The Wigwam Hotel is a well-known landmark along Route 66. It stands out with its motel rooms designed to resemble Native American teepees. The hotel also has a unique feature – a collection of vintage cars in its parking lot that serves as a nostalgic reminder of simpler times.
About The Wigwam Hotel
The Wigwam Hotel is a luxurious AAA four-diamond resort on 440 acres of land in the Arizona desert. It offers relaxation and luxury to its guests. The hotel boasts 331 elegant rooms, three signature dining venues, a spa, and 54 holes of championship golf. Staying at The Wigwam Hotel guarantees a unique and unforgettable experience in the Arizona desert.
The original Wigwam Village was designed by Frank Redford, who drew inspiration from a teepee-shaped barbecue restaurant he saw in Long Beach, California. He built a motel with the same concept in Horse City, Kentucky, in 1933. The idea became popular, and he eventually franchised it, establishing seven more Wigwam Villages, including the one on Highway 66.
In 1974, Clifton Lewis, a Spanish professor, bought the property and transformed it into a family-run business. He turned the gas pumps into a museum showcasing his collection of Indian artifacts, Civil War memorabilia, Route 66 collectibles, and petrified wood. Since 2015, Pyramid Hotels of Boston has managed the hotel.
Rooms
The hotel offers 331 rooms, each equipped with an en-suite bathroom, air conditioning, and television. Amenities such as a fridge, coffee/tea maker, and bathrobes are provided for guest comfort.
The Patel family, who owns two other Wigwam Village Motels in Cave City, Kentucky, and Holbrook, Arizona, distinguishes the Rialto location. This motel has an additional second floor, where the father stores his Route 66 memorabilia. It is a treasure trove for him.
While the tepee-shaped rooms of The Wigwam may look authentic from the outside, their interiors differ. Co-owner Scott Mitchell often explains the distinction between a wigwam and a tipi to guests. A wigwam has permanent poles for its tent structure, while a tipi typically consists of twigs with a removable top. The rooms on the two floors of the hotel feature beds, TVs, private bathrooms with shower/tub combinations, and designer toiletries. Some smaller wigwams are also used as dining rooms or offices, adding to the authentic experience.
Dining
The Wigwam Hotel holds significance for Baby Boomers due to its nostalgic appeal. It was one of seven tepee-shaped motel villages constructed by Frank Redford between 1933 and 1937 along Route 66. The hotel offers a variety of dining options where guests can enjoy farm-to-table cuisine that supports local Phoenix merchants. Choices range from romantic dinners at Litchfield’s to classic American fare at Red Allen’s.
The hotel also serves a delicious breakfast. Moreover, vintage cars reminiscent of Pixar’s Cars movie can be found scattered throughout the parking lot.
Activities
Guests at The Wigwam Hotel have a wide range of activities. Golf enthusiasts can enjoy the full-service golf course, while those seeking relaxation can indulge in spa treatments such as massages and body treatments. Additionally, the hotel boasts three outdoor pools.
There are three restaurants on-site where guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner casually. The hotel also features bars where one can unwind with a drink.
The resort’s LeMonds Aveda Salon
