Mod Motels opened its first boutique, luxury motel at the end of January. Welcome to Interstate Inn in Stephenville.
Source: Mod Motels opened its first boutique, luxury motel at the end of January. Welcome to Interstate Inn in Stephenville.
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Mod Motels opened its first boutique, luxury motel at the end of January. Welcome to Interstate Inn in Stephenville. The original motel opened in 1965, and now the entire property has been completely transformed ― maintaining its mod essence while amping up its chic and cozy appeal. The results are a designer’s dream ― affording a Palm Springs vibe without ever leaving North Texas.
Located at 811 East Road in Stephenville, this playful 33-room boutique motel is the first of three Texas openings planned by Mod Motel founders Lisa Lennox, Kirk Bonner, and Cathy Bonner, between now and 2026. Mod Motels will turn its attention to two upcoming projects next ― Mimi on Main which will be opening in Fredericksburg, and Iron Springs Lodge, which will be a rustic retreat located near Whitney, Texas.
Lennox served as Project Designer and Curator, with help from Neal Stewart Design on the interiors of Dallas, and Ron Guest who was the principal restaurant designer. Kirk Bonner put on his construction hat, overseeing the lengthy update, as Interstate Inn took three years to complete.
“Interstate Inn is a celebration of timeless travel, offering guests a unique blend of retro charm and modern luxury,” Lisa Lennox says. “This vision has been brought to life through the collaboration of passionate partners and a dedicated team, each bringing their expertise and creativity to every detail. Together, we’ve created more than just a place to stay – it’s an experience that captures the spirit of adventure and hospitality.”
The two-story, 4,200 square foot, main lobby is topped by an iconic sloped roof in the shape of an interstate highway sign. You’ll be transported upon entry. Captivating artworks, Jetson’s style light fixtures, bold colors, terrazzo floors, stained walnut ceilings, geometric shapes, and cozy seating areas.
The inviting reception space also has a custom pink Trufig refrigerator near the coffee service. An open staircase leads to a mezzanine with its candy pink carpeting with mahjong tables and seating nooks. But, the views of a central lawn with a swimming pool, fountain, outdoor fireplace, firepits, and multiple patios and seating areas will lure you right out the back door.
“The guest rooms flank the lawn in a U-shape configuration from two different elevations and feature keyless digital entry, lawn and pool views, privacy walls, and outdoor seating,” according to the release. “Each has its own eclectic, colorful, mid-century accented wallpapers, also selected by Lennox, and whimsical, vintage-inspired furnishings, Herman Miller pendant cigar lighting, coordinating accessories, and thoughtful, branded amenities.”
Room 106 features an original Magic Fingers bed from John Houghtaling circa 1958 where you deposit a quarter into a machine on the nightstand and it powers a device with a massaging effect (recall John Candy in Planes, Trains, and Automobiles). Pro Tip: don’t leave an open beer can on the bed. But, if you prefer to slosh yourself to sleep, room 114 features a King-size waterbed. I was truly impressed by this one. Where in the world did they find one?
The Seeker, led by James Beard Award-winning Chef Stephan Pyles, is a 2,500-square-foot, mid-century-inspired restaurant that pays homage to Texas roadside diners and cafes, they say. As you enter The Seeker by Stephan Pyles, passing through the tree-lined patio, you are greeted by a double-sided bar, with the dining room just beyond. A special event venue called The Cork Room is hidden down a side hallway, behind the central kitchen, offering evening dining and weekend events.
At an opening VIP event, we were impressed by every dish, from fabulous coconut milk marinated shrimp skewers to the Ceasar salad with tender cornbread croutons, and butternut squash soup topped with bright pomegranate seeds and a toasted marshmallow cube. Stephenville’s dining scene just kicked up a few notches.
With the debut of the Interstate Inn and The Seeker, lovers of mid-century design will be transfixed, and visitors to Stephenville now have a new, ultra-hip hang-out to enjoy.
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