Zion's Motel
Salt Lake City, UT
Photo by RoadsidePeek.com

The Zion's Motel in Salt Lake City still features reasonable rates during a busy season. Its vintage roadside marquee continues to welcome travelers along State Street, serving as a reminder of a time when independent motels lined many of the city's major thoroughfares.

For decades, properties like the Zion's Motel provided simple accommodations for motorists passing through the Salt Lake Valley. While many roadside motels have disappeared or lost their historic signs, this one continues to retain a bit of its mid-century character.

UPDATE: The Zion's Motel remains in operation in Salt Lake City. Its classic roadside marquee is still standing out front, continuing to greet travelers much as it has for generations. 06-26

Siesta Motel
Salt Lake City, UT
Photo by RoadsidePeek.com

How about this roadside motel sign for the Siesta Motel, also found in Salt Lake City. Its classic neon marquee is a reminder of the era when independent motels relied on bold roadside advertising to attract travelers passing through town.

The original Siesta Motel was established during the mid-century boom in automobile travel along South State Street. Like many roadside properties of the era, the sign became the motel's most recognizable feature and helped distinguish it from neighboring lodging options.

UPDATE: The Siesta Motel remains in operation, though the original motel buildings seen by generations of travelers are gone. The property was redeveloped in 2012 with a new motel structure, but fortunately the vintage roadside sign was preserved. Today, the classic marquee continues to stand along State Street, connecting the modern property to its mid-century roots. 06-26

Foothill Motel
WY
Photo courtesy Tony Craig

Check out this sign outside of the Foothill Motel, yet another cowboy- or rancher-themed marquee from the American West. The figure atop the sign gives the property a distinctive personality and reflects a time when motel owners often used custom artwork and themes to attract travelers.

Western-themed signs were once common throughout Wyoming and neighboring states, but examples with this level of character have become increasingly difficult to find.

UPDATE: The precise history and location of this Foothill Motel remain uncertain. While the sign's Western-themed design has been preserved in photographs, additional research is needed to confirm the property's location and ultimate fate. 06-26

Riviera Motel Denver, CO Photo courtesy Jason Carlton Looking to stay at a vintage motel? Can't vouch for the lodging, but the Riviera Motel sign will certainly point the way. Well, maybe not literally anymore, but the bright colors and distinctive design are still hard to miss. The Riviera Motel opened in the mid-1950s along East Colfax Avenue. An earlier version of the sign reportedly included a painter's palette design promoting local radio station KOSI 1430 before being replaced by the larger rooftop marquee seen today. UPDATE 09/10 : Here are more recent photos of the Riviera Motel that's found along Colfax. Looks like the signage color has not changed over the years. 09-10 Riviera Motel Denver, CO Photos courtesy Robin McCracken Riviera Motel Denver, CO Photos courtesy Robin McCracken UPDATE: The Riviera Motel remains in operation along East Colfax Avenue. Its colorful mid-century sign continues to stand above the property and remains one of the more recognizable surviving motel marquees on the historic corridor. 06-26