MOTEL offers a unique escape for those seeking solitude, art, and the stark beauty of the landscape. Marfa, known for its vibrant art scene, mysterious lights, and minimalist aesthetic, provides the perfect backdrop for this serene getaway.
Guests can expect a tranquil and centrally located retreat that blends modern comforts with rugged charm, offering a cozy yet chic space to unwind.
Whether it’s gazing at the star-filled night sky, exploring the local art installations, or simply enjoying the quietude of the desert, MOTEL promises an unforgettable experience that captivates the spirit and refreshes the soul.
Great location near coffee, food, and art galleries. The grounds feature a private outdoor tub (free to hotel guests and can be reserved online), an outdoor sauna, cold plunge, a courtyard with fountain, an outdoor fireplace and outdoor shaded dining area. Each guest room features its own patio while the buildings are a restored adobe and restored auto shop.
Various local events and music festivals further enrich Marfa, making it a dynamic destination for art and culture enthusiasts. Marfa’s compact size makes walking and biking convenient for getting around. Our site has a list of great local businesses!
After a long run of successful projects in the Austin area, Jantzen Matzdorff sought the next place to create and wanted to continue working with McCray & Co. to design living art that pushes the boundaries of hospitality. With the personal mandate that the project does not remove local housing stock, the search area became more clear. Meanwhile, Genevieve Bassham was closing her beauty salon and posted her property for sale, including a thrift store, counseling office, and an adjacent auto repair garage. The sale allowed her to continue her quest to build a thrift store that helps fund the Marfa Food Bank and to run them out of the same building. With the benefit of remote work culture during the pandemic, design meetings were handled online and on-site. The process of remodeling included trips to Round Top over multiple years and bringing materials from Jantzen’s hometown in Idaho, including the large boards that comprise the entry door jambs, salvaged from the warehouse of the local grain supplier. The property now features nearly exclusively vintage or custom items that have been painstakingly designed, sourced, and crafted with reckless obsession and focus. 4 years after first viewing the property, MOTEL opened, taking its name and font from a porcelain and metal sign that Chris McCray and Jantzen Matzdorff found on one of their myriad vintage runs. This sign as well as the neon sign, which was sourced from a demolished hotel in Rock Springs, Arkansas, and rewired to comply with dark sky recommendations, are beacons of thoughtfulness and hospitably welcoming discerning guests from all over the world.
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