Louisiana Postcard Collection: Tourist Courts and Art Deco Motels
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Other Louisiana Motels and Courts

In Louisiana during the 1930s, as automobiles became a more dominant and affordable means of transportation, and more highways were constructed, tourist courts were built, offering the privacy and comfort of a one-room accommodation.

New motels were built all around Louisiana: in Lafayette, Opelousas, Hammond, Eunice, Vidalia, Homer, Minden, Tallulah, Rayville, and elsewhere.

Whether they were called courts, cottages, cabins, or lodges, they offered similar amenities.

Gradually a newer, but similar, concept evolved: the motel, between an auto tourist camp and the traditional downtown hotel.

And many adopted the "art deco" theme popular at the time.

Some of our favorite "tourist courts" and a few older motels located in Louisiana are shown below.