Gladstone Motel

You can walk to pretty much anywhere in central Gladstone, which is handy. It’s an old-fashioned, low-cost motel where check-in and checkout happen over the phone. The room was usable but very small, and the bathroom was cramped with a toilet that kept running.

With tax, the room came to $100, though it felt like a $29.95 motel. It’s an old 1960s property with no upgrades or on-site management. Our toilet was loose and leaking, the tiny bathroom had mold in the shower, and other guests held a parking lot gathering from 3 to 4 a.m. I wish I’d read the reviews instead of trusting the rating.

The room pictures need updating to show the mold and mildew, carpets wet from the AC, the fridge, and the windows that don’t close. I was quoted one price on the phone, then given a different amount when I checked in.

There’s no staff member on site to check you in, everything is handled remotely, and the motel doesn’t even have ice. My room was laid out oddly, with no nightstand on the right side of the bed. The half-size fridge was tucked somewhere you had to reach on your hands and knees. Rooms are cramped and dated, and the bathroom is so tiny it felt claustrophobic. I should’ve researched more before booking. There are plenty of other choices around Gladstone.