Monterey Motel

I don't usually choose more modest motels, but I was pleasantly surprised by the Monterey Motel. It was quiet and peaceful, even though it's in the city of Long Beach, CA.

The service was awful, and the room was dirty. There was pubic hair on the sheets. When I asked for fresh ones, they bothered me and told me to leave. They gave me my money back after taking a $30 fee.

I stayed here for two weeks in 2016 and had a good experience. I felt safe and had privacy the whole time, with no interruptions. Management communicates well and is straightforward. I also liked looking after my own space. It was helpful to be able to change the linens and ask permission to use housekeeping items like a mop and broom to tidy up. The place was good value, offered privacy, and had easy access to bus lines. I plan to stay again.

The price and location are a good deal, especially since I've paid more for much worse just up the road. It's within walking distance of gas, fast food, a liquor store, nail shop, two gas stations, a donut shop, laundromat, storage, and more. It's no frills, but that's what you pay for. During my four day stay, I saw no cockroaches or bedbugs, the staff were fine, and the rooms were clean. I didn't see bullet holes or any patches that looked like repairs to them either. I also didn't see the dirty needles people mentioned outside the bathroom window. From my room, you would have needed to stand on the toilet, remove an intact screen, and lean out the window to spot them. There was a small spot at the bottom of the shower curtain where mold seemed to be starting. Some things really need improvement. The reflective window the staff work behind makes it impossible to make eye contact when you're trying to get a room. It felt unfriendly, rude, and intimidating. If it looks into their private space, they could add a screen or partition inside to block people from looking in. The shower insert was premolded and the patch job in my room looked tacky. They should spend a little money on a proper repair, hire someone who knows how to drywall, fix the ugly half done work, and paint. The bathroom tile gets slippery when wet, and I think someone could get hurt. I slipped twice but caught myself. I've already fractured my back in two places and broken my left hip in a fall, so I know how serious a fall can be. I broke my hip after slipping on motor oil on my neighbor's driveway in the rain. I also spoke with the woman owner about what I felt were tactless, immoral business practices around the security deposit. They apparently don't automatically return it at checkout when the key and remote are handed back. I checked in again the same day after noticing the deposit hadn't been returned, but was told it was too late, with a “too bad, so sad” attitude. That felt dishonest. I do think the owners could improve some obvious things and raise their star rating and revenue, unless they're filthy rich and don't need steady bookings to compete. No skin off my back. And if paint isn't going to break the bank, unless Harris follows Biden into the nuthouse, there's no reason not to get it done.