Location Details
The GPS coordinates for the El Rey Motel located on historic Route 66 in California are approximately 34.1017° N, 117.3639° W.
Address: 454 E Foothill Blvd, Rialto, CA 92376
Route 66 Connection: Foothill Boulevard is a famous segment of the [Historic Route 66 corridor through Southern California]
El Rey Motel is a surviving piece of classic Americana located at 454 E Foothill Blvd in Rialto, California. Operating along the historic Route 66, its name translates to "The King" in Spanish. The motel remains open for business today and serves as a classic Mother Road landmark alongside other iconic Rialto stops like the Wigwam Motel.
Historic Vintage Signage: As shown in the file "10 El Rey Motel.jpg", the property still features a tall, classic neon marquee. Additional old-school signage, such as the "Color TV by RCA" board, highlights its mid-century roadside heritage.
Longevity: The motel has managed to survive the 1964 replacement of Route 66, which drew business and traffic away to the newer freeway system east of Los Angeles. The motel was well-established by that time, visibly appearing in a 1959 aerial photograph of the area.
Architecture: The building features a classic motor court layout with a covered drive-up entrance at the office, a hallmark of early motel design built to accommodate mid-century auto travelers.