Boots Motel

I don't need hotel or motel rooms much because I have most of the comforts of home in the Sprinter van, so I did not stay at Boots Court. I did stop through to check it out on a Sunday morning after reading about it on Atlas Obscura and others. The motel dates back to 1939 and is designed in the "streamline moderne" style that looks almost Art Deco. It is at the intersection of Route 66 and US 71, the "crossroads of America." Between the location and the design, it was quite sought after along the road. Allegedly, movie star Clark Gable stayed here.There is parking nearby (or a private carport for your room if you're staying here) so you can walk around and take photos of the impressive restoration of the property. Remember, it is private property so be respectful as you enjoy this 20th century design in the 21st century.[Review 19769 overall - 246 in Missouri - 741 of 2023.]

Originally constructed in 1939, The Boots Court motel sits along historic U.S. Route 66 in Carthage, Missouri. This motel offers 13 rooms, one of which (Room 6) was once preferred by the late Clark Gable. The second part of the motel was built in 1946. The iconic and unique Streamline Moderne motel fell into despair, but was recently bought by a nonprofit, which has poured more than $1 million to restore it. Each room comes with a radio - just exactly how it was when it was built! A local radio station plays music from the 1940s that you can tune into while you stay there.There also used to be an underground garage that people, like Gable, could use to park. They could then use stairs that led guests straight to their rooms in the building - without ever once going outside and being seen. The garage has since been turned into the motel's laundry room.Rumor was that there was a tunnel that ran underneath the motel to the courthouse so that the powers that be could meet without ever being spotted.Thank you to hotel manager Kim for giving me a tour of this magnificent and beautiful place!!

Great stop!! We stayed here on our Route 66 trip for the night and got in at like 12am, they were wonderful and we LOVED the radio! The beds and shower were fantastic as well

We just stayed at the motel on our way west on Route 66. This motel still has rooms they are renovating but the ones that are open are wonderful. Kim greeted us with cold water and a small bag of ice! So nice because it was very hot! Rooms are very clean. Very simple and in keeping with the era. So happy they had a room available! Would highly recommend

If you are looking for charm and a slice of Route 66 history this is the place.Clark Gable was a frequent guest. Each room has a small alcove where you could pull in your car. It is believed to be the first if not one of the first "motel" concept hotels - so it was called a Court as the word Motel wasn't yet in use. The rooms have been lovingly restored to the era and they were lucky enough to find many original fixtures in storage. Bedding in style of the era, exposed hardwood floors, and the shower heads in the showers installed at about my shoulder height - the reason being so ladies would not ruin their hairdos in the days of roller sets and curls. No TVs, just AM radios #bootscourt #route66 #clarkgable #missouri #carthagemo #32DaysOnTheRoad

Loved the Boots! The lady working was very friendly and answered all our questions about the area. The room looked exactly like we expected for a 1940s style room and our kids loved it! The room was clean and comfortable; you could tell there was attention to detail. The place looks great lite up in neon at night. The key you get is an actual key which was a fun touch. I would highly recommend here and would definitely stay here again.

Lovely lady at reception Very helpful receptionist Great floor heating in the roomMotel is spotless Beds are noisy, uncomfortable need replacing Large roomClose to eat outsCertainly an experience for our kids-no tv but wifi did save them No laundry Recommend

One of the coolest, most retro places we stayed at on our Route 66 cross-country trip. Small, but Beautifully maintained rooms/cottages, that were suprisingly affordable!What was neat about this place was the old Radios that they've kept in the rooms from decades ago when Route 66 was truly "America's Main Street" from Chicago to LA. The old neon "Boots Court Motel" sign out front was a nice touch as well!Highly recommended! We can't wait to return on our next cross-country trip!

Best little motel on Route 66. Stayed here going out west on Route 66. Enjoyed it so much I made an effort to stay again on my way home. Great location. Great food near by or you can dine in Joplin only a short drive away. Downtown self guided tour was a pleasant way to start the morning. The owner shared points of interest in town and she was very accommodating. This more than a sleepover while traveling Route 66, it's could be a place to stop for a couple days.

Very nice vintage property, clean and well-run. The owner is friendly and responsive. Be sure to keep the local oldies radio station on as that completes the effect.