El Rancho Motel (Demolished)
Mesa, AZ Photo courtesy Tony Craig
This unique sign for the El Rancho Motel in Mesa still
advertises the motel's family rates and pool.
UPDATE 04/17 : The El Rancho Motel is now gone. The motel was demolished in 2014 with the El Rancho Apartments taking its place. Another Mesa roadside delight is now a memory. 04-17
Buckhorn Baths Motel
Mesa, AZ Photo courtesy Tony Craig
Here's a nice neon sign for the Buckhorn Baths Motel,
one of the roadside motels found off the main drag in Mesa. The young
buck character can be seen peeking up over the top of the marquee.
The motel is one of the city's iconic landmarks. The place was built in 1936 as a gas station and trading post, serving travelers coming up the main drag of town. Owners Ted and Alice Sliger added a bath and rooms when a hot springs was discovered in 1939. Eventually, the Buckhorn Baths was transformed into quite a tourist trap with a wildlife museum featuring 400+ taxidermied animals. In fact, professional baseball teams used to stay here, enjoying the pampering and healing of the hot spring waters.
UPDATE 11/10 : Buckhorn Baths owner Alice Sliger passed away in November 2010 at the age of 103. Sliger had lived at the property up until 6 months ago. See this article for more info. 11-10
UPDATE 04/15 : Unfortunately a deal that would have transferred ownership to the City of Mesa has died. Mesa voters had approved a multi-million dollar bond package to purchase and preserve this treasure. Word is that Mesa and relatives of the Sliger's could not reach an agreement The fate of the Buckhorn Baths is now unknown. See this article for more info. 04-15
Check out this old motel in Bowie, AZ which is home to the Home on the Range Motel. The Home on the Range Motel features Geronimo's Gift Shop though the sign panel itself is completely empty. The motel is located off HIghway 86 and the shop features many of the wares of different southwestern Indian tribes. 03-06
Home on the Range Motel
Bowie, AZ Photo courtesy Gorb70
Home on the Range Motel
Bowie, AZ Photo courtesy Gorb70
Horseshoe Motel
AZ Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
The Horseshoe Motel in Arizona tries to lure in roadside
tourists with its flashy colors and interesting marquee.
Hiway Host Motel
Mesa, AZ Photo courtesy Tony Craig
Here's another marquee found in Mesa. The Hiway Host Motel features a name that's somewhat commonly found as you travel the roadside.
This sign will do the Hiway Host name proud with its colors and prominent starburst on the top of the sign. The palm trees on site also add to the look. The Hiway Host appears to date back to the 1950's or 60's.
Benson Motel Marquee
Benson, AZ Photo courtesy Larry Glass
Featuring quite an interesting marquee, the Benson Motel in
where else but Benson, AZ is still open for business along the main route
through town. This is one of the first motels in the US, built in the
1920's. The sixteen rooms have carports right next to them and is still
being used today.
Benson Motel Photo and info courtesy Bob Jagendorf
UPDATE 04/09 : To the right is a close-up look at the marquee for the Benson Motel in the town of Benson. The little auto on top of the marquee is still intact. 04-09
UPDATE 09/17 : The Benson Motel was demolished in April 2017. Unfortunately, the motel became neglected and was determined to be a blight and eyesore to the city. 09-17
Buckhorn Baths Motel
Horseshoe Motel
Hiway Host Motel
Benson Motel Marquee
Benson Motel
