Colonial House Motel, Las Vegas, Triblend Tee

Description

Colonial House Motel was a modest but meaningful part of early Las Vegas hospitality, representing the independent roadside lodging that supported the city’s rapid postwar growth. In an era before towering mega-resorts, smaller, non-gaming properties like Colonial House played a vital role in accommodating the steady flow of travelers arriving by car along U.S. 91. The motel was founded by Wilbur Clark and Anthony Martinolich—two influential figures in Southern Nevada’s early development—and opened on March 17, 1953. Clark also owned the Desert Inn Hotel and Casino, which was next to the Colonial House Motel. Martinolich was a respected restaurateur and businessman whose ventures helped serve Las Vegas’s expanding visitor base. Their unified involvement tied Colonial House to a broader wave of entrepreneurial growth that defined the city’s formative years. Colonial House Motel did not include a casino or any gaming, distinguishing it from many nearby properties. Instead, it focused entirely on lodging and complementary guest services. Designed in classic motor court style, the property featured low-rise buildings with exterior-access rooms and adjacent parking—ideal for motorists seeking convenience after long desert drives. Beyond its rooms, the motel offered several much enjoyed amenities typical of mid-century roadside properties. Guests had access to an on-site coffee shop, The Steak House restaurant, a full bar, the Plantation Room cocktail lounge, and a swimming pool. The pool offered a welcome escape from the desert heat, while landscaped courtyards and shaded walkways created a more relaxed, residential feel. Some accounts also note lounging or sitting areas where guests could gather informally. These features, while modest, enhanced the overall experience and made the property more than just a place to sleep. Its location allowed easy access to both the Las Vegas Strip and downtown Fremont Street, giving guests proximity to casinos and entertainment without the cost or intensity of staying directly in a gaming resort. This balance made it especially appealing to budget-conscious travelers, families, and longer-term visitors. As Las Vegas evolved, properties like Colonial House were gradually overshadowed by larger, integrated resorts. The motel eventually faded and finally closed in 1987. Colonial House is remembered as part of the foundation of Las Vegas tourism, a practical, non-gaming property that helped welcome generations of visitors during the city’s early rise. Today the property lies within the grounds of Wynn Las Vegas.