Partner Content

Hollywood’s Road Trip: Where to Stay Along America’s Most Cinematic Highway

As Route 66 rings in its 100th anniversary, we’re rounding up the best places to lodge from Santa Monica to Chicago.

By Erin Lassner

Plus Icon

Erin Lassner

E-Commerce Writer

More Stories by Erin

View All

June 10, 2026 1:32pm

Add us as a Google Preferred Source

Hilton Santa Fe Historic Plaza

Hilton Santa Fe Historic Plaza. Courtesy of Hilton

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, The Hollywood Reporter may receive an affiliate commission.

It’s official: The U.S. is entering a road trip renaissance. According to a recent study, 71 percent of Americans plan to drive on their next vacation, and nearly two-thirds say they won’t go more than five hours without stopping at a hotel.

To ring in the return of the road trip and, coincidentally, the 100th anniversary of Route 66, we’re breaking down five key stops from Chicago — just steps from the highway’s official Adams Street start sign — to Santa Monica, the western terminus of Route 66. Since all the listed hotels are Hilton properties, guests can rack up points — and perks — at each stop through the free-to-join Honors Program (more on this below). New members can join now to earn 3,000 Bonus Points on their first three stays.

Related Stories

Where to Buy Engagement Rings Online

Lifestyle

Where to Buy Engagement Rings Online, From Classic Cuts to Sustainable Picks

Best Hilton Luxury Hotels; Exterior view of Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal in Mexico, with luxury resort buildings nestled among rocky cliffs, palm trees and winding pathways.

Lifestyle

From Private Plunge Pools to Destination Dining: Inside Four Hilton Luxury Resorts in Mexico and Costa Rica

American Road Trip​: Best Hotels on Route 66

Chicago, Illinois: Hilton Chicago

Courtesy of Hilton

Kick off (or wrap up) your road trip at Hilton Chicago, steps away from the official starting point of Historic Route 66. The 1,544-room hotel sits in the Windy City’s most prime location, with sweeping views of Grant Park, Lake Michigan and Museum Campus.

When we think of this property, its rich history immediately comes to mind. In fact, the building was constructed in 1927, just one year after Route 66 was established. Since Hilton Chicago (originally the Stevens Hotel) first opened its doors as the largest hotel in the world, the landmark has been meticulously redesigned and restored to preserve its early 20th Century identity while also offering bright, modern rooms, exceptional dining options and a full menu of amenities.

Visit the Hilton Chicago’s website for current pricing, offers and a full amenity breakdown.

Tulsa, Oklahoma: Tulsa Club Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton

Courtesy of Hilton

Keeping on theme with an equally storied property, Hilton’s 96-room downtown escape is in the ultra-chic Tulsa Club Building, an Art Deco landmark built in 1927. Reimagined as a boutique hotel in 2019, the Tulsa Club Hotel maintains its old-school charm and Art Deco identity with a glamorous design and speakeasy-style lounge. Amenities include a fitness center, on-site restaurant, room service and meeting rooms.

Visit the hotel’s website for current pricing, offers and a full amenity breakdown.

Santa Fe, New Mexico: Hilton Santa Fe Historic Plaza

Courtesy of Hilton

Getting more historic by the moment, Hilton’s Santa Fe oasis is housed in a 350-year-old hacienda. Mirroring all the magic of New Mexico’s capital city, the hotel features traditional Southwest details throughout, from an outdoor kiva fireplace to warm wood beams and rich patterned rugs. It serves as a beautiful contrast to the Tulsa Club Hotel.

Visit Hilton Santa Fe’s website for current pricing, offers and a full amenity breakdown.

Flagstaff, Arizona: DoubleTree by Hilton Flagstaff

Courtesy of Hilton

Sitting directly on Old Route 66, DoubleTree by Hilton Flagstaff is located just 10 miles from Arizona Snowbowl and within an hour and a half of Grand Canyon National Park. The hotel offers a 24-hour fitness center, outdoor pool area for warmer months, jacuzzi and indoor whirlpool for year-round usage and seasonally-inspired dining options — from southwestern cuisine to American fusion favorites. As always, Hilton’s signature plush bedding is to be expected.

Visit the hotel’s website for current pricing, offers and a full amenity breakdown.

Santa Monica, California: Hilton Santa Monica Hotel & Suites

Courtesy of Hilton

Bring it on home with the Hilton Santa Monica, located just three blocks from the ocean and world-famous Santa Monica Pier. The full-service hotel embraces the city’s breezy atmosphere, with its bright and beachy decor, outdoor cabanas, farm-to-table food and signature craft cocktails. Rooms are spacious and inviting with fresh white linens, light wood accents and California-cool furniture and accessories.

Visit the Hilton Santa Monica’s website for current pricing, offers and a full amenity breakdown.

Finally, to get the most out of your stay (and future stays), Hilton’s free-to-join Honors Program is a no-brainer. As a tiered membership model, perks range from digital keys, free Wi-Fi and late checkout to room upgrades, food and beverage credits, discounted rates and free nights — the more you stay, the more you earn. (Join now to earn 3,000 Bonus Points on your first three stays.) Membership status aside, customers can count on Hilton’s premium service at each stop. Nightly rates vary by season and room type; visit Hilton.com for the latest.

Related: Hilton Fills Hotel Gap in L.A.’s Stadium District With New Boutique Property Steps From SoFi

Read More About:

THR Newsletters

Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day

Subscribe Sign Up

More from The Hollywood Reporter

American Road Trip Route 66​: Best Hotels on Route 66, Hilton Honors

The Definitive Voice of Entertainment News

Subscribe for full access to The Hollywood Reporter

SEE MY OPTIONS Sign Up

Most Popular

Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel

Jessica Biel Says She Won’t Let Her Son “Just Get Handed” Acting Opportunities Because of His Famous Family: “You Have to Earn That”

By McKinley Franklin

Hosts Jessica Tarlov, Jesse Watters, Dana Perino and Greg Gutfeld with Vice President of the United States JD Vance discusses new his book Communion: Finding My Way Back to Faith as he visits The Five at Fox News Channel Studios on June 16, 2026 in New York City.

TV Ratings: Why Fox News Suffered Its Largest Pre-Election Month Drop in the Past Decade

By Rick Porter

Whitney Peak as Lenore Dove Baird and Joseph Zada as Haymitch Abernathy in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping.

‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ First Reactions

By Abid Rahman

SAVANNAH, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 27: (L-R) Nathan Fielder and Lance Oppenheim attend the You Can See Everything Q&A during the 29th SCAD Savannah Film Festival on October 27, 2026 in Savannah, Georgia. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for SCAD)

Nathan Fielder and Lance Oppenheim Go Deep on the Twisty Ride of ‘You Can See Everything’ — and How Audiences Are Reacting

By David Canfield

Last Train to Fortune

How Bill Paxton’s Son Took Over His Father’s Role in a Western 35 Years in the Making

By Seth Abramovitch

Jennifer Lawrence

Jennifer Lawrence Recalls Confronting Unapproved Crew During Nude Scene: “Not OK”

By James Hibberd

Maya Jama in the U.K.'s 'Celebrity Traitors'

‘The Celebrity Traitors’ Ratings Have Never Been Higher. So Why Has This Season Felt Unusually Flat?

By Lily Ford

Must Reads

Olivia Rodrigo was photographed Aug. 21 at The Ebell of Los Angeles.

Olivia Rodrigo: The Queen of Sad Finds Her Happy Place

By Ethan Millman

Jason Sudeikis is a fixture of CeLIBrity row, the group of famous New York Liberty fans who go to see Breanna Stewart dominate the opposition. They were photographed Sept. 16 at Splashlight Studios in New York.

‘Ted Lasso’ Star Jason Sudeikis Goes One-on-One With WNBA Great Breanna Stewart (Watch)

By Julian Sancton

Bachelor Clayton Echard Love Trapped

‘Love Trapped,’ Fake Twins and the Paternity Scandal That Outcrazied ‘The Bachelor’

By Jackie Strause