Post #459682 by JOHN-O on Sat, Jun 6, 2009 2:01 PM

More mid-century Las Vegas fun to go with your Frankie's Tiki drink.

Ever admire those motels with the cool vintage neon signs along the North Strip or East Fremont? (See my previous post.) I always have but figured the accommodations were sketchy if not outright dangerous. Heck, the Ambassador Motel on East Fremont (across from Atomic Liquors) became such a haven for drug dealing LA gang bangers that the city razed it.

One place that always caught my eye was the Tod Motor Motel (1962) right next door to Dino's Lounge (1960). Doing some research into the place, I've learned it was purchased by new owners a few years ago. They've kicked out the drug dealers, renovated the rooms, and allocated part of the property as a youth hostel.

So for any of you Tiki backpackers or budget conscious travelers looking for a groovy place convenient to Frankie's (originally 1964), you might want to check it out. The Tod is not safe walking distance to Frankie's, but it is walking distance to the 24-hour diner at White Cross Drugs (1964) and stumbling distance to Dino's.

1960-1964 was a interesting pop culture period in America with the Rat Pack, Camelot (JFK era), and the peak of Tiki. The Tod is another fine time machine to relive those days old-school style. (Me, I need a craps table so you'll still find me at the El Cortez.) :)

http://www.todlasvegas.com

http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2007/mar/30/new-life-for-tod

http://www.lasvegasweekly.com/news/2008/may/22/hostel-environment