In Vintage Motels neemt Ellie Seymour, auteur van Grand Hotels of the World, je mee op een nostalgische roadtrip doorheen de VS langs 40 midcentury motels.
Hi Ellie, can you tell us a bit more about the book and how the idea for it came to you?
Vintage Motels tells the story of 40 of America’s most beautifully preserved and restored motels. I specialise in writing about the USA, so spend a lot of my time exploring the country. On trips I’ve taken in the past five years, I kept stumbling on motels that had been preserved and noticing a pattern, I realised they were having a renaissance. Having already written a book on the world’s best grande dame hotels, I thought it would also be a nice to create one on motels.
Can you explain why America’s motels are unique and why they remain popular?
I think people love them for what they represent – the spirit of the great American road trip and that many are still independently run and family owned. Whether you were born in their heyday or not, they make us think of a time when American car culture was kicking off and the country was opening up to those in small-town America.
What draws you personally to the motel vibe and culture?
My soft spot for motels started on my first American road trip around California many years ago. Seedy pop culture references aside (think the Bates Motel in the movie Psycho), I love how they represent the freedom of the open road, adventure and anonymity and simplicity. Those in remote locations also make perfect spots for watching the world go by.
You’ve explored many revamped Vintage Motels in the book – was there a particular one, a renovation or story that stood out to you?
It’s hard to choose just one. I’m drawn to those with an interesting backstory, like the recently refreshed Gulf Hills Hotel & Resort, overlooking the peaceful waters of Fort Bayou in lesser-known region of coastal Mississippi. It was apparently originally built in 1927 as a hideaway for Chicagoan gangster, Al Capone, and was a favourite holiday spot for Elvis in the 1950s who learned to waterski there.
Who is this book for?
What I love about Vintage Motels is that it’s not just a book for those who love America’s curbside lodges. It also appeals to people with a variety of interests, whether that’s USA travel inspiration, roadside culture and Americana, or appreciate high-end interior design and beautiful photography.
