Coral Court Motel, motel on Route 66
The Coral Court Motel is an Art Deco style motel built in 1941 in Marlborough, Missouri, along the famous Route 66. It features curved walls, glass block windows, and honey-colored ceramic tiles, with each unit having its own attached garage for guest vehicles.
The motel was built in 1941 and opened in early 1942, shortly after the United States entered World War II. Owner John Carr expanded it with additional cabins in 1946 and extra two-story buildings in 1951, helping it survive through preservation and historic significance.
The motel's name comes from coral-inspired decorative details visible on its buildings. These elements reflect how 1940s travelers expected style and modernity from roadside stops along their journeys.
The motel sits about 50 feet (15 meters) back from the road, offering a quiet retreat from traffic, with well-maintained driveways and lawns. The private garage layout makes it easy to park close to your room.
A preserved unit from the original motel is now displayed at the Missouri Museum of Transportation, where visitors can see what it felt like to stay there. A 1941 Cadillac is part of the display, offering an authentic glimpse into the automobile era that made Route 66 famous.
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