The Motel Inn in San Luis Obispo was the world’s first ‘Motor Hotel’ or motel, opening on Dec 12, 1925 as the Milestone Mo-Tel. The age of automobile travel had arrived, and architect/owner Arthur S. Heineman promised guests that they could drive up and park right in front of their room. That was a novel concept at the time. Celebrities such as Marilyn Monroe, Lucille Ball, Bob Hope, Joe DiMaggio, and Clint Eastwood visited the motel over the years during its heyday in the 1950s. The Milestone Mo-Tel or Motel Inn changed owners many times before closing in 1991. Most of the buildings were torn down by 2010.
What’s left of the Motel Inn is located at 2223 Monterey Street in San Luis Obispo.
2026 Update: The Motel Inn’s 4.2 acre property went up for sale on July 30th. Interestingly, the asking price is undisclosed to the public.
Because the remaining structures are on San Luis Obispo’s Master List of Historic Resources, the buyer will need to incorporate them into their final project. The site could be turned into a hotel, mixed-use residential, or senior living.
Originally written Sept 1, 2022. Updated Sept 1, 2026