I finally had the chance to stay overnight at the Wagon Wheel Motel in Cuba, Mo., and am glad I did.
This historic Route 66 motel has been transformed from a diamond in the rough into a gleaming jewel, thanks to the ongoing renovation efforts by new owner Connie Echols.
I noted the Wagon Wheel lacked a presence on YouTube, so I decided to rectify that by shooting video during our stay there. The fact it occurred on Christmas Eve during a pretty snowstorm was a bonus.
A few notes:
- The desk you see in the latter part of the video is the original used by longtime Wagon Wheel Motel owners Harold and Pauline Armstrong. Wagon Wheel memorabilia is displayed on it, and the desk holds a guestbook for overnight travelers to sign.
- Music in the video is “Song of Assisi,” by Marc Gunn.
- The Wagon Wheel offers 10 guest rooms, with at least six to be added sometime in 2011. At least one of the newly renovated rooms will be handicap-accessible.
- The Connie’s Shoppe gift shop housed in what was a long-closed diner on the property will sell Wagon Wheel Motel souvenirs by summer tourism season.
- What a difference a year makes: Echols has owned the motel barely a year, and in many online travel sites it has shot to No. 1 for recommended lodging in the Cuba area.
(Thanks to Connie Echols and Jane Reed)
Very nicely done – The Wagon Wheel is first class, and has now been saved for many more years to come. Great Job! They will end up not only surviving, but thriving, and that’s what we all wish for everyone…
Thanks for posting the video! (you also picked a great soundtrack to go with it)
Definitely on my “to-do” list 🙂
There are now 19 restored rooms, each with its own individual decoration and amenities. She has also added two decks, a bike shelter/pavilion, and a gathering room available for large groups to rent. There is a coin operated guest laundry available.
A price list of rooms is available at http://www.wagonwheel66cuba.com.