Wigwam Motel
2728 E Foothill Blvd, San Bernardino, CA 92410, San Bernardino, United States
2-star hotel
Guest rating: 4.4 / 5
Overview
The Wigwam Motel is a landmark 2-star roadside lodging on historic Route 66 in San Bernardino, California, built in 1949. Its signature feature is a row of 19 freestanding, 30-foot-tall concrete tepees framed with wood and stucco, giving the property an unmistakable mid-century Americana silhouette. It's a genuine slice of Route 66 nostalgia rather than a conventional hotel, drawing travelers who want a memorable overnight stop as much as a place to sleep.
Rooms
Each of the 19 tepee units offers simple, straightforward decor centered on a bed and a love seat. Rooms come with a minifridge, free Wi-Fi, and a flat-screen TV with cable channels, plus an en suite bathroom with a shower. The compact layout keeps the focus on the novelty of staying inside a giant concrete tepee rather than on modern room amenities.
Amenities & Recreation
On-site facilities include an outdoor pool and free RV parking, both frequently noted by guests as clean and well maintained. Ample parking is provided at each individual tepee, making the property convenient for road-trippers arriving by car or RV.
Location
The motel sits directly on the old Route 66 alignment in San Bernardino, about a 13-minute drive from San Bernardino International Airport. Nearby points of interest include the Historic Original McDonald's Museum roughly 5.5 km away and the San Bernardino History and Railroad Museum about 3.7 km away, with additional regional attractions like the San Bernardino County Museum, Glen Helen Regional Park, Fiesta Village Family Fun Park, and the Riverside museums and gardens all within a roughly 12-20 km drive.
Best for
This motel is best suited to Route 66 road-trippers and nostalgia seekers who want a distinctive, photogenic overnight stop rather than a standard hotel room, thanks to its 1949 concrete tepee architecture. It also works well for RV travelers, given the free RV parking and per-unit parking spaces, and for budget-conscious travelers who value a clean pool and friendly service over upscale amenities.
Travel tips
Because the Wigwam Motel sits on the historic Route 66 corridor, it makes a natural stopping point for travelers driving the classic highway route rather than relying on public transit. It's about a 13-minute drive from San Bernardino International Airport, so arriving by car is the most practical option, and the nearby Historic Original McDonald's Museum (about 5.5 km away) is an easy add-on stop. Given the property's popularity as a Route 66 landmark, booking ahead is advisable, especially since each of the 19 tepees offers its own dedicated parking space.
What guests say
Guests consistently highlight the motel's cleanliness, from the well-maintained grounds and pool to the tidy rooms, along with friendly, welcoming staff and owners. Many reviewers emphasize the unique historical appeal of sleeping inside a genuine Route 66 concrete tepee, describing the experience as memorable and worth the stop. Comments also mention a quiet atmosphere and comfortable beds, with rooms described as compact but sufficient, including a bed, love seat, TV, and small bathroom with shower. No significant recurring complaints appear among the excerpts provided.
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