I Stayed at the Last Remaining Motor Lodge in Chicago on Route 66

Arriving at a hotel in downtown Chicago usually means handing over your keys to a hurried valet and navigating a crowded lobby—or paying the price of a discount airfare ticket for the first half hour of parking ina distant ramp. But when I pulled up to the corner of Ohio and LaSalle streets, a very different experience waited for me: I parked in a surface lot between the lobby and the guest rooms, as if I were pulling up to a motor lodge on the Mother Road.

The Ohio House Motel stands as a defiant slice of Americana, a low-slung, mid-century time capsule; a retro island in a sea of modern skyscrapers. Built in 1960, this relic holds the distinction of being the last remaining motor lodge in the city’s downtown area—and I dug it.

An Unbeatable Footprint in River North

Despite its vintage exterior, my room was clean, modern, and focused on a traveler's basic needs. Walking in, I immediately noticed it was tidy and perfectly serviceable. It featured a comfortable king-sized bed, a sleek desk setup where I could catch up on work, and a pop of mustard-yellow in the drapery that paid subtle homage to the era of its construction. The geometric wallpaper and updated fixtures proved to me that while the motel respects its history, it hasn't ignored the upkeep—or the need for modern touches, like USB ports. It's by no means a luxury property, but it had everything I needed: a tidy, affordable base camp perfect for exploring Chicago.

The true luxury of the Ohio House Motel lies in its location. Situated in the heart of the River North neighborhood, it offered me an unbeatable footprint for exploring the city. I was within easy walking distance of the Magnificent Mile, an endless array of restaurants, the Art Institute, and the Loop's architectural marvels. I can't overstate the convenience of parking my car in a surface lot just steps from my room door in the middle of a major metropolis. I could wake up, grab a fresh bagel and coffee from the attached Schneider Deli, and immediately find myself in the thick of all the Windy City has to offer.

Celebrating the Spirit of the Route 66 Centennial

This year marks the centennial of Route 66, the Mother Road that historically began just a few blocks away near Grant Park. In spring 2026, in honor of the centennial and to reflect the Mother Road's ending point on the Santa Monica Pier, the starting point for Route 66 was officially moved to Navy Pier, even closer to the Ohio House. While the Ohio House Motel itself was built a few decades after the highway was officially established, it truly embodies the golden age of the American road trip that the route made famous, and is considered one of the sites for the centennial celebration. For travelers like me looking to embark on an Illinois Route 66 centennial road trip this year to celebrate the highway's 100th birthday, I can think of no better place to stage before heading out.

The motel captures the feel of the classic motor courts that once lined the Mother Road from Chicago to Santa Monica. It evokes an era when automobile travel was a true adventure, and pulling your car right up to the door of your room was considered the height of hospitality innovation. Walking through the parking lot, it wasn't hard to imagine classic, finned cruisers lined up for the night before heading west. Staying here felt like a fitting, immersive tribute to the century-old legacy of Route 66, offering a connection to the car culture that characterized much of the 20th century. A stay at the Ohio House offers modern drivers a little taste of that nostalgia before they hit the road.

In a hospitality landscape dominated by corporate towers and hidden fees, my time at the Ohio House Motel was a welcome change of pace. It proved to me that you don't need an opulent lobby or a high-rise to enjoy a memorable stay in the Windy City. With its excellent location, clean rooms, and retro charm, it stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of the classic American motor lodge. If you're looking to experience a piece of surviving history while keeping the best of Chicago right outside your door, this vintage gem is well worth the stop. Visit Booking.com for more information on the Ohio House Motel in Chicago, Illinois, or to make a reservation. Although the motel's parking arrangement is unique and convenient, as with most downtown Chicago parking, it's not free. When I stayed, the rate was $40 per day, which is about par for the area.

When you're ready to map out your next road trip, visit Only In Your State’s itinerary planner for inspiration and ideas.