Desert Skies Motel

We chose this place because it wasn’t too expensive and didn’t look as run down as others nearby. The rooms weren’t fancy, but had the basics. The beds were extremely hard, and you could feel every spring. There were only two towels for three people. When I pulled back the covers, there was a beetle on the pillow. The manager came up, picked it up, and insisted the bed was fine. He argued that nothing needed changing. I said clearly that I needed fresh sheets, and he again said the bed was fine. Eventually he did change them, but then wouldn’t speak to us. Very poor service, poor English, and run down rooms.

This is a genuine Route 66 save, with priceless architecture and an outdated room design that feels like a true American classic. I visited in February, and hardly anyone was there. My Penske moving truck parked right beside the room and felt safe all night. It’s across from multiple train tracks; the sound didn’t bother me since I like it, though silicone earplugs might help if you don’t. The room was clean, but the bathroom toilet and floor didn’t seem as clean. There was a bit of a smoky smell and the mattress was stiff, while the pillows and blankets were clean. The door lock worked, and there were outlets for charging my phone and a mini fridge. For the $35 price at this time of year and the experience, I’d stay again.

The owner was nice to us, and the train wasn’t loud enough to bother us. I really loved the old bathroom, it was so cute. People complaining about the place are kind of funny, since it’s obviously run down, and I paid $35, so what do you expect? I’d go back.

The place was really clean, but dated, and tiles were coming off the sink. The AC didn’t work in our first room, and the bed in the second was hard as a rock. If you need a soft bed, bring an air mattress. 😉