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The Sunset Motel in Moriarty is the only remaining original Route 66 motel in New Mexico to still be owned by the original family. The history of the motel dates back to 1959 when Elaine and Bill Pogue started the Sunset Motel to welcome travelers off of Old 66. Bill had come from a background in hospitality. His mother owned and operated Moriarty's Yucca Motor Court and following his career as a military pilot, Bill became a second-generation motel owner. Together, Elaine and Bill shared a love of serving guests and their community alike. Elaine went on to become Moriarty's first (and only to date) woman mayor.
The plans for the building were initially drawn out on a brown paper bag and Bill, Elaine and their two young sons completed the majority of the construction. Bill was adamant that the motel should be "done right and last forever!" A family story goes that after an accident, Bill hired someone to build a wall. When he discovered it to be a 1/8-inch off, he knocked it over with his crutches and started over himself.
The motel operated as a 2 room motel (now our Original Rooms) without a sign for the first year. The remaining rooms were added in phases through 1969. While initial plans intended the building to be in the U-shape characteristic of many Route 66 motels, Bill passed away prior to the completion. Elaine continued to run the Sunset Motel for several years before selling the business to their youngest son, Mike. Mike and his wife, Debbie, continue the legacy to this day, bringing Bill and Elaine's vision to life.
Over the years, the Sunset Motel has welcomed guests from around the world. The Sunset Motel has also played backdrop to numerous Hollywood products including Academy Award nominee Hell or High Water (2016) and Sundance Film Festival Official Selection The Dry Land (2010).
Today, the Sunset Motel reflects it's unique story while integrating modern updates that grow with guests' comfort and convenience in mind and continue to serve future generations.
The plans for the building were initially drawn out on a brown paper bag and Bill, Elaine and their two young sons completed the majority of the construction. Bill was adamant that the motel should be "done right and last forever!" A family story goes that after an accident, Bill hired someone to build a wall. When he discovered it to be a 1/8-inch off, he knocked it over with his crutches and started over himself.
The motel operated as a 2 room motel (now our Original Rooms) without a sign for the first year. The remaining rooms were added in phases through 1969. While initial plans intended the building to be in the U-shape characteristic of many Route 66 motels, Bill passed away prior to the completion. Elaine continued to run the Sunset Motel for several years before selling the business to their youngest son, Mike. Mike and his wife, Debbie, continue the legacy to this day, bringing Bill and Elaine's vision to life.
Over the years, the Sunset Motel has welcomed guests from around the world. The Sunset Motel has also played backdrop to numerous Hollywood products including Academy Award nominee Hell or High Water (2016) and Sundance Film Festival Official Selection The Dry Land (2010).
Today, the Sunset Motel reflects it's unique story while integrating modern updates that grow with guests' comfort and convenience in mind and continue to serve future generations.
