Econo Lodge Chula Vista San Diego South

Check-in was fairly easy, and this was the cheapest place close to Coronado Island and the airport. We only stayed a few hours to sleep before an early flight. The bed was clean, but the rest of the room felt dingy and gross. The shower had a yellow floor, tiles were missing, some lights were out, and the toilet was dirty. There were people in the parking lot at all hours. I wouldn’t recommend staying here unless you’re desperate, and even then I wouldn’t use the shower.

During a major transition in my life, I spent nearly six months at the Big 7 Motel, where I could keep a low profile, paint, read, and regroup. Moving out was one of the hardest days of my life. Six months after leaving, I know I couldn’t be where I am today without the management and the Big 7 Motel. I’m truly indebted to them for their kindness, patience, generosity, and for making me feel safe, welcome, and supported. Thank you, thank you, thank you. The couple who manage the place live on the first floor with their respectful children. They were hard working, attentive, and always welcoming. When I needed paint for a door, they took care of it. A former tenant had taken apart my smoke alarm, and when I told them at 11:30 at night, I had a replacement within minutes. The staff, from management to house cleaners, were all helpful and nice, and kept the rooms clean. They’re renovating the motel room by room and gradually fixing it up. I was surprised by how little the work disturbed me during my stay, since it was done when most guests had checked out or not checked in yet. The lot has plenty of parking, though it can fill up on weekends. I never had trouble finding a spot, and they kept the lot in great shape, resealing it, replacing the concrete parking stops, and repainting. They were adding potted plants, and I was glad to bring them bags of garden soil. The building was also being repainted. The old outdoor light fixtures were finicky, so the nice blue lights didn’t always work. The building’s front could use some care, though I understand there are plans for it. The pool was drained, and I’m not sure it works, but having a pool and being able to use that space would have been great. For the holidays, they let us put up a Christmas tree and window decorations, and bring toys for their kids and other children at the motel. Pets are allowed, with a spot out front for them. For the price, the place works well.

The desk woman was nice, but the rest of the place was horrible. Our room was dirty and smelled like garbage and smoke, and I didn’t even want to sit on the disgusting bed. There were people I took to be criminals in the parking lot and other rooms, and the area felt bad. This was the worst motel I’ve stayed in. Don’t come unless you’re desperate with nowhere else to go. You’d be better off sleeping in your car. The place needs to be torn down.

The bleach smell was really strong, though at least the room seemed clean. The TV remote was falling apart, but I managed to turn the TV on. There was no Wi-Fi signal, and the cable input didn’t offer anything good. In the bathroom, a baseboard was missing, there was no soap holder, and there were only three tiny towels. When I hung one up, the holder came off the wall. Noisy people woke me, so I couldn’t sleep and decided to check out instead. A waste of $100 for four hours overnight.