Economy Inn

612 Hopi Dr., Holbrook, AZ
Phone:

East < GO > West

The former 1947 Sea Shell Motel started out as a one story building. The second story on the back section was added later. After the expansion in 1958 it became a Whiting Brothers Motor Hotel with 46 guest rooms. The gazebo in the courtyard provided a bit of shade for guests lounging outside. Later it became the Golden Door Motor Hotel before becoming the Economy Inn.

Over the years postcards for the motel promoted it as having steam heat and being "cooled by refrigeration" and having room phones. At various times it carried the AAA logo as well as the Best Western name and being recommended by Duncan Hines.

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Vintage Advertising Highlights

Early 50s Postcard

Sea Shell Motel
West Side of Holbrook, Arizona
Highway 66
AAA & Best Western Logos
Cooled by Refrigeration - Steam Heat - Room Phones
Recommended by Duncan Hines
Other Sea Shell Motels
Lordsburg, New Mexico

Mid 50s Postcard

Sea Shell Motor Hotel
612 West Hopi Drive
U.S. Hwy 66 West
Holbrook, Arizona
46 Units - Steam Heat - T.V & Telephone in all rooms - Air Conditioned.
Restaurant & Cocktail Lounge directly across the street.
Telephone Code 602 - 524-****
AAA Logo

Note: The Best Western affiliation apparently got dropped between these two postcards, as did the Duncan Hines reference. While the first postcard was published after the addition of the second floor, only the later card mentioned the room count.
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Photo(s): 2015