Motels in Missouri

Zeno's Motel Rolla, Mo. A Route 66 institution for many years, Zeno's offers indoor and outdoor pools, a restaurant, gift shop, banquet facilities and a lounge. Very nice rooms. AAA approved. One caveat: If you're planning to book a room on a weekend, ask if there are any weddings or other events scheduled for the same night as your reservation. If there are, request a room in another part of the motel. We were there one Saturday evening when an extremely intoxicated wedding party that was staying in our wing decided to run up and down the hall all night, screaming, laughing, and pounding on our door over and over until well after 3 a.m. I called the front desk, but the obnoxious behavior persisted. The motel itself is lovely, but the other guests definitely weren't. Worth a visit, but not on a weekend. For more information, call (573) 364-1301.

Vernelle's Motel Newburg, Mo. Dating from the early 1940s, Vernelle's is a classic Route 66 survivor. Not a lot of amenities, and the mattresses are a little spongy, but the rooms are clean and cute, and staying there is like stepping back in time to the 1960s. Very inexpensive. Worth a stop. Located right next door to the famous John's Modern Cabins. The historic sign at Vernelle's was repainted in 2003 by members of Friends of the Mother Road. For reservations, call (573) 762-2798.