This West Virginia Roadside Motel Opened In 1936 And Still Feels Like An Old American Road Trip

You can’t book this motel online. Not on an app, not on a website, not anywhere with a click.

You pick up a phone and call, like it’s 1962 and Don Draper is still figuring out his next pitch.

That old-school habit fits the place perfectly. The rooms still have wood paneling and colors like burnt orange, yellow-gold, and light green.

A cheerful cartoon mascot smiles from the mugs and signs, straight out of a roadside postcard from another era.

I like how this West Virginia stop never tried to become something else. The same family has run it since 1955, and you can feel that care in the details.

Modern comforts are there, but the retro charm still gets top billing.

No booking apps, no flashy reinvention, just a phone call and a room with decades of stories behind it. Some places move with the times, and this one makes you want to turn the clock back.

Grab The Phone, Because This Booking Works Old-School

Reservations at the Koolwink Motel happen one way only, by telephone. No booking button exists, and honestly, that feels like the right call for a place this classic.

Some folks might groan at first. Then they realize the phone call is the first chapter of the whole retro experience.

Talking to a real person sets a friendly tone before you ever pull off the highway. You can ask questions about room types, which include single rooms, double rooms, and cabins.

That beats squinting at tiny photos on a travel site any day.

The family behind the desk clearly values that personal touch. It matches everything else about this West Virginia motel, from the decor to the mascot on the stationery.

Here’s a practical tip worth remembering. Call ahead well before your trip, especially if you’re planning around a busy weekend in the area.

Keep a pen handy while you talk, just like travelers did decades ago. Jot down your confirmation details and any directions you need.

It’s a small step, but it gets you in the road-trip mood fast.

Think of it as a warm-up lap. Your vintage getaway starts the moment someone says hello on the other end.

A Tourist Home From 1936 Grew Up Into Something Bigger

Back in 1936, travelers didn’t check into a sprawling motel here. They stayed at the Koolwink Tourist Home, run by Nora and Henry Klien.

The couple rented rooms in their own house plus two small cottages. That was road-trip lodging in its simplest form.

Then 1955 arrived with a twist. The property sold at a public auction to the Kliens’ great-nephew, Wallace Mauk, and his wife, Pauline.

They’ve owned and operated it since August of that year.

Wallace didn’t just sign papers and sit back. He designed the additions himself and oversaw the expansion through the 1950s and 1960s.

He even handled much of the plumbing and electrical work on his own.

That hands-on history explains a lot about the place today. You’re staying somewhere shaped by one family’s actual labor, not a corporate blueprint.

Here’s my favorite bit of trivia. The original home where the Kliens rented rooms now serves as the registration area.

So when you check in, you’re standing where the whole story began. That’s a pretty cool welcome for anyone who loves history with their pillow.

Burnt Orange Walls And Wood Paneling Are Totally The Point

Wood paneling. Yellow-gold, burnt orange, and light green.

If those colors make you think of a 1960s family photo album, you’re right on track.

Rooms at the Koolwink Motel lean proudly into mid-century and vintage furnishings. The look is retro on purpose, and it’s kept spotless.

Size is a nice surprise too. The rooms are known for being large and spacious, with queen beds in many of them.

Nobody’s playing suitcase Tetris in here.

Some bathrooms even feature his and her sinks. That’s a small detail that can save a marriage during a busy morning getaway.

Every room has its own private entrance. You park, unlock your door, and you’re home for the night, classic motel style.

My advice is simple. Embrace the decor instead of expecting a sleek chain hotel.

The fun comes from soaking in those warm colors and old-fashioned lines.

Snap a few photos while you’re there. Those retro tones look fantastic on camera, and your friends will wonder if you found a time machine.

In a way, you sort of did.

Modern Comforts Quietly Hide Inside The Time Capsule

Retro charm is great, but nobody wants to sweat through a summer night or lose their Wi-Fi. Good news on both fronts.

The Koolwink Motel pairs its vintage style with air conditioning and free Wi-Fi. You get the old look without giving up today’s basics.

Each room also comes with a flat-screen TV, a microwave, a refrigerator, and a coffee maker. That covers a lot of road-trip needs in one tidy package.

The fridge is a real win for travelers. Stash some snacks, leftovers, or drinks from a local market and you’re set for the evening.

That little coffee maker matters more than you’d think. Morning coffee in your room means no hunting for a drive-thru before sunrise.

Here’s a tip for planning your stay. Since the room has a microwave and fridge, pick up easy meals nearby to enjoy later.

It’s a smart balance that feels thoughtful. The family kept the soul of a 1960s motel and tucked the conveniences in where they belong.

You’ll notice the paneling first and the Wi-Fi second, which is exactly how it should be.

Lawn Chairs, A Gazebo, And Zero Rush To Go Anywhere

Outside every room sits a retro chair, just waiting for someone with nowhere to be. Honestly, that someone should be you.

The grounds at the Koolwink Motel get just as much love as the rooms. Beautifully manicured lawns stretch across the property.

An adorable gazebo adds a storybook touch. Shaded picnic spots give you a place to eat lunch or play cards under the trees.

Breezy porches round out the scene nicely. It’s the kind of setup that makes slowing down feel natural instead of forced.

This is where the old road-trip feeling really sinks in. Families once pulled over at motels like this to stretch their legs and rest before the next long drive.

My practical tip is to plan some downtime here. Don’t treat the motel as just a bed between activities.

Bring a book, a deck of cards, or a picnic from town. Then claim one of those retro chairs and watch the evening roll in.

You might be surprised how good it feels to do absolutely nothing. That’s a rare luxury on modern trips, and this place serves it up generously.

Say Hi To The Cheerful Fellow On Your Coffee Mug

Every great roadside stop needs a mascot. Here, that job belongs to Mr. Koolwink.

Wallace and Pauline Mauk introduced the cheerful logo, and it’s stuck around ever since. You’ll spot him on mugs, stationery, and signage across the property.

Mascots like this were a big deal in classic American road travel. A friendly face on a sign told drivers they’d found a fun, welcoming place to stop.

Mr. Koolwink keeps that tradition alive. He’s a little bit kitschy, a little bit sweet, and totally on brand.

Spotting him around the motel becomes a mini scavenger hunt. Count how many times he pops up during your stay, just for fun.

Kids especially love this kind of detail. Grown-ups who grew up with cartoon motel signs tend to get a nostalgic grin too.

Here’s a tip for souvenir hunters. Take photos of the signs and stationery so you can remember the charm later.

Honestly, Mr. Koolwink sums up the whole vibe in one smile. He’s upbeat, old-fashioned, and happy to see you, which is pretty much what this motel is all about.

Route 50 Delivers You To One Of The Oldest Chartered Town In The State

Few roads carry as much road-trip history as U.S. Route 50.

The motel sits right along it, the way a classic stop should.

You’ll find the Koolwink Motel at 24350 Northwestern Turnpike, Romney, WV 26757. That roadside spot puts you just outside town.

Romney holds a big title. It’s recognized as one of the oldest chartered town in West Virginia, which adds a nice layer of history to your visit.

Staying here means you’re not boxed in by a busy city. Instead, you’re surrounded by hills, trees, and small-town character.

The area belongs to West Virginia’s Potomac Highlands region. That’s a beautiful stretch of the state for anyone who loves scenic drives.

My advice is to arrive with daylight to spare. The drive along Route 50 is part of the fun, and you’ll want to see the views.

Once you pull in, the motel makes an easy home base. You can explore during the day and come back to a quiet room at night.

That combination of old highway and old town feels just right. It’s road-trip geography at its best.

Trains, Rivers, And Forest Trails Wait Just Down The Road

About eight minutes. That’s roughly how long it takes to drive from the motel to the Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad.

That train ride is a favorite outing in the area. Pairing a vintage motel with a scenic railroad feels like a perfectly themed weekend.

The South Branch Potomac River also flows nearby. It adds pretty water views to the landscape around Romney.

Nature lovers have even more options. Monongahela National Forest and Nathaniel Mountain Wildlife Management Area are within reach for outdoor adventures.

That variety makes the Koolwink Motel a smart base camp. You can ride the rails one day and explore the woods the next.

Here’s a planning tip that helps a lot. Check train schedules ahead of time and book your room around them.

Pack comfortable shoes and a light jacket for outdoor plans. Mountain weather can shift, and you’ll want to stay cozy.

After a full day of sightseeing, coming back to a retro room feels like a reward. Your legs will thank you, and that chair outside your door will look extra inviting.

Save Room For Ice Cream, Chocolate, And Farm Stand Finds

Road trips run on snacks, and Romney happens to be well stocked. The area around the motel has some tasty stops worth knowing.

Hanging Rocks Ice Cream sounds like the perfect reward after a long drive. Stray Cat Cafe is another nearby name to keep on your list.

Sweet tooth travelers can check out EH Chocolates and More, which also offers farm fresh produce. That’s a fun combo of treats and healthy picks.

Brushy Ridge Farm Stand and the Romney Farmers’ Market bring more local flavor. Fresh goodies from small sellers make a trip feel personal.

Remember that fridge and microwave in your room at the Koolwink Motel? They make shopping at these spots even more useful.

Grab some produce or treats, then enjoy them at a shaded picnic table back on the grounds. It’s an easy, budget-friendly way to eat well.

My tip is to check hours before heading out. Small local businesses and markets may keep seasonal or limited schedules.

Supporting these places adds something special to your stay. You’ll leave West Virginia with full bags, happy taste buds, and a few new favorite stops.