After a long days drive north from El Paso, I arrived at the Buckaroo not looking for much. Just a room, secure with the basics, and quiet. And that's what I got. A very basic room, old school Route 66 60's era crash pad. The rate was around $20 (a bit more now, in 2008). The owner, a nice woman, had just bought the place and was trying to make a go of it.

Once I unpacked and checked out the room and hotel a bit, I watched tv for awhile on a rather old tv. The bed was full size, with the standard issue small pillows and bedding, but ok for me. The washroom was clean, had somewhat worn fixtures but overall ok. The hotel was quiet, and nearly 1/3 full. Outside the managers office several Route 66 buffs, in town for a 66 event the next day, gathered and shared stories in metal lawn chairs. The owner joined them for a bit as well.

Rested up some, I headed off down 66 a short hop and had dinner at Del's. Del's, much like the Buckaroo, offering solid but basic food. I forget what I had, but it was ok. Better than any fast food joint. After eating I took the tour of Tucumcari, driving up 66 in town, then driving around the town proper. The town is one of those places I often wonder what it would be like to live in. Set in the same geographical area as the Texas Panhandle, the town has that ranch area feel about it.

That night I had a good, quiet and fairly unremarkable stay. The kind you appreciate when spending several nights on the road. Getting up early, I grabbed a coffee and headed out of town just as a long line of Route 66 celebrants were pulling in with old cars, forming a parade route. Feeling like I had just left a time warp of some kind, I was back enroute east, to Clinton, Oklahoma, and my next stop.

I have been staying at the Buckaroo Motel for about eight years.
I was first lured in by the fetching neon sign with the captivating buckaroo. Route 66, neon or no neon, you don't return for as long as I have without the finer touches: Cleanliness, a respect for the 1960's decor albeit with new beds, bedding, towels, etc., owners who care for and maintain the place with real heart. If you don't stay at The Buckaroo Motel you are missing out on one of the Jewels of Tucumcari.

Clean, quiet and a very friendly atmosphere

Recently my family made Tucumcari an overnight stop on our annual ski trip. I was extremely pleased with our room. This room had new carpet, comfortable new mattresses, color cable TV, not to mention, a most gracious hostess. This is one of the remaining historical motels on Route 66 which has been kept in good condition. Our room included a microwave and refrigerator and all the hot water you would ever want (at no additional cost). Mrs. Meguire (owner) is a good old fashioned girl who wants her customers to be comfortable and happy. This American owned and operated motel will be my destination whenever we are in the area. You can't beat the price. If you are able to steer yourself away from the newer chain hotels, I think you will be pleasantly suprised.