Locally Owned Route 66 Business Spotlight
Western Motel – Shamrock, Texas-
If you’re traveling the Mother Road and looking for a place that still holds the spirit of Route 66, look no further than Western Motel in Shamrock, Texas. This independently owned, 24-room motel sits directly across the street from one of Route 66’s most photographed, iconic landmarks—the U-Drop Inn and Conoco Tower Station.
But what makes this place truly special isn’t just the location—it’s the family behind it.
Meet my friend Uppen Patel, owner of the Western Motel on historic Route 66 in Shamrock, Texas. I hope you enjoy hearing about this lovely family's journey—from London to Dallas to Shamrock—and how Route 66 found them.
From London to Shamrock: Our Unexpected Journey Along Route 66
In 1995, we emigrated from London, England with plans to build a life in the Dallas–Fort Worth area. My wife and I arrived in Texas with our two young children—our daughter Sonal was just a year and a half old, and our son Mitesh was only three months. My parents came with us too; they were part of our journey from the beginning. Having reached the ages of 89 and 85, they’ve recently returned to India to find peace and comfort in the place they’ve always called home.
At the time, we were living and working in Dallas, but supporting a family of six in the big city was tough. That’s when my uncle stepped in. He had been running the Western Motel in Shamrock, Texas since 1980 but was planning to relocate to a larger city for a new business venture. He offered us the opportunity to take over the motel.
We thought long and hard about it. Moving to a tiny town in the Texas Panhandle wasn’t part of the original plan—but with two small kids and my elderly parents to care for, it seemed like the right move. So, on July 1, 2000, we packed up and moved to Shamrock, Texas.
A New Chapter: Life at the Western Motel
That was the start of what has now become a 25-year journey with the Western Motel.
At first, I stayed in Dallas to continue working while my wife, with the help of my parents, managed the motel and took care of the family. Every 10 to 15 days, I made the 300-mile drive to Shamrock to help out with maintenance and spend time with my loved ones. I did that for two years until 2002, when I moved to Shamrock full-time.
Our original plan was to stay a few years, save some money, raise the kids in a quieter town, and eventually return to Dallas. Most of our friends and family didn’t think we’d last two months in Shamrock. And honestly, they had a point—after all, we had gone from London to Dallas, and now to a town of just 2,000 people in the middle of nowhere. But with encouragement from my wife and parents, and thinking of our children’s future, we stuck it out.
We’re still here. Twenty-five years later.
Discovering Route 66
When we arrived in Shamrock, we had no idea what Route 66 even was. We soon learned that the motel sat directly across from one of the most photographed landmarks on the Mother Road.
Curiosity led me to start learning more about Route 66, and thanks to social media, I connected with others who shared their stories and passion for preserving the highway’s legacy. I still haven’t traveled the full length of Route 66—but it’s on my list. One day, I hope to take that journey with my wife by my side.
It’s surprising—and a little sad—how many Americans still don’t know the history or cultural importance of Route 66. I didn’t either, until I was immersed in it.
Coming Full Circle
In a way, life has come full circle. Today, we have a home in Denton, Texas. My wife now lives there with our two boys, and she comes back to Shamrock every 10 to 15 days to help out—just like I used to do years ago. I make the same trips now, visiting them and spending time with our precious 2-year-old grandson, Kaylen. Our daughter Sonal Patel is now 32 and lives in Irving, Texas.
All three of our children were raised in Shamrock. They went to kindergarten here, graduated from Shamrock High School, and built the foundation of their lives along this historic stretch of road.
From Our Children’s Perspective
Here are a few reflections from our kids, who grew up in this unique setting:
Mitesh Patel (30)
Registered Nurse at Baylor Hospital ER in Dallas, Texas
“Western Motel on Route 66 wasn’t just about the road or the property—it was about what it represented: freedom, reinvention, and connection. During the golden age of American road travel, motels like ours weren’t just places to sleep. They were places where stories unfolded. Families on vacation, veterans returning home, and dreamers heading west—all passed through.”
Our youngest son Raj is currently studying Human Resources at the University of North Texas in Denton. He, too, spent his entire childhood in Shamrock.
Twenty-five years ago, we took a chance on a small-town motel on a road we knew nothing about. Today, we’re proud to be part of Route 66’s living history—and even prouder of the family we raised here.
More Than a Motel: Family, Hospitality, and Community on Route 66
Running the Western Motel has always been a family effort. Over the years, our children not only grew up here—they helped shape the way we run the business. Their contributions, big and small, reflect the values we’ve held onto from the very beginning.
The Little Things Matter
Raj Patel
“Sweeping the parking lot every morning.”
That one simple task taught Raj responsibility, pride in his work, and attention to detail from an early age. And it’s true—small things add up. Clean walkways, tidy landscaping, and a welcoming first impression show guests that we care. Raj’s quiet dedication to keeping the motel looking its best is something we’ve always admired.
Hospitality from the Heart
From the Patel Family
We believe that true hospitality starts with attention to detail. At Western Motel, we take pride in keeping the property exceptionally clean and well-maintained—because we know that after a long day on the road, a fresh and comfortable environment makes all the difference.
Our goal has always been to treat every guest like family. We offer warm, personal service and do our best to make sure everyone feels welcome. Many of our guests return year after year, and we think it’s because they know they can count on us for consistency and comfort.
A Community That Cares
Sonal Patel
" The local business community in Shamrock, Texas, works closely together to promote one another and celebrate the town’s rich Route 66 heritage.”
Restaurants, shops, motels, and attractions often collaborate during town events—like the beloved annual St. Patrick’s Celebration—to create a small-town experience that draws travelers from all over the world. We support one another by featuring local services, cross-promoting on social media, and participating in community festivals. That spirit of connection keeps the legacy of Route 66 alive and well in Shamrock.
