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| El Trovatore Motel - Kingman, AZ |
Kingman, AZ is a town filled with brilliant signage. As we motored down its dusty byways, we took a quick snap of the El Trovatore Motel sign. Obviously a later addition to the motor hotel (est. 1939), I couldn't help but love the vermillion surfboard and the individual letter blocks. I love the unpretentious brickwork. I love the glimpse of the Hilltop Motel sign in the distance. I kind of hate the magenta/aqua "Historic Route 66" sign. My very favorite element of this motel marker is the promise of "Clean Theme Rooms." Taking a look at the offerings on the motel's own website, the theme rooms appear to be little more than framed posters on the walls of "Legendary Hollywood Icons" - the variations being Marilyn Monroe, Elvis, and Audrey Hepburn. What more do you want for less than $45 per night?!!
Trying to dig a little deeper than Elvis and Marilyn, I was struck by the name of the hotel. As it happens, "El Trovatore" translates to "The Troubador"...but not quite. Il Trovatore is the famous Italian opera by Verdi; el trovador is Spanish for the troubador. Was it simply lazy translation? Was it Portuguese maybe? Was it a motel owner cashing in on the pre-WWII opera craze? Far be it from me to nitpick but I was at a loss. So deep in my pondering of latin-based articles, all I could think of was "The Anvil Chorus," the most famous chorus from Verdi's Il Trovatore.
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| And maybe Mr. Magoo... |
Trying to dig a little deeper than Elvis and Marilyn, I was struck by the name of the hotel. As it happens, "El Trovatore" translates to "The Troubador"...but not quite. Il Trovatore is the famous Italian opera by Verdi; el trovador is Spanish for the troubador. Was it simply lazy translation? Was it Portuguese maybe? Was it a motel owner cashing in on the pre-WWII opera craze? Far be it from me to nitpick but I was at a loss. So deep in my pondering of latin-based articles, all I could think of was "The Anvil Chorus," the most famous chorus from Verdi's Il Trovatore.
The Marx Brothers in A Night at the Opera
featuring Verdi's Il Trovatore
And then I started to wonder if there is a Marx Brothers room at El Trovatore. The connection is so obvious: El Trovatore - Il Trovatore - Verdi - Opera - A Night at the Opera - The Marx Brothers - Hollywood - Hollywood Icon Theme Rooms - El Trovatore (it all comes full circle)! The theory might be convoluted, but in all honesty, I think that is a much stronger connection than any Audrey Hepburn ever had to Route 66. Nevertheless, we think El Trovatore is pretty keen for maintaining its Route 66 history and a great sign! If you're ever stopping in Kingman, stay the night at El Trovatore and report back to us, please.
Are you a Route 66 buff? Have you ever marveled at the beautiful signs of Kingman, AZ?
Are you a Route 66 buff? Have you ever marveled at the beautiful signs of Kingman, AZ?
El Trovatore Motel
1140 E Andy Devine Ave
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