Motel 6 La Mesa, CA

For a budget motel in the San Diego area, this one has some good points: it’s centrally placed for SDSU and La Mesa, the ice machine and TV worked, and it’s pet friendly, which is helpful when traveling with friends. My rating takes into account how hard it is to find a truly good budget motel around here. The beds need attention. The old spring mattresses sag where people sit on the edges. The heater gave off an unusually sharp, sour smell that spread through the room, and I had to air it out several times. The roadside location also gets noisy during the day, though that’s not management’s fault. Parking is very tight, with almost no room to open a car door beside another vehicle. If the beds were updated to memory foam like the 'other' Motel 6 in La Mesa, and the HVAC unit were sanitized now and then, I’d give it five stars for a motel 6.

Check-in was easy, parking was simple, and the location worked well. I had a peaceful stay in a clean, comfortable, quiet room, and the staff were welcoming and professional. I’d definitely stay here again.

The room was super clean, the parking was free, and the location is good. Nick at the desk gave us excellent service and was friendly and helpful. The rate is great compared with other hotels nearby. They seem to have thought of everything.

The owners who live on site are decent, but the staff give off a typical “I’m better than you” vibe. I gave service one star because they didn’t help two women with bags and a child. I helped instead, but I noticed the price. This Motel 6 isn’t worth $170 on a weekday.