Economy Inn

The popularity of the car exploded in the 1910s, and with it came the urge to go on road trips. Unfortunately, there was a 100- to 150-mile daily limit, which meant people had to set up systems to provide places for motorists to sleep and led to motels being invented.

From compact and cozy to large and lavish, there’s a motel to suit every traveler’s needs and preferences. Popular amenities span the gamut from in-room WiFi and high speed internet to casual come-as-you-are breakfast buffets and snack bars.

A common staple of many motels is the iconic neon sign. Thanks to the discovery of the noble gas in 1898 and the creation of the Geissler tube, road trippers could see from a distance if a motel had a room to spare or if there is No Vacancy in big and bright letters.

Did you know that a 1904 survey conducted in the United States reported that 93 percent of the 2,151,570 miles of road in the U.S. were unpaved? This was in the period prior to motels, where weary road travelers would simply pull over and camp for the night.

Motel rooms often have a door connecting separate rooms, making travel much more convenient and comfortable for larger families. This ensures there are plenty of beds while giving parents some much needed privacy from their kids.