Blue Swallow Motel — Hotel in Tucumcari

The Blue Swallow Motel Route 66 Tucumcari, New Mexico

Coming back from visiting Route 66 Oklahoma and Route 66 Texas , we had a reservation at a popular and iconic motel in Route 66 Tucumcari, New Mexico Yes, we had reservations at The Blue Swallow Motel. This was only possible because of the great owners of this historic Motel Rob Federico and Dawn Federico. Before leaving Tucumcari on our initial visit, we went to say hello to both of them. Its always great to see them and speak with them. We discussed that we will be returning to Tucumcari after visiting Oklahoma and Texas. During our trip to Oklahoma, I received a message from Dawn that our reservations were set. I was shocked and happy at the same time. Knowing how popular and busy the motel is, it was great that the owners booked us a room, and I appreciate them both for doing this. Of course, we later return the favor by gifting them both we items from Chandler, Oklahoma, and Adrian, Texas.

When we returned to Tucumcari, we went directly to the Motel and spoke with both Rob and Dawn. We were again shocked that we got the Lillian Redman Suite. Rob took us to the room and gave a great history lesson on the Motel as well as giving us information on the amenities around the property. I will say that Rob has a great spiel, and by him walking us to the Motel room shows excellent guest service skills as an owner. He wants his guest to have a wonderful experience. In hospitality management, we have been taught that the first experience, especially at the front desk, should be both memorable and make you feel at home when you arrive. Both Rob and Dawn have shown this to their guests.

The suite was beautiful and decorated artfully with retro and nostalgic items. The two room suite is very spacious with a living room, bedroom, bathroom with a shower, and a separate area for a bathtub. I almost forgot you also get a rubber ducky. You also have robes, a desk, and a mini fridge. The room was very clean, and Dawn did a great job with the rooms. When we visited them, I could tell that Dawn was working hard on ensuring the rooms were clean and ready for incoming guests.

The Motel has a fantastic outdoor area and a "Guest Service " room where you can get ice, use the washer and dryer, and use other motel amenities. The Motel also offers parking garages, which are artfully decorated with murals.

First of all, I wanted to thank both Rob and Dawn for a wonderful experience and for the help with our reservations. We both greatly appreciate their kindness and professionalism. Our experience was great and we definitely will visit again. From their excellent guest service skills, the cleanliness of the rooms, to adding a personal touch at check-in, it's no wonder why this is a favorite amongst travelers...

I loved this hotel, and I loved the people who run it. It's an old style motel, with the bright paint that one used to find along the road before the corporate boxes became so popular. The room was small, but comfortable, and I loved the vintage touches: dial phone from the 30s, small tiled bathroom, vintage lamps, and the yellow chenille bedspread put it over the top. The paintings on the walls are old ones, framed in wood, and individual. Not standard hotel "art" you find everywhere. It looks like someone very carefully chose these furnishings from years of yard sales and antique stores. The sheets were the highest quality I've ever seen in any hotel, and in fact, higher quality than what I sleep on at home.

Although they bow to modernism with good wiring and a TV in the room, the microwave and refrigerator are in the guest services section, located centrally. The fridge is an old bubble front deal that guests share, and the microwave is the "nostalgic" style now offered by one of the big names. There's also a lovely big washer/dryer for guests to use (modern stacked front load), which was perfect for me, as I've been on the road for over a week and needed to do laundry.

Cameron and Jessica were as pleasant as could be, and Obi the dog greeted me happily when I came in. they don't allow pets, but Obi is very happy to stand in if you're in need of some dog time.

Tucumcari is a very pretty town. They call it a city - the City of Murals, in fact, and it's worth arranging your trip to be there during the day Tues - Sat if possible. I came into town on a Sunday, when everything but the gas stations, hotels and one restaurant were closed, and I had to leave Monday morning before things opened (concerned about traveling during an upcoming storm, I wanted to get to the next sizable city before it stopped me). Several of the murals are in buildings, though there are a number of them outside as well. I'd wanted to visit their museum, too, and would have stayed a little longer for that, but it was closed on Monday.

I can't say anything bad about either the town or the hotel. It was the most expensive one I've stayed in so far, but it wasn't that much more ($60 or $70 after taxes, which are high) and well worth it. I'd certainly stay there again, especially during the summer. This is the kind of place that creates community out of strangers as soon as the weather encourages...

First, the room was immaculate and the bed and bedding extremely comfortable, the most comfortable I've experiences in my many travels. the rooms are nicely appointed with vintage reminders of its past, including rotary telephones and other artifacts from the period. The owners, Kevin and Nancy and their family, were gracious hosts and went out of their way to ensure that our visit was complete. They take exceptional care of the Motel and it is a source of great pride. The Neon sign, which was always viewed as one of the best examples, is carefully tended and is as pristine as the day it was first installed. When day turned to dusk and to night dozens of car stopped and the people got out and admired the sign and took photos. If you were just traveling from point A to point B and Tucumcari was where you chose to stop for the night, you could choose a chain motel near the highway, get a typical sterile room and environment or for, probably, less money stay at a historic icon and have a more comfortable and relaxing stay. It will be an experience you will want to tell your friends about. Staying at the Blue Swallow is an experience and you can choose to partake in a much or as little as you choose. The brightly colored and freshly painted 50's lawn chairs outside the rooms encourage you to get out and sit and talk with your neighbor traveler as many did. I met a couple from Wales, UK who had flown into California and were taking Route 66 from the Santa Monica Pier to Chicago, I met a couple from Australia who were taking Route 66 from Chicago to the Santa Monica Pier in LA. Everyone gathers around the coffee pot in the morning which Nancy ensures is always fresh and hot. Needless to say, I thoroughly enjoyed my stay and I found Tucumcari to be a fascinating with many things to see and do and filled with friendly, accommodating individuals, it has kept it's heritage, but has grown as well. I spent several days there exploring and there was much more to see and do that I left for another day. Another reason to return. Another reason to make the Blue Swallow Motel a...