Foothills Retro-Modern Motel

13431 Bowman Rd, Auburn, CA 95603, Auburn Lake Trails, United States

2-star hotel

Guest rating: 4.5 / 5

Overview

The Foothills Retro-Modern Motel is a 2-star property set in a 1940s retro motor-lodge building just off Interstate 80 in Auburn, California, about 2.7 miles from downtown Auburn. It has been completely renovated while retaining a Route 66-era aesthetic, and guests frequently describe it as spotlessly clean and charmingly styled. Its location in Auburn Lake Trails puts it within a short drive of Sierra Nevada foothill recreation areas and gold rush-era historic sites.

Rooms

Rooms are simple but retro-styled, each equipped with a desk and premium cable TV. Depending on the room, guests may also find free WiFi, a minifridge, a microwave, or a private patio with sliding glass doors, and at least some rooms include a quiet mini-split heater/AC unit for individual climate control. Reviewers consistently single out the beds and pillows as notably comfortable.

Dining

The motel operates its own on-site coffee shop and sports bar, and free perks include morning coffee and pastries. Next door, under common ownership with the motel, is a fully renovated diner, giving guests an easy walkable option for meals without needing a car.

Amenities & Recreation

On-site recreation includes a swimming pool, a Jacuzzi, BBQ grills, and an adjoining bowling alley that shares ownership with the property. Free local calls and parking are also included, making it a good value stop for road-trippers along the I-80 corridor.

Location & Surroundings

The motel sits close to numerous outdoor and historic attractions, including the Auburn State Recreation Area Ranger Station (about 2.5 km away), No Hands Bridge and Lake Clementine Trail (roughly 2 km away), and Quarry Road Trail and The Gold Rush Museum (around 2.4-2.7 km away). Old Town Auburn, with its historic business district, galleries, and museums such as the Placer County Museum and Bernhard Museum, is roughly 3.6-4 km away, while Folsom Lake State Recreation Area and Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park are within about 18-20 km.

Best for

This motel suits road-trippers and budget-conscious travelers passing through on Interstate 80 who want a clean, retro-styled stop with on-site pool, Jacuzzi, and bowling. It also appeals to outdoor and history enthusiasts, given its proximity to the Auburn State Recreation Area, No Hands Bridge, Lake Clementine Trail, and Old Town Auburn's gold rush-era museums.

Travel tips

Ask for a room farther from the highway if you're sensitive to road noise, as some units back close to I-80 while others are noticeably quieter. Take advantage of the free morning coffee and pastries, and consider walking next door to the affiliated diner or the on-site bar rather than driving into town. Downtown Auburn's historic sites and trailheads like No Hands Bridge and Quarry Road Trail are all close enough for a short drive or even a walk/bike ride.

What guests say

Guests consistently praise the comfort of the beds and pillows, calling them among the standout features of a stay here. Cleanliness and the recent renovation are frequently highlighted, with many describing the rooms and shared spaces as spotless despite the retro, Route 66-inspired styling. The front desk staff are described as friendly and charming, and the property's location is repeatedly called convenient, including easy walking access to an affiliated bowling alley and diner next door. Some guests note that rooms closer to Interstate 80 can pick up road noise, though those placed farther from the highway report barely hearing traffic.

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