Former Sahara Sands Motel & Restaurant

315 E. Route 66, Tucumcari, NM
Phone:

East < GO > West

The Friends Inn (closed now?) and Joe's Back in the Day Diner, occupied the former Sahara Sands motel when this photo was snapped in 2015. The motel and restaurant were built in 1959 by the Whittington family. At various times the Whittington's had owned and operated several motels in Tucumcari including the 1953 Golden W Motel and the, now gone, 1964 Pony Soldier Motel. The large neon sign at the Sahara Sands came from a motel of the same name in Amarillo that was changing its name. Be sure to check out the very cool neon "Wash Lady" sign on the Boulevard Cleaners & Laundromat across the street to the east.

I see that in June of 2021 the Restaurant is home to Loretta's Burrito Hut.

Vintage Advertising Highlights

AAA
SAHARA SANDS MOTEL
315 East Hi-Way 66
Tucumcari, New Mexico 8801
Dial 461-****
Wall-to-wall carpet - Tub-Shower Combination - B&W & Color TV - Thermostat Controlled Heat - Refrigerated Air - Some Long Boy and King Size Beds - Baby Beds - Playground - Restaurant - Heated Pool - 32 Units.
Mr. & Mrs. M. M. Whittington
Owners and Operators.

Note: The Long Boy and King Size beds were probably a bit uncommon for the era, but nice for taller folks.

Photo(s): 2015