When internet pal Mr. Tiny of the fun blog Wacky Tacky heard my dream of getting all 3 remaining Wigwam Motels onto Retro Roadmap he graciously offered up his reviews! What a swell pal, eh?
Here are some excerpts from Mr. T’s stays at the San Bernardino Wigwam Motel, but I encourage you to visit Wacky Tacky and read more about his visits there as you’ll see a lot more photos and all sorts of retro and vintage-inspired fun.
Mr. Tiny writes:
Wigwam Village #7 (est.1949) in San Bernardino, CA is a veritable diamond in the rough. This is not a stale cliche – “rough” is an accurate description of the surrounding area. My mother’s people are from San Bernardino; I can remember the dreamy days we spent with my great-grandmother and great-aunt in their turn-of-the-Century, San Bernardino homes. The area, while decidedly working class, felt old-timey and safe. Unfortunately, the last few decades have been less than kind to San Bernardino. Yet, somehow, it felt good to be there – especially in a teepee!
(that’s Mr. Tiny’s DARLING lil Sis, Mary - a swell gal in her own right)
Rating: ^^^^^^^^^ (9 wigwams) – The facilities are well-maintained and the staff is very courteous and seemed genuinely happy to have us. They allowed us early check-in, gave us recommendations for places to eat and even took our photo and added it to their Facebook page!
We were happy to learn that the many of the room’s furnishings, including the quirky bedside lamp and desk/vanity were all original.
p.s. There is a little controversy as to the exact location of the Wigwam Motel. The motel’s website lists a San Bernardino address but many books and websites site Rialto as the home of the motel. Rest assured, if you ever find yourself on Foothill Blvd in Rialto/San Bernardino, you will not get lost; the Wigwam Motel will be the ONLY motel made of giant teepees.
Thanks Mr. Tiny, now I feel like I’ve collected ‘em all - happy birthday to me!
Wigwam Village #7
2728 W. Foothill Blvd.
San Bernardino, CA
(909)875-3005
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About Mod Betty
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My Dear Retro Roadmap Readers –
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