As the automobile became the preferred method of travel, highway tourism began to unfold. Businesses sprang up along highways, especially ones catered to motorists, such as restaurants, car dealerships, garages, gas stations, and tourist camps—also known as motor courts, motel hotels, or simply motels. Much of Arlington’s commerce developed along the east-west route of the historic Bankhead Highway, which went along Division Street and was also known as Highway 80.
Today, although many decades later, Division Street in Arlington still embodies the wanderlust automotive spirit of yesteryear.
Caravan Motor Hotel: 80 cheerful rooms on Highway 80
The Caravan Motor Hotel opened at 908 E. Division Street in 1961, the same year Six Flags Over Texas began operations. Indeed, with the motel only a few miles from Six Flags, many travelers to (and passing through) Arlington choose the Caravan for their lodging needs.
The Caravan was a tourist court popular with travelers on short stays. It offered simple amenities by today’s standards but was perfect for couples or families visiting Arlington and wanting to relax. Guests enjoyed the convenience of major attractions, including amusement parks, professional sports, and more, as Arlington, and especially the Entertainment District, emerged and grew.
Postcard for the Caravan Motor Hotel – early 1970s
Shown here is a postcard for the Caravan Motor Hotel. On the back, it lists the following amenities:
- 80 Cheerful Rooms
- Year ‘Round Air Conditioning
- TV – Pool – Phones – Restaurant
- Located corner Hwys. 80 & 157
- Convenient to Six Flags & Texas Rangers baseball
The “80 Cheerful Rooms” playfully pays homage to its location on Highway 80. The inviting pool featured prominently on the postcard was surely a popular amenity in North Texas, especially, perhaps, after a long day at Six Flags. The year-round AC was always welcomed, too. The marque says “Open 25 Hrs,” a fun way of saying that they’re open all day and then some.
The motel’s architecture and style used Mid-Century Modern and Googie elements, a southern California-bred style once popular with motels, gas stations, and coffee shops. Note the repetitive geometric shapes and vibrant colors of the building’s exterior and signage. They evoke a throwback to a bygone era.
Despite once being a popular lodging destination, the Caravan Motor Hotel recently fell into hard times. The vibrant colors of the motel were faded, the fourth palm tree on the sign was long gone, and the run-down property had become a magnet for unwanted activity.
Caravan Motor Hotel sign – November 2022
Caravan Court Hotel: A New Beginning
In June 2024, though, it was announced that the Caravan Motor Hotel would get a second life. A new, luxurious boutique hotel, the Caravan Court Hotel, will soon stand in its place, with throwbacks to the former motor hotel. Developers plan to incorporate architectural and design elements into the new property, including restoration and usage of the iconic sign.
With a contemporary twist on a popular mid-century aesthetic, the new Caravan will combine function, familiarity, and flair into an exciting new destination. The upscale hotel will feature 145 rooms, 7 suites, swimming pool, signature restaurant, martini lounge bar, event space, valet parking, and other amenities.
Logo and rendering of the Caravan Court Hotel
Groundbreaking is scheduled for August 2024 and is envisioned as the start of a revitalization effort along the Division Street Corridor, further adding to Arlington’s diverse tourism brand. The Caravan Court Hotel is expected to open in 2026.
Blog post by Jason S. Sullivan, 08-14-24
Jason S. Sullivan 