Blue Swallow Motel Tucumcari, NM – Route 66!

Isn't this gorgeous?!

Anna and Joe Butrim are Retro Roadmappers after Mod Betty's own heart. Not only have they visited Route 66 a number of times, they have also used RetroRoadmap.com as a guide for other vintage places for them to visit.

When I told them we had hoped to do Route 66 this year, but would not be able to because Retro Roaddog is getting to be an old pup, they offered to share one of their fave Route 66 places with all of you, to ensure I kept it on the top of my bucket list. Thanks, you guys!

The Blue Swallow Motel- Route 66 - Tucumcari, New Mexico

Words and photos by Joe Butrim & Anna Butrim
When Joe and I went on our first two week Route 66 trip in April of 2013 we didn't have a plan of where we would stay each night. We just drove each day until the sun started going down, then we would check out our Route 66 dining and lodging book for ideas of places to stay that we were near.

One of the nights we happened to end up in Tucumcari, New Mexico and we were excited that we were near the Blue Swallow motel. It was on our list of places to see from our Route 66 research.

Joe pulled up to the motel and we thought "what are the chances that they will have a room this late?", but we had to check. I got out of the car and went into the office lobby.

I was greeted by Nancy, who is one of the owners. I asked if there were any rooms available (they only have 12 total) and Nancy said they had one room available due to a cancellation. Joe parked the car and Nancy showed us the room (Room #7).

We fell in love with the room as soon as she opened the door.

The chenille bedspread was the first thing that caught my eye and then the cutest little pink retro stove in the corner of the room.

We were taken back in time for sure! There was even a magazine on the nightstand from the 60's. We've stayed at many other fabulous places on Route 66 but this still remains as my favorite.

Nancy and her husband Kevin put a lot of work into the Blue Swallow after they purchased it. Joe took some photos of their dog during  our visit, and we later learned that one of the dogs, Boomer, had passed away. We had a print made and framed and dropped it off to Nancy and Kevin on our second trip out there in 2014.

The Blue Swallow is a popular place for Route 66ers. You should look into booking in advance if you are interested in staying there because it fills up quickly! We hope to stay there again during our Route 66 travels.