safari inn tucumcari

Motel Safari

Guest Reviews

Deluxe King Bed Suite

King Bed Room

Luxury King Bed Suite

2 Double Bed Room

Guest reviews (40).

• Cleanliness 4.9
• Amenities 4.9
• Location 4.9
• Service 4.9

Property Policies

Property description.

• Number of Rooms: 14

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Motel Safari

722 E Route 66 Blvd, Tucumcari , New Mexico 88401-3142 USA

• Independent
• Credit Cards Accepted
• Not Wheelchair Accessible
• Public Restrooms
• More in Tucumcari

“An iconic route 66 motel for 50+ years!”

The Motel Safari was built in 1959 by Chester Doer, a developer from Chicago, using an architectural style known today as "Googie" or "Doo Wop". You'll notice many of the retro design elements, from the quirky sign to oozing brick mortar, counter stacked brick grids in the facade, holes in cinder block walls and metal cylinders with perforated light holes. Not your ordinary Route 66 motel, each of our rooms are tastefully appointed with today's modern amenities, without sacrificing the motel's mid-century modern décor, no matter what room type or size! While the appearance is true to the Safari's history, comfort is what you'll enjoy with: Sealy Posturepedic pillow top mattresses, hypo-allergenic down pillows, 100% Egyptian cotton full-size luxury bath linens, premium bath amenities, 32 inch LCD HDTV's, coffee makers with coffee, FREE basic cable and Wi-Fi. Nearby local area attractions, restaurants, and shopping. Try our NEW Rockabilly Suite - with living room, 50 inch Plasma HDTV, microwave, refrigerator and lots more!

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• Lowest Rated

Reviewed by Austin Coop

• 485 Reviews
• 506 Helpful

This is by far my favorite motel in Tucumcari. The owners are super friendly, the rooms are excellent, and the central location is perfect for watching RT66 traffic as you have a beer on the patio. Best motel in town!!

Reviewed by casey.kinney.58

This was such a great little place! We made our reservation last minute and relatively late (8:30pm) and, the front desk was polite and accommodating. The room was clean, and the bed was awesome. Only bad thing was the heater couldn't decide whether or not the room was warm enough, so it kept shutting off for a few seconds and then turning back on, but it was pretty cold that night! Even still, it was great!

Reviewed by gpenketh

LCD TVs in the rooms let you know that it's not the 1950's anymore, but the overall feel of Tucumcari and owner Richard's classic T-Bird parked outside the office say differently. Both Richard and Gail made us feel right at home and even helped sort out us going to the Mesalands Community College Rodeo - a great night! If you ever plan to motor West, make sure you stop off here for a night. Even though it doesn't get a mention in the song, you'd be missing out on something a bit special if you chose to breeze by and not kick back a little in Tucumcari....

Reviewed by Stephanie

Very cute and very clean. The owner/operator took time to answer our questions about the area and show us all the aspects of our room. Great stop on our road trip.

Reviewed by James Fisher

• Road Warrior
• 534 Reviews
• 492 Helpful

A fantastic motel oozing with all the retro charm you would want on your route 66 adventure. The owners totally 'get it' and will be there to help you with anything you need for your stay and exploration of the area. It's as good a motel as you will ever find.

Reviewed by giftshopowner

This is the place to stay. Wonderful rooms. And the service is amazing

Reviewed by Tctambo01

Had the best nights sleep on our trip so far at this gem of a hotel. Super clean, friendly staff, comfy bed, well appointed room. Highly recommended!

Reviewed by roadtripper821217

Amazing motel. Owner is very nice. It is very clean and feels like you’re in a time machine.

Reviewed by walterlee1

Just returned from Monument Valley, Grand Canyon and Las Vegas. Stayed twice, going and returning. The Safari is very clean, comfortable and a great stop. Highly recommended!

Reviewed by Jorge_paulino

Nice and cozy little place. Very friendly staff and got to meet Sam (friendly boxer dog). I got a room same night. Speedy WiFi , cool AC. Small bath but good enough. Definitely recommended.

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• Sun - Sat: 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

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Making Memories on Route 66 for over 60 years!

Early photo before patio & pool were added.

Just Look for the Camel!

The Motel Safari opened in 1959, designed and built by Chester Dohrer, an independent motel developer, using an architectural style known today as ' Googie' or 'Doo Wop .' Many of the original design elements are still very evident today, including the quirky geometric sign, oozing brick mortar and counter stacked bricks in the facade, square holes in the cinder block structures, and the metal cylinders with perforations that light up at night.

The Motel Safari derives its name from the words Motel , meaning 'motor hotel,' and Safari , meaning 'a long journey.' In other words, a motor hotel where you can park your vehicle near your room after a long journey on the open road.

After the Dohrers' brief initial ownership, the Motel Safari was lovingly owned and operated for many years by Ronald and Arlene Frey. They amazingly raised five children on the property while also establishing the motel as one of Tucumcari's most popular. Upon their retirement, other owners followed... some good, some not so much. By the mid-2000s, the motel, like many others on 66, had fallen into great disrepair due to neglect and bad management and was on the brink of fading away into memories of what used to be.

Fortunately, the Motel Safari was saved when Richard & Gail Talley purchased the property in 2007 and began intensive renovation and restoration efforts. With their combined hotel experience and design expertise, they integrated top-of-the-line modern amenities into the room's original dècor without sacrificing its historic appearance. In each of the standard guest rooms, artwork of original photo archives from Tucumcari's Route 66 heyday is displayed, along with old linen postcard prints of local motels that are sadly no longer standing. Much of the furniture are original  mid-century modern pieces custom created onsite during the motel's construction in the late 1950s. Newer pieces were carefully selected to complement this  decor. 

The Motel Safari is also home to two of the most unique and luxurious suites on 66. The Rockabilly Suite honors the legendary Queen of Rockabilly, Wanda Jackson, the room's inaugural guest, and features a variety of memorabilia from renowned musicians who've also stayed at the motel over the years, including Lee Rocker, Wayne Hancock, Jonathan Richman, Jess McEntire, Deke Dickerson, Lance Lipinsky, Heidi Swedberg, Daniel Ward, and more. The Rawhide Suite, meanwhile, pays tribute to the classic western TV series, Rawhide, several episodes of which were filmed near Tucumcari. The show starred Eric Fleming, an up-and-comer named Clint Eastwood, and Tucumcari's own Paul Brinegar as Wishbone. The suite is filled with show-related photography and authentic western decor. You won't find suites like these anywhere else on the Mother Road!

The exterior also received a complete refresh with a period-appropriate color palette that accentuated the motel's unique architectural features. A fun boomerang design was added to doors and the drive-up area. Several wall murals were also created by regional artists Doug & Sharon Quarles, including Elvis Presley emerging from his 1959 Cadillac ready to check in with suitcase in hand. Another favorite is a 1950s Santa Fe Trailways Flexible Clipper tour bus with 'Tucumcari Tonite' as its destination. Murals paying tribute to Tucumcari and the Mother Road can also be found, as well as a humorous assortment of vintage advertising billboards on the patio, including a particularly funny one for Camel Cigarettes (of course).  When the Talleys decided to retire after ten years, they left behind a motel that was arguably even cooler than it was in its 1960s heyday. 

Current owner Larry Smith bought the property in summer 2017, moving from his Tennessee home and leaving behind a soul-sucking corporate job to follow his dream of running and preserving a Route 66 business. Like the Talleys, he is a big Mother Road enthusiast and is excited to be part of the larger 66 community. Carrying the torch onward, Larry has already built on the Talleys' big success with new murals, the opening of two new guest rooms, a custom patio fire pit, and the addition of Clyde Jr, a vintage, near life-size camel in the lobby. Coming soon are a guest vending room and the long-awaited relighting of Clyde the Camel atop the Motel Safari sign. 

Many of the motel's owners, past and present, have considered themselves humble stewards of this authentic yet long under-appreciated Route 66 classic. It is the sincere hope of the current owner and his staff that guests enjoy and find as much pleasure in this special piece of Americana as they do. Discover for yourself this hidden gem of a motel the next time you visit Tucumcari on Historic Route 66. You'll be happy you did!  

Book your stay today!

722 E. Route 66 Blvd. Tucumcari, NM 88401 575-461-1048 - [email protected] Office open daily 7-10am / 3-10pm MT

Copyright © 2024 Motel Safari, LLC

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Check-in/Check-out Policies

This property has the following check-in and check-out times and policies: Check-In: 3:00 PM Check-Out: 10:00 AM

Late check-out (after 10:00 AM and before 11:00 AM) may result in a fee.

Property and Cancelation Policies:

• PAYMENT is due at time of booking.  A valid driver's license (or passport) and the credit/debit card used are required at check-in.
• ACCURACY OF RESERVATION - including ARRIVAL DATE - is the sole responsibility of the person who books the room(s). Please check your reservation closely before finalizing and check again when the email confirmation is received. 
• CHECK-IN begins at 3:00pm MOUNTAIN TIME . Early check-ins are allowed only with advance approval. To maintain our high standards, we are typically preparing for the day's arrivals up to open time. Please time your arrival for 3:00 or after. If you do arrive early, please explore our town or enjoy our patio area. 
• CHECK-IN ends promptly at 10:00pm MOUNTAIN TIME. We do NOT allow late check-ins. The Motel Safari is a small motor court, and late arrivals are disruptive to our guests already settled in for the evening. Please aim for no later than an 8:00pm ETA, allowing extra time for possible traffic and weather delays. 
• CHECK-OUT ends at 10:00am MOUNTAIN TIME. Later check-outs must be approved in advance or are otherwise subject to an additional fee of $25 up to the first hour, plus $10 any additional hour(s).
• PETS: We do NOT allow pets , nor are they allowed to be left overnight in a vehicle. There's plenty of pet-friendly lodging in Tucumcari; please do not sneak them into our rooms. ***If any sign is detected upon check-out that a pet has been in a guest room, the guest(s) will be subject to a $100 cleaning fee . 
• SERVICE DOGS: In accordance with respective laws and guidelines, certified service animals are allowed, though we do ask that you let us know in advance at the point of booking, as we do our best to contain them to a select few guest rooms. 
• SMOKING: All guest rooms are NON-SMOKING . This includes cigarettes, cigars, marijuana, e-cigarettes, and vaping. Ashtrays are provided outside guest rooms and on the patio for cigarette smoking. Please note that smoking marijuana is prohibited on the property. ***If any sign is detected upon check-out that our smoking policy has been abused in a guest room, the guest(s) will be subject to a $100 cleaning fee . If the room is deemed unusable for any number of nights due to resulting odors, additional compensation will apply.
• PARKING:  The Safari is a u-shaped, one-level motor court with parking available directly in front of each guest room . There is also ample parking for trailers and larger trucks, though we do ask that you please let us know in advance if you will require extra space for your vehicle(s).
• BOOKING: As an owner-operated motel, we do not have a 24/7 staffed front desk, so we greatly appreciate those guests who are able to book with us directly online through our website. If you prefer to call, please do so 7:00-10:00am or 3:00-10:00pm MOUNTAIN TIME.
• DISCOUNTS:  We do not participate in any clubs, such as AAA, but do  offer a discount to military personnel, past and present, and active first responders. Proof of eligibility will be required at check-in.
• CANCELLATIONS: Any cancellation must be made prior to 3:00pm MOUNTAIN TIME one day in advance of the scheduled arrival date. Any cancellation after the deadline will be charged 100% , though any subsequent night charges will be waived. We are unable to make exceptions to this policy, such as cancellations due to illness, weather, traffic, road construction and accidents. Any no-show is automatically considered a cancellation, and the room will be charged 100%. We ask that groups and special events please notify us of cancellation three weeks prior to arrival date. 
• CANCELLATION FEE:  Beginning with reservations made August 1, 2024, a $10.00 FEE will apply to ALL cancellations and will be deducted from the refunded payment.  
• KEY RETURN: Upon check-out, please return room key to the front desk or to the drop box located near the office. If key is not returned, guest(s) will be charged $25 to re-key the room's locks. 
• INCIDENTALS: All guest rooms are inventoried upon check-out. Missing, damaged or destroyed items or fixtures will be subject to a charge based on the replacement value of item and/or cost of repair. 

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The world-famous Motel Safari on Historic Route 66 in Tucumcari, New Mexico, has been a Mother Road icon for over 60 years! We invite you to skip the big chains and experience road travel the way it used to be. Enjoy an authentic slice of Americana with mid-century modern accommodations that don't sacrifice today's comforts and amenities. Relax on Sealy Posturepedic pillow-top mattresses, enjoy 40" HDTVs with premium DirecTV, groove with Tivoli Audio BT One streaming Rte 66 Radio, cool off with remote-controlled Frigid-Aire, refresh with Speakman Anystream showerheads, stay connected with fast, free WiFi, and wake up to in-room Keurig coffee makers. And you can park right at your room! Head outside to unwind on the patio, enjoy the fire pit and visit with fellow travelers. We're centrally located, close to dining, shopping and attractions, with many just a short walk away. When getting your kicks on 66 in Tucumcari, make the Motel Safari your home away from home. Just look for the camel!

Property Name: Motel Safari

Street Address: 722 E Route 66 Blvd

City : Tucumcari - New Mexico

Postal Code : 88401

Contact Name: Larry Smith

Phone: (575) 461-1048

Email: larry@themotelsafari.com

• Accessible Parking
• Air conditioning
• Common areas disinfected daily
• Daily Housekeeping
• Family rooms
• Fire extinguishers
• Fireplace, outdoor
• Guest parking
• Guests can opt out of daily room cleaning
• Kids' TV channels
• Non-smoking rooms
• Outdoor furniture
• Picnic area
• Self-service laundry
• Smoke alarms
• Towels changed upon request

This property has the following check-in and check-out times and policies:

Check-In: 3:00 PM

Check-Out: 10:00 AM

Late Check-out Hour: 11:00 AM

Late Check-out Fees: $25.00

Late check-out (after 10:00 AM and before 11:00 AM ) may result in a fee.

Property and Cancelation Policies :

Terms and conditions.