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Blue Swallow Motel

Where: 815 E. Tucumcari Blvd. [map], Tucumcari, NM, United States, 88401

by smt | November 2, 2003 at 11:47 AM | 1 Comment

The Blue Swallow is a fixture on the old Route 66. The hotel itself has been around since around 1939, though new owners have been working on restoring it in the last few years. A great choice if you're driving through the southwest, and want that old road trip feel. A single room runs around $30 a night, but you get what you pay for - rooms are very small and can only be described as "quaint".

From what I saw, it was clean and well-loved by its owners. There were cheery flower beds when I came through at the beginning of the summer, the lobby is graced by a sleepy cat, and the rooms were tidy (but small!). Each room has its own garage, adding to the retro feel.

You're not going to get a mint on your pillow and a complimentary robe, but if you enjoy exploring a little recent American history it's a charming place to spend the night. It's the oldest continually run motel on Route 66, and it's still worth a visit.

[editor's note, by rusty] A couple years ago I drove about as much of Route 66 as it's still possible to drive, and if you've ever thought about doing it it's well worth the time. Get yourself a good guidebook though! Some of the old road is awfully hard to find. And if you do it, digging up little roadside hotels like this one is half the fun.

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  1. HENRY CAMPBELL

    HotelChatter Member
    May 22, 2007 at 11:48 AM




    Re: Blue Swallow Motel

    HI,My home is in Renfrew Scotland UK.I have for many years had an ambition to travel along the world famous Route 66.I am a retired trucker,
    have been to the USA a few tlmes in the past. This year my dream came true, along with my nephew,who was relocating,California to South Carolina, I did it!I40/Historic ROUTE 66.  
    The highlight of the trip was a stopover 4/26/07 at the BLUE SWALLOW TUCUMCARI NM. This Town and Motel are a real piece of history and the present managers Bill & Jerri are two of the most pleasant people I have ever met, they keep a first class establishment. The rooms may be small but they are comfortable and well kept and the surroundings are beautifull.Bill and I had a long discussion about R66 and the Blue Swallow. The added bonus for me.The Blue Swallow & Me.   Both born 1939.  I loved it.
     Henry(Harry)Campbell.                          

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