Motel Inn San Luis Obispo California Photograph by Jeffrey Sward

Motel Inn. This is the site of the world's original and first motel. Construction started in 1925 at a cost of $80,000. The word "motel" was first thought of here by architect Arthur Heineman. Dedicated October 22, 1988 by Native Sons of the Golden West. Frank Compani, Grand President and San Luis Obispo Parlor no. 290. (moti20a)