Motel Inn
The Motel Inn at the northern end of San Luis Obispo was the world’s first ‘Motor Hotel’ or motel, opening on December 12, 1925 as the Milestone Mo-Tel. It provided the increasing number of automobile travelers the convenience of a campground with the comforts and respectability of a hotel midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco. After registering in their car, travelers were escorted to their unit with a parking space directly in front of the door or adjoining garage – all for $1.25 a night. The motel changed owners many times before closing in 1991. Most of the buildings were torn down by 2010. It was recognized as historically significant in 1988 by the San Luis Obispo Parlor of the Native Sons of Golden West.
San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo County
Images by Ronan Murray