Lamplighter Motel

The room, bed, and bathroom were nice. I’d called ahead on a hot day to check whether the pool was open and clean, and they said yes. It had been cleaned that morning, and it was fantastic when I got there. The place is right on Clear Lake.

The location worked well, with sunset views over the lake and Trejos diner nearby for breakfast, plus a couple of other places close by. We stayed one night. There was nobody at the desk when we arrived, though someone did show up eventually. Some people around seemed sketchy, so we took our luggage straight to the room before going anywhere else. The room was okay, but not especially clean. The beds felt sandy and the covers were torn. One of the two big beds was in the way of the microwave, so we had to climb over it to get there. The bathroom was clean enough. Pretty typical American motel if that’s the kind of experience you’re after.

After rain, the view across the lake from the parking lot in the morning can be breathtaking, with the sun just coming up over the water. The place suited what I needed: it was inexpensive, clean, and close to where I had to go. The staff were great and attentive, with someone always available to take care of things promptly.

The neighbors were loud, with music going around midnight, and a fight broke out that brought the cops. I didn’t feel this was a safe or quiet place to stay. You’re by the lake, but there’s so much trash that it’s hard to enjoy it. When I arrived, I was put in a tiny room that didn’t seem like a regular room, with wires hanging out of the walls and no lock on the door. Two guys tried to come in, and they even had a key. I went back to the office and was moved to another room about an hour later. That room was much better, though the towels were stained. This is the worst hotel or motel I’ve stayed at. I don’t usually write reviews, but I felt like I should warn future travelers. I wouldn’t recommend it.