2400 Motel

Mid-century accommodations

Opened in 1946 as the “2400 Court,” a reference to when Motor Courts proliferated Kingsway (the main route leading in and out of Vancouver at the time), the 2400 rebranded itself as a “motel” in the early 1960s when more luxurious motor hotels (or, motels) began popping up along the busy thoroughfare.

By the 1970s, new highway, bridge and tunnel construction rerouted traffic away from Kingsway, and with it, many of the route’s bygone car culture accommodations and drive-ins ceased operations.

But the 2400 Motel remains, virtually unchanged, boasting 18 bungalow-style buildings on a 3-acre grassy knoll grouped around a central parking lot & office building. Many of the 65 units have kitchenettes and their original mid-century interiors are still intact!

It’s not The Ritz, but for budget-minded modernists wanting a genuine vintage stay in the city (about a 15 minute drive from downtown) the 2400 Motel might be for you. Book your room soon though, as the site is currently slated for “redevelopment” so there’s no telling how much longer it will be with us.

Fun Fact: The 2400 Motel and its vintage neon sign have been featured in many Hollywood North productions including TV series Smallville, Supernatural and The X-Files. Check the motel’s website for more details.