Roy's Motel & Cafe
Iconic Route 66 landmark in the Mojave Desert, offering a nostalgic diner experience and vintage photo opportunities.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Roy's Motel & Cafe
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic Route 66 landmark in the Mojave Desert, offering a nostalgic diner experience and vintage photo opportunities.
"It's an old school diner type of a cafe and may not be as up to date as some would like, but we had no problem with it."
📸 Iconic Photo Spot
Don't miss snapping a pic with the famous neon sign! It's a must-do for any Route 66 traveler.
⛽ Fuel Up & Eat Up
Grab a classic diner meal or a quick snack. Reviews praise the burgers and breakfast options.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Neon Sign
Exterior
The glowing neon sign is a quintessential Route 66 photo opportunity, capturing the spirit of the Mother Road.
Vintage Diner Experience
Cafe Interior
Step back in time with classic decor and a menu that serves up old-school American diner fare.
Amboy Crater Views
Near the Motel
Just a short distance away, explore the unique volcanic landscape of Amboy Crater for stunning desert vistas.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Retro Vibe
Timing is Everything on Route 66
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Iconic Photo Spot
Don't miss snapping a pic with the famous neon sign! It's a must-do for any Route 66 traveler.
⛽ Fuel Up & Eat Up
Grab a classic diner meal or a quick snack. Reviews praise the burgers and breakfast options.
🏜️ Desert Heat Awareness
It gets hot! Bring water and wear sun protection, especially if exploring Amboy Crater.
✈️ Aviation Enthusiast Stop
Watch planes land nearby – a unique sight where aviation meets Americana on Route 66!
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Iconic Photo Spot
Don't miss snapping a pic with the famous neon sign! It's a must-do for any Route 66 traveler.
⛽ Fuel Up & Eat Up
Grab a classic diner meal or a quick snack. Reviews praise the burgers and breakfast options.
🏜️ Desert Heat Awareness
It gets hot! Bring water and wear sun protection, especially if exploring Amboy Crater.
✈️ Aviation Enthusiast Stop
Watch planes land nearby – a unique sight where aviation meets Americana on Route 66!
🕰️ Embrace the Retro
It's a vintage spot. Enjoy the old-school charm; don't expect modern polish.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Roy's Motel & Cafe is a beloved Route 66 icon offering a nostalgic diner experience with generous portions of classic American comfort food. Visitors praise the friendly service and the authentic retro atmosphere, though some note the need for updates and cleanliness improvements. It's a quintessential stop for road trippers seeking a taste of the past.
"Stopped for a quick bite to eat, first time here. Food was great! My grilled ham and cheese was good and so were my mashed potatoes with country gravy. My boyfriend’s burger was also really good! Great service, both the cook and waitress were kind and made sure we were enjoying everything. It is an old school diner type of a cafe and may not be as up to date as some would like, but we had no problem with it.
Solid option for some good food while traveling!"
Cam C
"My food was alright, omelette tasted a little over cooked. Great portions... The kids wanted to leave immediately because the place was a bit dusty, and could use a lot of cleaning. The waitress was nice…don’t have much to say about this one."
Laurita Cottonham
"We pulled up here on our way to Vegas today looking for an old style American diner. Roy’s was right on point and delivered exactly that.
Classic decor, a classic diner menu and food that was cooked perfectly and tasted great! Obviously diner prices have gone up a little but it’s still great to be able to relive the good old days"
Mike Tarr
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Roy's Motel & Cafe is located in Amboy, California, directly on the historic Route 66. If you're driving the Mother Road, it's a prominent landmark. For GPS, use 'Roy's Motel & Cafe, Amboy, CA'. It's a popular stop for road trippers heading between Southern California and Arizona.
Public transport options are extremely limited in Amboy. This destination is best reached by private vehicle, making it a classic road trip stop.
Many travelers stop at Roy's as part of a larger Route 66 journey. It's often combined with visits to other desert landmarks like the World's Tallest Thermometer or Calico Ghost Town.
Yes, Amboy Crater is a significant natural landmark nearby, offering a unique volcanic landscape to explore.
The drive is primarily on Route 66, which is a paved highway. However, be prepared for desert conditions, including potential heat and wind.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets required to visit Roy's Motel & Cafe. It's a public roadside attraction and cafe, so you can stop by freely to take photos and dine.
Operating hours can vary, especially for the cafe. It's best to check their social media or call ahead if you have specific dining plans. The exterior is always accessible for photos.
There is no entrance fee to visit the grounds of Roy's Motel & Cafe. You are welcome to stop, take photos, and soak in the atmosphere.
While it's called Roy's Motel, it primarily functions as a cafe and iconic stop. Overnight stays are not typically offered.
Visiting on a weekday morning or late afternoon can help you avoid the peak crowds often seen on weekends and holidays.
📸 📸 Photography
The most iconic photo op is the vintage neon sign, especially at dusk or night. The retro architecture and the surrounding desert landscape also make for great shots. 
Yes, you are welcome to take photos inside the cafe. It's a great way to capture the nostalgic diner atmosphere.
Golden hour, just before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for exterior shots. Dusk is also magical when the neon sign starts to glow.
Generally, casual photography for personal use is allowed. For commercial photography or filming, it's always best to inquire directly.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the entire facade and sign. A standard zoom is versatile for interior shots. Don't forget a tripod for low-light evening shots!
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Roy's Cafe offers classic American diner fare, including burgers, sandwiches, breakfast items like omelets and pancakes, and comfort food sides. They also have Mexican food options.
Reviews suggest that portions are generally generous, especially for items like burgers and breakfast plates.
Travelers often recommend the grilled ham and cheese, burgers, omelets, and hash browns. The pastrami cheeseburger has also received positive mentions.
Yes, breakfast is a popular choice, with mentions of delicious omelets, pancakes, and hash browns.
Prices are considered reasonable for diner food, offering good value for the portion sizes.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the cafe is a bit dusty and could use a refresh, the casual atmosphere means kids can be kids. The nearby Amboy Crater also offers a unique natural feature to explore, adding an element of adventure to the visit. Just be sure to bring plenty of water and sun protection, as the desert can get very hot.
🚗 Road Trippers & Bikers
+1Many travelers on motorcycles or in classic cars find Roy's to be a welcoming and authentic stop. The open space around the motel is ideal for parking and admiring vehicles. It’s a place where fellow travelers often share stories and admire each other's rides, adding to the communal spirit of the open road.
+1📸 Photographers & Nostalgia Seekers
+1Beyond the motel itself, the stark desert landscape surrounding Amboy provides a dramatic backdrop. Consider visiting Amboy Crater for unique geological shots. The cafe's interior, with its classic diner booths and counter, also offers a wealth of photographic detail, preserving a bygone era.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Enduring Charm of Roy's Motel & Cafe
+1Many visitors describe the experience as stepping back in time. The vintage decor and the laid-back atmosphere contribute to its unique appeal. While some reviews mention that the establishment could benefit from updates, this is often seen as part of its charm, preserving its historical character. It's a place where the silence of the desert meets the echoes of a bygone era, making it a memorable stop for anyone traversing this legendary highway.
Beyond the cafe, the surrounding area offers a glimpse into the stark beauty of the Mojave. The nearby Amboy Crater, a volcanic cinder cone, provides an opportunity for exploration and stunning desert photography. Roy's Motel & Cafe serves as a perfect base or a welcome respite for those venturing into this unique landscape, embodying the spirit of adventure and discovery that defines Route 66.
+1Route 66: A Journey Through Time
Traveling Route 66 today is a journey into the past, offering a chance to experience vintage diners, quirky attractions, and vast desert landscapes. It's a popular route for motorcyclists, classic car enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a more scenic and nostalgic travel experience. The highway has been preserved in many sections, allowing travelers to recreate the journeys of generations past.
+1Stops like Roy's Motel & Cafe are crucial to the Route 66 experience. They provide not just sustenance but also a tangible connection to the highway's rich history. The enduring appeal of these roadside icons lies in their ability to transport visitors to a simpler time, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and adventure.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit