Motel 6 Tacoma, WA - Fife

It’s in Fife, lol, on the more commercial side rather than the worst part of town. Starbucks, Dairy Queen, and a gas station are walkable, with the casino and several restaurants just a block away. The rooms are basic, though they look cleaner than most. Service varies by day, but it’s usually quick and painless.

There was even a tampon on the walkway right outside my door. The room itself was unacceptable, and the listed amenities weren’t available. I showed photos to the night manager and asked to move. He laughed, said I’d really picked the room apart, then handed me a disinfectant-soaked rag and told me to clean it myself because there were no other rooms. He refused a refund. I couldn’t afford other lodging that night, so I stayed. I had another reservation for the next night, cancelled it, and went to the DoubleTree Hilton, which was wonderful and very clean. At checkout, a new shift laughed at me too and again refused a refund. The charge was the same as for a clean room, and there were boogers on the headboard. I’ll never stay at another Motel 6, and I wouldn’t recommend it. I called corporate customer service the next day. Three different agents asked to put me on hold, then disconnected the call. Diabolical, sus behavior.

We stayed for an extended time, and the rooms were very clean. The front desk always made sure we had what we needed, and the whole staff was welcoming and accommodating. We felt safe and comfortable. There were some questionable guests, dumpster divers, and transient people around the motel. That isn’t something the motel can control, but when we called the desk with a concern, they dealt with it right away. It was a great stay, and I’d recommend the place.

Check-in and the front desk staff were fine, but our non-smoking room reeked of cigarettes. The beds were lumpy and creaky and left my back hurting. Guess you get what you pay for, though I didn’t know cigarette smell was part of the deal.