Uploaded January 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Just off Highway 77 in Rockdale, we found a place that feels increasingly rare—a motel that’s been welcoming travelers for more than a century.
Opened in 1918, Rainbow Courts is believed to be the oldest motel in Texas still operating continuously. Built for early automobile travelers—long before corporate hotels and interstate exits—it began as a handful of simple cottages lit by campfires and porch lights.
Over the decades, Rainbow Courts has quietly mirrored the story of Texas itself. World War II soldiers once signed the registry. Later came executives from the nearby aluminum plant. Legendary musicians like Bob Wills stayed the night, and even Tennessee Williams passed through, leaving his signature behind.
Still run by the founding family, Rainbow Courts remains a calm, welcoming refuge in an era of generic hotels. Guests don’t just stay here—they sit on the lawn, slow down, and feel at home. After more than 100 years, this Texas crossroads landmark is preparing for its next chapter, but its story is far from over.
Rainbow Courts
Joan Ratliff
915 E Cameron Ave
Rockdale, TX 76567
Phone: (512) 446-2361
Website: rainbowcourts.com
Tik Tok ► vm.tiktok.com/ZMR7EpeVw
Facebook ► facebook.com/TexasCountryReporter
Instagram ► instagram.com/texascountryreporter
Texas Country Reporter
Episode #: 1945
Original air date: 12-7-2024
Just off Highway 77 in Rockdale, we found a place that feels increasingly rare—a motel that’s been welcoming travelers for more than a century.
Opened in 1918, Rainbow Courts is believed to be the oldest motel in Texas still operating continuously. Built for early automobile travelers—long before corporate hotels and interstate exits—it began as a handful of simple cottages lit by campfires and porch lights.
Over the decades, Rainbow Courts has quietly mirrored the story of Texas itself. World War II soldiers once signed the registry. Later came executives from the nearby aluminum plant. Legendary musicians like Bob Wills stayed the night, and even Tennessee Williams passed through, leaving his signature behind.
Still run by the founding family, Rainbow Courts remains a calm, welcoming refuge in an era of generic hotels. Guests don’t just stay here—they sit on the lawn, slow down, and feel at home. After more than 100 years, this Texas crossroads landmark is preparing for its next chapter, but its story is far from over.
Rainbow Courts
Joan Ratliff
915 E Cameron Ave
Rockdale, TX 76567
Phone: (512) 446-2361
Website: rainbowcourts.com
Tik Tok ► vm.tiktok.com/ZMR7EpeVw
Facebook ► facebook.com/TexasCountryReporter
Instagram ► instagram.com/texascountryreporter
Texas Country Reporter
Episode #: 1945
Original air date: 12-7-2024
