When you head out on the highway, you love the adventure. It’s the whatever-comes-your-way part (polyester bedcovers, bullet holes in the walls) that can be problematic. Next time the road calls, stop at these motels for good times (and clean sheets).

Out of This World
Portland’s Jupiter Hotel is hipster heaven — the place to crash after a late-night indie-rock show at the Doug Fir Lounge downstairs. Small, stylish rooms have WiFi, built-in iPod speakers, designer photomurals, and chalkboard doors.

Made in the Shade
Since 1927 the Shady Dell trailer park in Bisbee, Arizona, has been the ideal base camp for exploring quirky art galleries and antique shops in the historic town. Vintage travel trailers come equipped with black and white TVs, phonographs, records, and lounge chairs.

Kitsch Me, Kate
Tucked in New York’s Catskill Mountains, Kate’s Lazy Meadow Motel is B-52’s singer Kate Pierson’s ’50s cabin fantasy. Tube down Esopus Creek, explore nearby Woodstock, then mix martinis in one of eight space-agey cottages. Fido is welcome.

Beat It
Chill with the ghost of William Burroughs at The Beat Hotel in Desert Hot Springs, California. The eight-room compound has two natural springs, in-room typewriters, toy guns stashed in midcentury mod desks, and a library of classic movies like The Night of the Hunter. Poolside wine and snacks are served nightly.

Death of a Sales Trip
Set to launch in several cities in 2008, Aloft Hotels are the W’s version of Motel 6. Rooms will have techie features like touch-screen check-in, printing services, and gadget hookups. Since the road can be lonely for the modern-day Willie Loman, there will be sleek common areas for working and socializing.

Now hit the road, Jack.