Old motel postcards in the US

I have always wanted to stay a night or two in these motels that we've seen so many films about. Here in Europe there are hardly any motels. Only hotels. To be honest I don't even know what the difference is. I think the word "motel" really means "motor hotel" which implies that it'd be stupid to walk to it.

Some are very futurisc, some childish, some with really nice signs, some with funny comments and some less attractive

My architectural favourite must be Olson's Motel Worst name (these days) must Bagdad Inn