Southsider Motel

If you're arriving late, this place is a terrible choice. I paid $150 and ended up sleeping in my car. I knew I'd arrive after midnight, so I called at 8:30 p.m. to ask whether someone would check me in. No answer, just a voicemail saying they'd call back soon. I tried again at 9, with the same result. At the motel, we rang the overnight bell several times, but nobody came to the desk. We waited in the car hoping someone might show up at 6 or 7 so we could get a key before the 11 a.m. checkout. No staff appeared until 10. When we asked for the key, the man said the website says check-in ends at 10 p.m. and was very rude. I searched the site carefully and couldn't find that rule. Expedia's email only said check-in after 3 p.m. Even if the 10 p.m. cutoff was real, why didn't anyone return my calls? The lobby has a huge “NO REFUNDS” sign. Between that, the unanswered calls, and the rude treatment when we asked for help, the whole experience was awful. If staff try to brush this off, I assure you they're lying.

The desk clerk first complained that Expedia took too much from him for my reservation, then said Motel 6 had cut its prices to compete and was taking his business. The hotel is very cheap and basic. There's nice tile throughout and newer tile in the shower, but the room had a lot of problems: it sits by a busy intersection where loud cars roared most of the night, the mattresses were mostly springs with a very thin pad, and the sheets were stained and worn through in spots. There was dried pink nail polish on the bath towel, the toilet seat was loose and slid around, the door had a large gap underneath, and I couldn't lock it from inside.

For a really affordable stay, we found it clean, safe, and comfortable. The motel is older, but the owners are clearly working to update it. The remodeled bathrooms look great, and the room had a useful oscillating fan. Front desk staff were friendly and welcoming, and we slept well despite the road nearby being quieter than I expected. It's close to shops, coffee places, and downtown, all a short walk away. The rooms are non-smoking, clean, and have parking right outside. The ice machine didn't work, but we picked some up at the market a block away. For the price, we thought the room was nice and would stay again.

I'm disputing the $197 charge for my sister's two service dogs. They only stopped by briefly to check on us and didn't stay in our room, and nobody told us beforehand that a fee would apply. We left the room in pristine condition, which makes the charge feel even less reasonable. This should have been explained before we left, not brought up afterward. The housekeeper was very sweet and left thoughtful notes that made our stay nicer, and I appreciated her kindness. I hope the charge will be reconsidered and the issue resolved soon.