The Starlight Motor Inn is a 51-room motel that first opened back in 1961 — a time when taking road trips together with the family was common and resting along the way was necessary. It was the perfect location for those traveling to or from their destination along Route 17.
While the inn may not have changed over the years, travel did. And soon, it became a ‘has been.’ That is, of course, until it was revived in 2022.
The new owners had a strategy to revitalize the property while keeping the iconic design and adding some modern touches. The result? Midcentury magic.
A Prefabricated Motel
Back in its day, the Host of America, as it was called then, was the first prefabricated motel in the Charleston County area. The idea – a furnished motel in a box – was unheard of until that time.
So, when the original owner, Woody Roger, decided to replace his old Studebaker dealership with a motel, choosing one that was pre-fabricated made it a quick and easy transition.
Each room of the motel was put together and ready to go before it was shipped off to its destination. Once in place and unboxed, it was ready for guests.
The entire floor plan was created this way.
Refreshing the Look
Fast-forward to today. The Starlight Motor Inn, a name given by the new owners, shines brightly along Rivers Avenue in North Charleston, South Carolina. Most locals consider it to be a neighborhood landmark.
Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2020, this inn has kept the midcentury elements over the years that make it look as though time has stood still.
There have been upgrades to the space. For instance, rather than using some of the original furniture, the rooms are created with vintage-inspired decor and pillowtop mattresses. This helps it to maintain its 1950s and 1960s aesthetics but with the more modern conveniences of today.
Don’t fret — the sense of nostalgia is still very real despite the upgrades.
Midcentury Magic
While the Starlight may have arrived all ready to go, it surely didn’t skimp on the architectural design elements. Clean lines, geometric shapes, and colors that pop are all characteristic of midcentury design and are found throughout the property. It is well organized and neat with a few of the following standout mid-century architectural tidbits you will not want to miss:
- Large windows that reach the floor.
- Simple, uniform appearance
- Iconic triangle geo-shape slope over the office
- Breezeblocks that filter light and add character
- Pool deck that boasts a checkered look and a pop of color
The motor inn was designed with functionality in mind rather than aesthetics. Yet today it is the aesthetics that draws people in.
Even the Burgundy Lounge located upstairs at the Starlight has everything designed just as it was originally, from the wood paneling to the carpet and everything in between.
There is no denying the magic here — reminiscent of simpler times. Come see for yourself.
The Starlight Motor Inn is a restored mid-century motel located in Charleston, SC perfect for restful days and playful nights. Stay. Swim. Dine. Drink.
