GET YOUR KICKS AT THE WIGWAM MOTEL

"Sometimes I think I'm a wigwam, and sometimes I think I'm a teepee. Maybe I'm just two tents."

Okay, so that old joke seems to apply in this situation but, instead of sharing jokes about Native American dwellings, I think it will be even more fun to stay at one of Southern California's most unique properties, the Wigwam Motel in San Bernardino. I've heard about this place my entire life, but this is my very first visit to this vintage property along Historic Route 66. 

Route 66 is about to turn 100, having been established as part of the original U.S. Highway System in 1926. By 1938, the 2,448-mile route was completed, stretching from Santa Monica, California to Chicago, Illinois. Route 66 was officially decommissioned in 1985 when it was replaced by the Interstate Highway System. But, to this day, Route 66 symbolizes the freedom of the open road and many, including yours truly, enjoy exploring the historic byways that remain along the route.

This particular Wigwam Motel opened in 1949, and was the last of seven "Wigwam Villages" built across the U.S. between 1933 and 1949. Only three of the seven remain - Cave City, Kentucky, Holbrook, Arizona, and this one in San Bernardino, California. The Wigwam Village in Arizona inspired the Cozy Cone Motel in the 2006 Pixar film, "Cars." In the film, however, each room is shaped like a traffic cone rather than a teepee. 

Needless to say, this motel is a real eye-catcher as you drive along Route 66. The street looks pretty much like any other business district, packed with retail stores and every fast-food restaurant imaginable. But then, on the north side of Foothill Boulevard, the Wigwam Motel appears. Guests stay in one of 19 teepees neatly arranged around a kidney-shaped swimming pool. Guests check in and then drive to their teepee, which has a dedicated parking space next to it. Parking is free for guests.

On the inside, the space is comfortable and fairly clean, although the furniture is quite dated and shows considerable wear, and there are noticeable stains on the sofa. And, not unlike most motels of the early to mid 1900s, the bathroom is quite small and the shower is a tight squeeze. Apparently, people were smaller back in the 1940s, or perhaps builders thought a smaller shower covered one's basic needs while making compact motel rooms more space efficient. 

To give the property even more of an old-time feel, there is an assortment of vintage vehicles in various condition and stages of decay from decades of non-use and rust. A cool idea to say the least, and it does add to the motel's unique "yesteryear" motif. It's definitely fun walking around and checking them all out, not to mention thinking about all the road trips those vehicles had taken in their time along Route 66 and beyond.

Regarding the area in which the Wigwam Motel is located, this portion of Foothill Boulevard seems fairly safe and I have no concerns during my stay. However, should you plan on visiting, be aware that San Bernardino itself is considered one of the most dangerous cities in California, with a high crime rate and a vehicle theft rate among the highest in the country. As long as you take this into consideration and remain vigilant during your visit to the area, you should have no issues.

As for the overall experience, if I was staying at a regular hotel or motel with a similarly appointed room, I wouldn't be overly impressed, but the uniqueness of the Wigwam concept and the history associated with this motel makes it a very enjoyable experience. Plus, as an L.A. resident, this motel is about halfway to Palm Springs and I'll be heading there next. Travelers should consider an overnight stay here on their way to or from Palm Springs or to the annual Coachella Music Festival. 

A one-night stay in a Deluxe Queen Room (260 square feet, compared to 178 in a Standard Queen Room) came to around $150 with tax. That may seem a little high for a motel in San Bernardino, but how often to you get to spend the night in a teepee?