KINGMAN, Ariz. - Sept. 19, 2017 - PRLog -- In 1951, Kemmons Wilson from Memphis was appalled by the flea bag hotels, low-rent tourist camps, and rent by the hour motels he encountered while driving his family to Washington D.C. Shortly before Wilson's trip, F.B.B. Director J. Edgar Hoover had in an interview stated that most motor courts were little more than a haven for criminals.
Wilson, an entrepreneur and businessman with vision, saw opportunity in the shoddy lodging
encountered during his travels. So, he set out to establish a chain of standardized motels that would be built within a day's drive of each other. Each room would feature modern mattresses, sheets cleaned and changed daily, a Bible in the dresser drawer, air conditioning, a television, and a swimming pool. In 1952, in Memphis, he opened the first of these modern hotels. It was named Holiday Inn.
In the era of renaissance on Route 66, the vintage motel or auto court is a rarity. Recently the World Monuments Fund listed these type of properties as the most endangered on that storied highway. Those that have survived into the modern era resultant of careful stewardship such as the Munger Moss Motel in Lebanon, Missouri that has been owned by Bob and Ramona Lehman for 45 years, is a revered gem. Likewise, with those that have been renovated, such as the Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari, New Mexico.
Interestingly, often overlooked in the discussion about vintage motels are those built in the late 1950's or early 1960's as part of a national or regional chain. There are, however, exceptions such as the recently renovated Roadrunner Lodge in Tucumcari, New Mexico. A stellar example of how the Route 66 renaissance is giving new life to old motels is Ramada Kingman and Canyon 66 Lounge in Kingman, Arizona. Fittingly it opened in 1964 as a Holiday Inn.
Today the renovated property with its gallery of colorful murals is a destination for Route 66 enthusiasts as evidenced by testimonials given by the president of the German Route 66 Association, and presentations made by author Jim Hinckley for a group from New Zealand. Now, in partnership with area attractions such as Grand Canyon Caverns, the property is evolving into a full-service Route 66 themed resort. It is the dawn of a new era on the most famous highway in America.
For more information about these packages, special services, and electric vehicle charging facilities please contact Robert Walton, Sales Manager at Ramada Kingman at bobw@ramadakingman.com or by phone at (928) 753-6262.
About Ramada Kingman
Opened in 1964 as a Holiday Inn on Route 66, the Ramada Kingman Hotel in Kingman, AZ is a full-service resort centrally located in northwestern Arizona known for its expansive mural displays. Kingman is a stop for Amtrak, and Ramada Kingman is a 15-minute drive from Kingman Airport. Shuttle service is available. McCarren International Airport in Las Vegas is 105 miles to the north. The hotel property is located sixty-five miles from Grand Canyon West and the Skywalk and sixty-miles from Grand Canyon Caverns. For more information about the Hotel please visit: RamadaKingman.com
Contact
Robert Walton
9287536262
***@ramadakingman.com
Photos: (Click photo to enlarge)
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