The Palms Motel
Portland, OR
Photo courtesy Jeff Raber

The day shot of The Palms Motel shows the various googish colors on this well kept up sign. The sign itself is enormous. The motel, which has been around since 1954, is known for the huge neon sign with a palm tree and climbing monkey to boot.

I've always enjoyed standing beneath the sign and listening to the steady buzz of the neon transformers overhead. Looking up at all that glowing tubing, it's easy to appreciate the craftsmanship that went into creating such an over-the-top welcome for passing motorists. They simply don't build motel signs like this anymore.

Opened in 1954 along old U.S. 99W, The Palms has greeted generations of travelers arriving in Portland. While the motel itself has changed over the years, that unforgettable marquee continues to steal the show. Between the soaring palm trees and the famous monkey climbing toward the top, it's one of those signs that makes you smile every time you see it.

UPDATE: The Palms Motel remains open, although plans have been approved to eventually redevelop the property into apartments. Thankfully, the iconic neon sign is slated to be preserved and restored as part of the future project. 07-26

Siesta Motel (Gone)
Portland, OR
Photo courtesy Jeff Raber

The Siesta Motel stood among the long line of motels that once welcomed travelers along Portland's Sandy Boulevard. Its bright red and yellow marquee was hard to miss, adding a splash of color to one of the city's classic roadside strips.

Like so many independent motels, the Siesta changed names over the years as ownership and the neighborhood evolved. Even so, the old marquee remained a familiar sight for motorists passing through, reminding travelers of an era when colorful signs competed for attention along the highway.

Today, only photographs preserve the Siesta's roadside personality. It's another reminder of how quickly these old motels can disappear, taking their unique signs with them.

UPDATE: The Siesta Motel is long gone. It appears that a Value Inn is now situated where the Siesta once was. 04-17

UPDATE: The former Siesta Motel was later known as Briarwood Suites and Portland Value Inn before closing. The motel has since been demolished, and the site is being redeveloped for affordable housing. Its colorful marquee is gone. 07-26

Chieftain Motel (Closed)
Bremerton , WA
Photo courtesy John Spencer

The Chieftain Motel once caught your eye with its distinctive roadside sign, topped by a colorful sunburst that gave it a little extra flair. It was the kind of design that reminded you when motel owners weren't afraid to add a bit of personality to their marquees. 01-08

Located along National Avenue, one of the historic routes into Bremerton, the Chieftain welcomed travelers for decades. At the time this photo was taken, the motel still retained much of its mid-century character, including the memorable sign out front.

Not long afterward, the property entered a new chapter. Around 2015, the motel was renamed the Bremerton Inn, and with the change came a more modern look. The roadside sign was modified, and the distinctive front office that once gave the property much of its character was replaced.

UPDATE: The former Chieftain Motel now operates as the Bremerton Inn. While the motel remains open, the original Chieftain identity has disappeared, and its once-distinctive roadside sign has been altered. 07-26

Kay's Motel
Hazel Dell, WA
Photo courtesy Jeff Raber

The Kay's Motel has the kind of sign that instantly transports you back to the golden age of roadside travel. Between the sweeping boomerang outline and the oversized "TV" lettering, it's a wonderful example of the eye-catching motel signs that once lined Highway 99. 01-08

Located in Hazel Dell just north of Vancouver, Kay's Motel has been welcoming travelers for decades along the old highway. The motel itself is fairly modest, but the marquee is anything but. Its playful mid-century design was built to grab the attention of passing motorists, and it still does a great job today.

It's becoming harder to find signs like this that remain where they were originally built. Fortunately, Kay's has managed to hold onto one of the better survivors, making it a favorite stop for anyone who appreciates vintage roadside architecture.

UPDATE: Kay's Motel remains open along old U.S. Highway 99. Its distinctive boomerang-shaped roadside sign continues to be one of southwest Washington's best surviving examples of classic motel signage. 07-26

City Center Motel
Cottage Grove, OR
Photo courtesy Dave & Debra van Hulsteyn

The City Center Motel has all the ingredients of a classic roadside motel sign. Bright colors, a bold design, and a big red arrow leave little doubt about where travelers are supposed to turn. 03-06

Located along old Highway 99 in Cottage Grove, the motel still recalls the days when colorful marquees competed for the attention of motorists passing through town. The pink and maroon sign is distinctive enough on its own, but it's the oversized arrow that really steals the show, guiding visitors toward the office just as it has for decades.

It's encouraging to find motels like this that have managed to hang onto their original roadside identity. While so many vintage signs have disappeared, this one continues to brighten Highway 99 and serves as another reminder of the golden age of roadside travel.

UPDATE: The City Center Motel remains open, and its colorful vintage marquee with the classic red directional arrow still welcomes travelers in Cottage Grove. 07-26