While traveling over last few years we’ve noticed that some of the Motels/Hotels are getting weather beaten and are showing their age. Rumors are circulating that some “Motel Chains” sell them to low end motel operators that spruce them up a bit and get 10- 15 more years out of them.  The sellers build new ones and the cycle continues.

Most people are aware of the song, Hotel California by The Eagles where you can check in but you can never leave. You just get caught up in the maddening circle of entrapment in a wasted location of decadence forever.

This year while going through Missouri we stopped at a REAL Hotel California . We were staying over night and had to book at a late date so we weren’t sure what we would find. The city was packed because some type of special playoff game was in town that weekend. When we drove up we were pleasantly surprised how elegant the outside looked……….very regal with water fountain and all!

After checking in we headed up to the room……………..got inside the building and entered by the side door into a huge room that was “dated back 30 years ago with satin curtains and big sofas and chandeliers shining brightly”. The halls were long and quiet and kinda spooky. Well dressed bellhops and doormen were dressed with white gloves. The room was dated! Big old furniture………nothing like the modern chains with abstract art and cheap furniture and tacky lamps.

We were invited out to dinner and had a great time afterwards coming back to the Hotel California.  Breakfast was to be served in a room down the hall in the morning but we decided to get up early and slip out and hit the road before we were noticed. Somehow a Hardee’s Biscuit really seemed like a great idea!