracious and enthusiastic about his property. We had done a quick search about where to stay and this motel popped up in a an article about cool places to stay on Route 66. He and his wife have only owned this place for about 6 months (started during COVID lockdown). He gave us a tour of 3 rooms to select from, and mentioned the heating in each room, when I said I like a cool room, he immediately told me which one to choose. The shower is small and the toilet is low, but hey - all original. There is a bit of noise from the neighbors (were they bowling in there??) - anyway we always travel with white noise. The pillows were GREAT!! It was a real authentic time warp with the authentic 1950's lamps and furniture. Cost of the room was approx. $90ish. We even bought the mug!

I've stayed at hundreds of motels in my lifetime. This motel is the above and beyond the best motel I have ever experienced. The owners are incredible and the love they've put into the Blue Swallow is evident from the sweet courtyard, the MOST COMFY BED, the beautiful decor! The atmosphere they've created is perfect, the vintage tunes streaming while sitting outside at night in the vintage chairs, chatting with the other guests while taking in the rt.66 vibe is unparalleled. I've never seen soooo many happy guests!! I live 8 hrs from here but I'll be back for sure! This place is THE BEST

This is the coolest Motel I have ever stayed at. My wife and I are on a 3 month trip across the country so we have stayed in a ton of motels and hotels all over the lower 48. This is by far our favorite place we've stayed in anywhere in the country. We were walked to our room by the owner and shown everything and the history behind it. The room was comfy and really well priced. The whole area is filled with so much Americana you wont want to leave!

Is there anything to say about this place that hasn't been said already?  Nope.  It's AMAZING - the absolute gold star of lodging.  We stayed in room 11 on 6/20/2021.  I had originally booked an earlier date, but had to reconfigure our road trip, and Dawn was helpful getting me rescheduled. The owners are super awesome and give you a history lesson while introducing you to the property. They've got a utility room in the middle of the property with a vintage refrigerator (forgot her name), a microwave and an ice maker, as well as a washer/dryer for $5/load. The room was a literal time capsule with the original local furniture and fixtures.  I've never showered in a step-down stall before!  There are glider rockers and tables and chairs for each room to encourage guest interaction, which we thoroughly enjoyed.  The bed was comfortable and the room impeccably clean.  It's the only property I've stayed at that had colored towels - blue. :) We drank in the atmosphere until the very last minute and shed a few tears when we checked out.  I was absolutely floored the next night down the road when I put my nightgown on and it smelled like the Blue Swallow's bedding. We're absolutely coming back! Grade:  A

A great themed motel on Route 66! Owner was very welcoming and helpful. A lot of work and detail went into this motel to give you a true Route 66 experience! A must see and stop!

Stay here. Bypass the monotonous chains near the highway and stay here instead. The owners have put a lot of effort into preserving this gem. Sadly most of the Route 66 towns are long gone but here and there, as is the case with the Blue Swallow, glimpses of their glory days can still be found. We only stayed for one night but it felt like longer, and it wasn't as strangers in a motel but felt more like a vacation with old friends. I've been all over the world and nothing beats the charm of places like this. Slow down, book this place ahead of time, and share a coffee and a story with the owners. You'll be glad you did. Tell Robert that Joshua & Danielle sentcha. "On a journey."

I travel the entire country ( all of the lower 48 ) for work and for some reason I decided to steer off I40 for a change and try out a mom & pop hotel. I'm Diamond members with almost every major hotel chain out there so I wasn't expecting much out of a very small place on the dying rt 66. Let me just tell ya my mind was blown away by this Blue Swallow motel. First off Robert went out of his way to make me feel @ home & even though I was in my 45ft motorhome he made a place for me to park the monster for the night. He put me in room 5 way off in the corner and @ first glance I'm like wow this is tiny because most of the suites I stay in the bathrooms are bigger than this entire room I had. The location really does take u by surprise and it takes u back in time to when things were so much simpler. I loved the bed ( super plush ) all the nick nacks made this stay so awesome for me. Seeing all the neon @ night as well as the old time music playing outside just does something to your soul. It really was super relaxing. I walked down the street for dinner and really did enjoy all the scenery this little town still has to offer. My one and only complaint & it's really just a personal thing is the walls are extremely thin so u hear Everything from your neighbors. Honestly that isn't Roberts fault it's just the way the location is setup. I honestly hate the fact that most of 66 is dying a slow death and it really is nice to see this place surviving the way it is. The night I was there it was packed out. I will for sure be back for another nights stay.

Great place! My favorite place to stay in Tucumcari. Looking forward to staying there again.

Great place, definitely has the cool factor! Owners are great hosts and they do make a great cup of coffee! The rooms are small but that's how it was back then, it's all apart of the nostalgia. Cute decor, the neon lights, it's worth the stop! Think the only thing I would suggest is a little tending to the gardens, it would definitely make this place even more attractive!

This was an experience of the old Route 66. My husband and I have done Route 66 in sections. This past week the section we did was from ABQ to Tucumcari. It was no coincidence that we stayed here, as it was one of the most anticipated motels on our list. When we arrived, we realized we came a day early and the owners (husband and wife) were so accommodating and helpful, and set us up with a nice queen room. We ended up staying 2 nights and it was the best experience! The motel is nostalgic of the old Americana years. It is restored beautifully with modern amenities without taking away the charm of the olden days. A lot of the furniture in the room are originals from the 1930s. Robert and Dawn are gracious hosts, and make coffee every morning with to-go cereal bars and cookies. Their story is inspiring, and one of the reasons we love meeting people along Route 66. They are so friendly, and cheerful. It just completes the amazing experience for us. We would recommend this motel to everyone! Now onto the motel. You're paying for the high quality stay with neighborly hosts. The bed is very comfortable, quiet, shower is hot, nice fresh towels and a personal-ness that cannot be replicated at big chain properties. You are also paying to support a local business, and in return you get the evocative Route 66 experience. You can park your car near the original garages that were once made for guests!

Our second stay at Blue Swallow, and our first with new owners. They show the same love of the Blue Swallow, and make everyone feel welcomed and at home. Everything is immaculate, beautifully preserved, and just wonderful. This is not the Ritz but, who cares? This is true history and true Americana. If you are passing through, skip the chains and take a step back in time to a simpler and carefree time! We loved it and will return every time we have the chance.

1939 nicely restored little place. Not many modern touches like fridge and hair dryer but a great place none the less. Comfortable bed, nice AC/heat with WiFi and small tv. Vintage furnishings and plenty of neon at light. Rooms had garages, awesome, and most had wall murals. Bathroom had all original small porcelain fixtures and tiny shower, down to the rubber stopper. Everything nice clean and worked fine...makes you remember better 'olden' times and how spoiled we are now a days. I travel a lot and this is the only place where the owner checked us in, then took us on a tour of the property, gave us the history of the place (down to the furniture in our room) and walked us to our room; great touch. Laundry, fridge and ice all in a public area, has small gift shop in the lobby and coffee always on. Step back in time and out of the chains. Great stay.

By far the best spot in Tucumcari the owners are by far the best on all of Route 66 one the best stays we have had in years anywhere

On a long I-40 roadtrip, my timing was good for sunset photos in Tucumcari, New Mexico. Plenty of iconic neon displays here. I exited onto US 66 downtown, and began scouting for photo ops. The Blue Swallow had promise, so I stopped. Owners Rob & Dawn are very warm & welcoming, and their giant black Lab likes strangers! Too bad I'm just Tom Joad rolling down the Mother Road, what's left of it. Seems a few attractions here in Tucumcari are boarded up, like a lot of places across USA now. Rob invited me to look at the rooms, take photos. Thanks! I returned the favor by selecting some of the very nice Blue Swallow merchandise in the office. Since I couldn't stay, I'd help a bit with cashflow. I wish I could have surveyed which businesses remain open in town. You can sit and relax at the Swallow, but they provide cruiser bicycles for guests, a Tour de Tucumcari is a must. Only 13 rooms here, max occupancy 2 to 5, depending on which rooms available. 6 rooms are rated 2 occ, with a queenbed Room #4 is 3 occ, a queen, + a small bed 3 rooms are 4 occ, double full size beds 2 Family Suites 5 max occ, 2 queens 1 sofa pullout bed Finally, Room #13 "Lillian Redman Suite" ( former owner ) 2 occ, with upgraded features. See their YouTube channel "Blue Swallow" to view the restoration. Book online at major sites, or on the Blue Swallow site, or just call the office!

An iconic motel on Route 66, The Blue Swallow is a must-stay! Affordable, extremely well kept and clean, and covered parking for most rooms all make this a great place to spend the night. But the bright neon lights, 50s music playing in the courtyard, working rotary phones, vintage furniture, and view of Mesa Tucumcari all make the stay a thoroughly charming one. To top it all off, owners Rob and Dawn live on site and are a pleasure and their love and enthusiasm for The Blue Swallow is undeniable. I can't recommend a stay here enough!

I stayed here, during our Route 66 road trip, place was nice, neat, and took me back to the glory days of Route 66. Owner Robert and Dawn was very hospitable and showed us the ambiance. Gave us tips where to eat and where to ride out motorcycle for some great views. They let me cleaned and parked in front of the hotel too. I cannot say enough good things about this place and how the owners made our stay a very memorable one. Price is great, place is great, everything was great!

Great Nostalgic Motel and definitely worth driving out a little extra past Albuquerque to stop here for the night. Owner is very friendly and knowledgeable. The perfect stop of vintage Route 66 motels is what you're looking for.

I can't even say enough good things about this place. It was my absolute favorite on our road trip. Go back to a simpler time. The nostalgia and originality this place has to offer is amazing. If you have a deep appreciation for Route 66 and neon, this is a must stop. You won't regret it. Not to mention, the hospitality you receive here is phenomenal.

STAY HERE if you can. It's an amazing blast from the past. Each room is unique and totally retro. The lamps were one of my favorite! Sitting out in the court enjoying our beverages under the full moon was so great. The owners are super friendly too.

Best place for nostalgia and a personal touch! Great place and people. Cozy and entertaining.

Superb motel. A must place to stay and experience if you are doing the Route 66 road trip! Book ahead of time as they have limited spots. If j remember it correctly, his name was Bob who was at the front desk and the lady who checked as in was Dana (?) Both were very accommodating.

Blue sallow motel is beyond just an iconic Route 66 stop. Robert and dawn, the new owners were absolutely fantastic! They were so attentive and made sure we were comfortable, content and happy! The atmosphere of the motel is true to the 50's style is it kept in, from Louis, the 79 year old community fridge to the phones in the rooms! I can not recommend this place more!

Tucumcari, New Mexico --- The "Blue Swallow Motet" (aka car court) is one of the most renovated Route 66 success stories. The owners "Nancy" & "Kevin" brought this motel back to life since purchasing it in 2011. They are people with great business skills & super-riffic personalities. Stay at the "Blue Swallow" & go back in time. The neons, the bathrooms, the rotary telephones & more take you back to a simpler time. The colorful retro lawn chairs lining the exterior, the vintage auto & the murals throughout provide an atmosphere hard to beat anywhere along Historic Route 66. The "Blue Swallow" is a "Run-A-Way Bill" Favorite Route 66 experience. "Run-A-Way Bill" was here! (& will return) p.s. you will need mosquito spray if you wish to enjoy sitting outside at night ... they ate me up! 06.11.18

Listen. If you're want an original Route 66 motel this is the one to stay at. There are a few to choose from, but trust me, you want this one. The owners, Robert and Dawn were nothing short of great! I have never received such helpful service from a motel owner. He made the stay fun and exciting. The decor is amazing and the property is kept clean. The rooms were incredibly comfortable and clean. Complementary coffee, tea, and hot chocolate! We had an incredible time.

Freezing temperatures outside but we were so cozy in our room with a fireplace. The owners Robert and Dawn have done a fabulous job with The Blue Swallow. I travel for a living and have been to over a thousand hotels. The hospitality and thoughtfulness was perfect! Can't wait to go back in the summer and explore some more!

Vintage motels can be a crap shoot, but this one is legitimate! Vintage rooms, including bathrooms, but very well and lovingly maintained. Extremely clean. The owners are extremely friendly and informative. They love their jobs and it shows in the way they take care of each guest. Highly recommended.

We enjoyed our spur of the moment stay at the iconic Blue Swallow Motel. Traveling I-40 eastbound we found ourselves in need of a place for the night in Tucumcari. We were not wanting to stay near the interstate because of traffic noise. Thankfully we found this jewel. Loved the personal service and comfortable, clean accommodations. Had a quiet night's rest, morning coffee and hot tea in the lobby and a great visit with the owner.

Americana at its finest. Owners have recreated a bit of yesteryear. Rooms are small but comfortable. Outdoor patio chairs are fun and conducive to visiting with other guests. If you need amenities like free breakfast, in room coffee, and 100 channels of nothing, not for you. But if you like quaint and historic you will good to go. We plan trips to include staying at this place.

Love love love this place!! They are very clean, welcoming, kind and warm. The owners are so sweet! After we got all settled in, there were some other guests by the fire pit. We sat by the fire pit al night and then headed to bed. The owners are so accommodating! Next time I'm in this area, I'm staying here!!

This was the perfect place to my near end of my road trip. When you pull into the parking lot off of Route 66, you feel like you have been in a time warp. Everything instantly feels more calm and relaxed. The owner walks you to your room, breaks down everything, let's you know that he has a couple Golden Retrievers that may be in the office in case that bothers peeps,(It didn't bother me, in fact I played with them for a good 10 minutes)and gives great tips on where to grab a bite to eat. The hotel is a no frills vintage kind of place. There are awesome murals on the inside of the garages and probably the best neon sign on the entire highway. The place is great for picture taking. The best part was sitting outisde of the room on old vintage lawn furniture and chatting with the neighbors. I'm generally anti-social by nature but there was something very relaxing and small town like about the whole experience. Oh and there is free wifi for those pesky teenagers that may be accompanying you. Cheaper than the chains and a hell of lot most personal service. You actually feel good about spending your money at a place like this. So gas up the car and get your kicks on Route 66!

Awesome motel, the rooms are awesome with original tile , the owners are super kind did informative as boot the motel history. The courtyard is set up wonderfully and the neon signs at night bring you to the memories of the days of new. I recommend this as a must stay when traveling through. The music outdoors is the best !!!!

Staying here is definitely a worthwhile experience . The owners have done a wonderful job remodeling this iconic motel. Comfortable stay.

Hands down the best experience I have had at ANY hotel/motel! The owners are SO amazingly sweet and they truly do care about their guests and it shows. They have also done an incredible job of preserving the property and it truly feels like you are back in the 1940s on Route 66! Can't wait till I am able to come back and stay longer. Thank you Nancy and Kevin for being so wonderful and welcoming me like I was one of your own!

I stayed here during a cross country move and will absolutely be back one day! The owners were SO friendly, gave great history and information about the motel and the area. The rooms were clean and comfortable. And the entire vibe is just amazing. A++++++ love staying here.