Rail Haven is classic Route 66 motel. It's located at the corner of E St Louis St and Glenstone Ave. There are many other Route 66 motels in the vicinity, especially north on Glenstone, but almost all of the other motels are somewhat rundown and near the end of their lives. Not so with Rail Haven. This is a very nicely maintained property. If you look close, you can identify the older cut stone that marks the original cabins. However, these cabins have been swallowed by the multiple expansions that have taken place over the years. I suspect there is little if any difference now between the older motel units and the newer ones. Multiple remodeling projects have left little of the old still in place. But there is still plenty of character here. When you check in, you're greeted with retro '50s decor at the check in desk. And just outside sits a classic old car and antique gas pumps. The classic neon Rail Haven sign still sits at the northwest corner of the property, as well as miniature examples of the old split rail fences that gave this property its name. Breakfasts are included with the price of the rooms and include biscuits and gravy (okay, although the biscuits tend to dry out), scrambled eggs (basic, but decent), juices, coffee, other options. There are three or four themed rooms. They claim Elvis once stayed in their Elvis Room. We stayed in the room themed on Elvis' long-time guitarist John Wilkinson. That room has a whirlpool bath, but otherwise the room is quite small. The hotel is just a short drive from downtown Springfield. You'll be in a great location for exploring the area. You can follow Route 66 to the west side of town, As you head west, you'll encounter many old Route 66 motels that are now shuttered and in an advanced state of repair (good photo opportunities for those people who appreciate a little decay in their nostalgia). If you get your expectations set right, Rail Haven is an excellent experience. This is an old style motel, built for the motor travellers of yesteryear. Not much modern elegance here, but loads of nostalgic charm. We used Rail Haven as our base for three days as we visited the Wonders of Wildlife Museum and Aquarium at Bass Pro, and then headed into the Ozarks on a trek in search of fall leaf colors (although Maple Park Cemetery has maybe the best fall color that you'll find anywhere and it's in the heart of Springfield). If you're in the area to experience Route 66, this is the place to stay. There are definitely fancier places, but none do a better job of turning back the clock and staying true to the Route 66 spirit. less