Historical Family Owned Motel
HISTORICAL MOTEL – OHIO 40 MOTEL 1937 – 2020
The original courtyard rooms, where the cars were parked between the rooms, are as they are today.
The motel was built by I.B. Baker – who owned Baker’s Motel from 1937 – 1963
Mr. Baker gave the land across the street to the State of Ohio for the Zane Grey Museum. In return, the state put an exit here, now exit 164, in Norwich, Ohio.
Step back in time to the humble beginnings of Baker’s Motel, where what started as simple cabins evolved into a beacon of hospitality along the bustling National Road. As traffic flourished, so did our establishment, with expansions in the late ’40s and early ’50s transforming parking spaces into cozy rooms. Pioneering the motel scene on US 40, our legacy endures, standing tall amidst the ebb and flow of time while many others have faded into memory. Dating back to 1937, Baker’s Motel stands as a testament to resilience, possibly one of Ohio’s oldest motels still in operation.
Legend has it, Baker’s Motel made a daring move to the hilltop in 1937, leaving behind its original location at the bottom of the hill where it stood from 1919. When we acquired the property in 1980, remnants of that bygone era lingered at the foot of the hill—a weathered structure hinting at its storied past, sparking curiosity and nostalgia. Now, the pieces of the puzzle fit together, adding layers of intrigue to our cherished history.
During this time period, the motel consisted of 41 rooms with the addition of rooms where cars once parked in the ’30s and the wings of the motel were added. Our small building which consists of 4 family rooms was added in the ’50s.
The ’60s brought about a lot of changes in the motel and the area as I-70 opened, the motel added 20 rooms with two beds and the area’s largest pool in front of this section. Baker’s Motel now consisted of 61 modern rooms.
In 1963 the motel was sold to General Theater Corporation out of Cleveland, Ohio
From 1963-1973.
this section. Baker’s Motel now consisted of 61 modern rooms.
In 1963 the motel was sold to General Theater Corporation out of Cleveland, Ohio
From 1963-1973.
We no longer have a swimming pool.
Discover unbeatable value at Baker’s Motel, where affordability has been our hallmark since the late ’30s. While many strip motels have crumbled into disrepair over the years, we stand as a beacon of reliability, continuously enhancing our property to provide pristine and cozy accommodations for workers and travelers. As a testament to our commitment to excellence, we proudly introduce our latest addition: Norwich Antiques and More, a charming antique and gift shop designed to delight guests and passersby alike. Our hours are listed on our Facebook page and Google Listing.