Welcome to Amigo Motor Lodge – a vintage 1950s motor lodge reimagined with contemporary rustic style and Southwestern spirit.
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TL;DR
- Amigo Motor Lodge is a retro boutique motel in Salida offering modern-rustic rooms and Airstream trailers with a hip, whimsical vibe.
- Its unique design combines minimalist decor, geometric prints, Southwestern motifs, and sustainable features.
- The lodge provides easy access to Salida's vibrant downtown and abundance of outdoor activities like hiking, biking, rafting and skiing.
- Amigo celebrates the motor lodge history through its renovated midcentury buildings while providing a one-of-a-kind boutique hotel experience.
As you first lay eyes on Amigo Motor Lodge, you can already sense the playful personality of this nostalgic roadside retreat. The retro neon signage and kitschy slogans on the marquee introduce Amigo’s signature quirky style. Owners Philip and Kaitlyn have refreshed two midcentury motel buildings on this site into a minimalist modern motel with distinctive geometric and Southwestern accents.
A Hip Homage to Vintage Americana
Stepping into the stylishly sparse lobby, Amigo’s retro roots shine through details like the original terrazzo floors and wood panel walls juxtaposed with bright geometric rugs and eclectic vintage furniture. This space epitomizes Amigo’s inventive blend of old and new – resurrecting the sturdy foundations of this motor lodge while infusing it with contemporary design touches and modern amenities.
The guest rooms continue this minimalist motif with crisp white bedding, blonde wood nightstands, and pops of color via throw pillows and patterned curtains. Bespoke geometric headboards and original vintage artwork add visual interest to the pared-back decor. Southwestern motifs like cowhide rugs, dreamcatchers, and ceramic bull skulls bring warmth and personality into the sleek, neutral palette.
1 Beyond the rooms, Amigo’s hip homage to nostalgic Americana shines through in delightful design details everywhere you look. Vintage license plates adorn the buildings’ exteriors, while old postcards and road maps decorate the interiors as charming reminders of bygone road trip eras. The atmosphere here celebrates the beloved cultural legacy of these roadside retreats.
Restored Midcentury Bones with Modern Green Updates
As lifelong residents of Salida, Philip and Kaitlyn felt a personal connection to this aging motor lodge, which had been a local landmark since the 1950s. When the property went up for sale in 2018, the couple saw an opportunity to give the rundown buildings new life while preserving an important piece of the town’s history.
The renovation fused sustainable building practices with respect for the original architecture. Salvaged materials were incorporated throughout – from reused fixtures in the guest rooms to upcycled furniture in the common areas. Solar panels and water-efficient native landscaping added eco-conscious updates befitting a 21st-century lodge.
Guest safety was also improved by removing hazardous materials while retaining the buildings’ essential midcentury features – like the wood beam ceilings and stone fireplaces. The result is a responsibly restored motor lodge where vintage styling and modern comfort go hand-in-hand. These gorgeously refurbished aluminum campers allow you to glamp in retro style while still surrounded by Salida’s stunning natural scenery.
The 31-foot trailers are veritable homes-on-wheels with surprisingly spacious interiors. Southwestern textiles and playful touches give each Airstream its own personality – like vibrant ceramic sinks and handpainted toilet paper holders in the campers’ bathrooms. Vintage travel posters and faux fur rugs enhance the kitschy, caravan-chic vibe.
Under the starry Colorado skies, you’ll drift off to sleep in the cozy rear bedroom with its plush queen bed before waking up to mountain views right outside the trailer door. The Airstreams’ front living area is ideal for relaxing after days filled with Salida’s endless outdoor adventures – just fix a cup of coffee in the handy kitchenette and unwind on the convertible sofa.
Adding to the whimsical experience, each trailer even has its own delightfully quirky name like “Queen Bee,” “Dolly,” and “Mr. Big Stuff” – the kind of personal touches that make a stay at Amigo so memorable. From hiking and biking to rafting, kayaking, and skiing – adventure awaits right on Amigo’s doorstep.
As a long-time Salida local, co-owner Philip has a wealth of insider knowledge of the area’s natural attractions and hidden gems. He can point you to the best single-track mountain bike trails that wind through fragrant pine forests or advise what stretch of the Arkansas River offers the most thrilling whitewater rapids.
Salida’s charming historic downtown centered around the Arkansas River is also just a five minute drive from Amigo. There you’ll find local restaurants, craft breweries, art galleries and specialty shops housed in brick buildings dating back as far as the late 1800s. Soak up the small-town atmosphere while strolling along F Street’s vibrant pedestrian thoroughfare.
With Amigo’s convenient location, rustic-chic accommodations, and personal hospitality, you have an ideal base camp to fully embrace Salida’s endless array of outdoor pursuits and local culture.
Immerse Yourself in Salida’s Vibrant Local Experiences
Beyond its wealth of outdoor recreation, the real charm of Salida shines through in its thriving local arts, culture, and community. Throughout the year, a full calendar of festivals and events gives you plenty of opportunities to mingle with creative locals while celebrating everything that makes this historic railroad town so special.
The summer kicks off with beloved traditions like the whitewater rodeo and folk music gatherings. As the seasons progress, don’t miss Salida’s exciting rotation of cultural festivals – from the vaudeville and burlesque-themed Burlycue to genre-spanning music showcases like the Salida Stoplight Music Festival.
Year-round, an eclectic array of galleries, studios, and performing arts venues provide glimpses into the town’s vibrant creative scene. Browse the Riverside Arts Center’s exhibitions spotlighting regional artists before catching an independent film screening or avant-garde theatre performance at the intimate SteamPlant Theater.
For a true taste of local culture, join a guided food tour to discover Salida’s tastiest farm-to-table fare, craft brews, and artisanal spirits, many made with homegrown ingredients from Colorado’s fertile valleys. Or time your stay to coincide with community events like the weekly farmers market to mingle with makers and growers while filling your picnic basket with delicious local produce.
Retreat to Relaxation Among Salida’s Natural Wonders
While adventure may call you to Salida, the town’s healing hot springs and sprawling wilderness areas also beckon you to rest, reset, and reconnect with nature. As an ideal base, Amigo Motor Lodge places you close to an array of relaxing and rejuvenating retreats. Its adults-only areas cater to ultimate privacy in this clothing-optional, au naturel oasis.
The nearby Monarch Spa solar-heated pools offer another inviting option to melt away tension as you gaze up at the mighty Collegiate Peaks from the warm, mineral-rich waters. Their massage therapists are at the ready with custom bodywork and holistic treatments to fully revive the body and spirit.
For off-the-grid tranquility, Amigo’s remote but well-appointed Airstream trailers let you camp in comfort while still surrounded by the Sawatch Range’s pine-blanketed wilderness. The ample peace and quiet here cultivates the perfect environment to unplug from digital distractions and reconnect with both your travel companions and Colorado’s natural splendor.
Embrace Both Winter Adventures and Mountain Serenity
While summer remains the peak tourist season, Salida’s cool mountain climate also makes it an unsung winter wonderland. Once the snow starts falling, the ski slopes and frozen waterways unlock a whole new roster of frosty thrills.
Just half an hour up the road, hit the slopes at Monarch Mountain Ski Resort, where plentiful powder blankets the terrain. With its laidback vibe and smaller crowds, Monarch offers a refreshing alternative to the busier ski resorts of Summit County and Vail.
Back in town, strap on your snowshoes or cross-country skis to explore Salida’s quiet, snow-covered trails and parks. Or try your hand at ice climbing the dazzling frozen waterfalls along the Arkansas River. Wherever you roam, the winter days here unfold with crisp bluebird skies perfect for reveling in the hushed beauty of Salida’s snowy landscapes.
When you’re ready to warm your toes, Amigo Motor Lodge’s snug Airstreams let you hunker down in comfort when temperatures drop. Their heaters, plush blankets, and winterized insulation maintain a cozy retreat. Savor steaming mugs of hot cocoa inside while watching flickering snowflakes drift past the frosted windows.
Find Your Own Retro-Chic Rocky Mountain Refuge
Whether you’re craving outdoor escapades or cultural immersion – with its prime location and singular style, Amigo Motor Lodge lets you fully experience Salida’s vibrant small-town spirit. Within its nostalgic roadside revival vibe, you’ll discover your own personal refuge to both restore the soul and ignite the spirit of adventure.
Book a bright, modern room or classic aluminum Airstream and make Amigo your launch pad for lively Salida excursions by day and peaceful relaxation at the journey’s end each night. Here in your cheerful, kitschy oasis, you’re free to alternate between thrills and tranquility at your whim.
So embrace the retro-chic comforts of Amigo Motor Lodge and let this eclectic mountain lodge unlock the very best of Salida and the Colorado Rockies just for you. The Amigo family eagerly awaits to reveal their beloved town’s secrets and make you feel right at home.
FAQ About Amigo Motor Lodge
What types of rooms and rates are available at Amigo Motor Lodge?
Amigo offers both standard motel rooms and deluxe Airstream trailers. Motel rooms start at around $165/night while Airstreams range from $195-$250/night depending on size and features. Discounts are sometimes offered for midweek stays or multi-night bookings.
What amenities and facilities does the lodge provide?
The motel rooms and lobby building offer free WiFi, mini-fridges, coffee makers, flatscreen TVs, and access to an outdoor hot tub. The property itself has scenic mountain views with picnic tables and fire pits for guest use.
What is parking like at Amigo? Can I park my RV?
Free outdoor parking is available in the motor lodge lot. Guests with RVs can also call ahead to reserve an RV spot complete with electric and water hookups.
Does Amigo Motor Lodge allow pets?
Leashed pets are allowed in the Airstreams for an extra $25 pet cleaning fee. Pets are restricted from motel rooms unless they are registered service animals.
Is Amigo Motor Lodge within walking distance of downtown Salida?
Amigo Lodge is just a quick 5-10 minute drive from downtown Salida. While not quite within walking distance, downtown is easily accessible by car, bike, or via Salida’s affordable taxi services.
When are peak seasons in Salida? Will attractions and services still be open in winter?
Summer and fall are Salida’s most popular seasons. But winter tourism continues to grow. Nearby Monarch Ski Resort runs from November through April. Many shops, restaurants, and hot springs stay open year-round as well.
