We are a Classic American mid century motel located on historic route 66 in Moriarty, New Mexico, 35 miles east of Albuquerque on Interstate 40.
Our family has been serving guests since 1959 with a history that embodies the spirit of America's most iconic highway.
Today, we continue the tradition with clean, comfortable rooms and friendly service at an affordable price.
The Sunset Motel 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.
The Sunset Motel 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.
About the Owners
Husband and wife team Mike and Debbie Pogue own and operate the Sunset Motel. Mike grew up at the Sunset Motel and has stayed true to his family heritage with the same commitment to customer service and satisfaction set forth by his parents. Mike and Debbie believe that the genuine down-to-earth approach at the Sunset Motel connects guests to the way travel should be. They remain inspired by the people they meet and the stories they share along the way. Mike and Debbie are active with numerous organizations dedicated to the preservation of Route 66.
Our Staff
Our team of staff is part of the family at the Sunset Motel. Each of our friendly and professional staff members share our commitment to ensuring that all guests feel right at home during their stay.
We look forward to welcoming you to the Sunset Motel!
Stopping off on the quintessential American road trip? Take in one of these great local attractions. If you're looking to extend your time in the Land of Enchantment,
our close proximity to Albuquerque and Santa Fe makes the Sunset Motel a perfect starting point for your journey.
Dine and Drink- Whether you're looking to enjoy authentic New Mexican cuisine, barbeque, or all-American fare, we are minutes away from 5 full-service
restaurants, as well as take-out and delivery options. Relax in the beer garden at Sierra Blanca Brewing Company , featuring a wide
selection of microbrew craft beers or enjoy the vast drink menu including beer, wine and spirits at Blackie's Bar and Grill. Local grocery stores and pharmacies are also easily accessible from the Sunset Motel.
Family Fun - Come autumn, McCalls Pumpkin Patch will entertain the entire family- find your way through an intricate corn maze (praised by USA
Today as the 3rd best corn maze in the nation), find the perfect pumpkin to take home, interact with farm animals or venture through the haunted barn. Get up close with native
New Mexican animals at Wildlife West Nature Park, a 122-acre wildlife refuge. During the summer, experience a taste of the Wild West at the park's Chuck Wagon Suppers that include dinner,
music and falcon demonstrations.
Cultural - Art enthusiasts won't want to miss nearby Tinkertown Museum, New Mexico's premier folk art environment featuring elaborate hand-carved dioramas by artist Ross Ward.
Peruse the area's numerous antique shops or search for local art and gifts at the Church Street Market.
Outdoor and Recreational - A short drive to the mountains allows visitors to take in the view from the Sandia Peak Tramway.
Hit the slopes at Sandia Peak Ski Area or partake in a wide array of outdoor pursuits including hiking and mountain biking across Cibola National Forest .
Watch a motocross race at Sandia MX or visit Mags Indoor Shooting Range and Retail Center.
Step back in time at the SASS - Single Action Shooters Society End of Trail World Championship of Cowboy Action Shooting event which takes place every June.
Hosted by nearby Founders Ranch, the property includes a recreational shooting range
and hosts additional events throughout the year. We are also minutes away from the local city park, tennis court and playground.
Adventure - For adventure seekers, one needs to look no further than taking a glider ride with Sundance Aviation.
Sundance Aviation offers a variety of glider rides as well as a full range of flying courses.
The views from Moriarty's clear skies can't be beat!
Culinary and Agricultural - Spend a day at Old Windmill Dairy for the ultimate first-hand look into the workings of a dairy.
Visitors can take a variety of cheese classes to learn the cheese making process, sample their award winning cheeses, take a farm tour and have the opportunity to bottle-feed baby goats.
Every fall, people flock to Moriarty for our well-known pinto beans and Schwebach's sweet corn. Don't leave Moriarty without picking up some fresh, locally grown produce at the Schwebach Farm Market, open seasonally.
Route 66 Treasures - For travelers looking for the most authentic Route 66 experience,
Exit 197 is the beginning of 57 drivable miles of America's Mother Road and the story of Route 66 has been preserved throughout Moriarty.
Be sure to check out the restored Whiting Brothers Service Station signs right next door to the Sunset Motel.
The Lewis Antique Auto and Toy Museum is a must see for any Route 66 aficionado and features an extensive
private collection of antique and restored cars.
View the vintage rotosphere at El Comedor and period buildings Mike's Friendly Store and the Midway Trading Post. Or for the perfect photo op, keep an eye out for the collection of Route 66 murals painted on buildings around town.
Dine and Drink- Whether you're looking to enjoy authentic New Mexican cuisine, barbeque, or all-American fare, we are minutes away from 5 full-service
restaurants, as well as take-out and delivery options. Relax in the beer garden at 
History Buff - The 
Family Fun - Come autumn, 
Cultural - Art enthusiasts won't want to miss nearby 
Outdoor and Recreational - A short drive to the mountains allows visitors to take in the view from the 
Adventure - For adventure seekers, one needs to look no further than taking a glider ride with 
Culinary and Agricultural - Spend a day at 
Route 66 Treasures - For travelers looking for the most authentic Route 66 experience,
Exit 197 is the beginning of 57 drivable miles of America's Mother Road and the story of Route 66 has been preserved throughout Moriarty.
Be sure to check out the restored