Wigwam Village #7 San Bernardino CA – Only 3 Left!

While our pal Mr. Tiny from Wacky Tacky graciously shared his visit to the San Bernardino Wigwam Village in 2011 with us, it was so we could "collect 'em all" and be able to share the last 3 remaining Wigwam Motels in the country with our Retro Roadmap Readers. I'm happy now to report that Retro Roadhusband and I were able to spend the night there in February 2014, so here are some updated shots and info! We were on our way from LAX to Palm Springs and since I knew we needed a place to stay en route, this was a perfect "stars in alignment" moment as I want to stay in all 3 Wigwam motels myself! (We still have the Arizona location to visit, but we have stayed at Wigwam Village #2 the Cave City, Kentucky one a few years back.) Here's a bit of history on the Wigwam Motels, courtesy of the writeup I did on them for the National Trust for Historic Preservation:

The Wigwam Village idea was conceived in 1933 by Frank Redford of Horse Cave, Kentucky when he built a cone shaped building to hold his collection of Native American artifacts. Adding a few more similarly shaped structures for sleeping around the original building a few years later, he christened the compound Wigwam Village. Of the seven of these patented Wigwam Villages that were built across the country, only three remain: Cave City, Kentucky (the second one built, in 1937) Holbrook, Arizona (#6, built in 1950) and the last one in the chain, built by Redford himself, in San Bernardino, CA (#7 completed in 1949) All of them are listed on the National Register for Historic Places.

While this location has gone through some dark times, I'm happy to report that the Patel family who acquired  the property in 2003 are doing a great job in bringing this place back to life. Under their care the motel has been restored to it’s former glory - and then some - with each teepee completely renovated, the lawns manicured and the gift shop turned into a treasure trove of Route 66 Memorabilia. The San Bernardino Wigwam Motel, located on historic Route 66 is unique within the original chain in that it was built by Redford himself. It is also distinct from the other locations as the 30 foot high teepees - 19 in all -  are arranged in two rows, not just one, surrounding a swimming pool and barbecue pit. 35 towering palm trees are interspersed along the manicured lawns, giving the compound a true Village feel. We had pulled in under cover of darkness - not because we were on the lam from the law, but rather that we had flown in all the way from the east coast and arrived well past 11pm. Luckily we were told that someone was in the office 24 hours a day, so our late checkin was not a big deal. What was a big deal was that the interior of our little teepee was so well appointed! While I typically am one for the authenticity of the places we stay, I do have to say that the Patel family have done themselves a service by bringing the interiors up to regular motel room standards, to appeal to as many travelers as possible. No two rooms are decorated alike, and they’ve all been updated to appeal to the 21st century tourists, who still wants modern amenities even when traveling back in time. Free Wi-Fi, flat screen TV as well as heat and AC are included and all of the beds are queen size. Coffee and breakfast bars await you in the office in the morning.  The room was clean clean clean, and unless you looked up at the ceiling to see the octagonal outline (or bumped your head at the angled roof in the small shower stall!) you would not know you were in a tee pee until you looked outside. While Retro Roadhusband slept in I got up early to see the sun hitting the teepees and scurried outside to snap photos and wander around the well manicured grounds. We were sharing the courtyard with a couple who were driving a red convertible, who I later learned were from Germany, and who had come to America expressly to drive Route 66. Now THAT is an experience that can't be outsourced :-) . We chatted in the office/gift shop that was laden with all sorts of Americana and Route 66 memorabilia, and I loaded up my bag with all sorts of kitschy goodies to share with pals back home. Mrs. Patel was an absolute doll in helping ring up my items, as I was a bit overwhelmed with all they had to offer, and was already plotting MY driving tour from Chicago to LA :-)

The Patels were the recipients of the 2005 Cyrus Avery Award given by the National Historic Route 66 Federation for noteworthy restoration products, and in 2012 the Motel was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Perhaps more importantly, along with the physical improvements, they also restored the reputation of the motel so that it is now a sought after destination for those getting their kicks on Route 66. Like me, I've just decided :-)