Super 8 Salinas

The location was the only upside. When we arrived, gang members were fighting in the parking lot, yelling threats to kill each other. They were drunk and double parked. Inside, the carpet was grimy and the bed was so hard it felt like sleeping on the floor. The shower water kept swinging from very hot to cold. Then the power went out at 4 a.m. and woke me because I use medical equipment. The employee downstairs was no help. He said, “the power could be out all day, I don't know, I don't work for PGE.” When I explained about my equipment, he said he didn’t know what to do. I asked for a refund since I’d paid to sleep and couldn’t, but he told me to call the manager between 9 and 2. I pointed out I couldn’t call with the power out, and he shrugged, acting like my need for medical equipment wasn’t their problem. It was my first Mother’s Day with my daughter, and I’d hoped for a relaxing weekend. Instead I was awake at 4 a.m. and exhausted for the day. A horrible experience. The next day the manager checked us out without asking how the stay went. I asked for room receipts, and she rolled her eyes, printed them, then ignored me when I said thank you. I can’t believe how rude and unprofessional the staff were.

No hot water at all was the dealbreaker. I asked the front desk and was told to let it run for 20-25 minutes. I tried, but it stayed cold, with only brief little spurts of tolerable water. Nobody warned me this was a known problem, so I was very disappointed. Otherwise, it seemed like a decent place: convenient location, clean though a bit worn, and most employees were excellent. Late check-in was easy, and the unexpected turn-down service was nicely done. This could have been a three-star stay.

The room was spacious and fairly quiet on a Wednesday night. We’d expected two Queen beds, but one mattress was Full. We didn’t need it changed. It was good to see an ADA lift at the pool.

After making a quick escape from the un quality inn across the street, this felt like getting back to civilization. The place is basic, but that worked for me. Check-in was straightforward, and the room was clean, with no crumbs on the floor or strange smells in the bedding. It was quiet too, with no loud hidden machinery or questionable odors. The room was comfortable and functional, though definitely not luxurious. After the disaster across the street, it felt like a five-star upgrade. If you’re choosing between the two, stay here. Your nose, ears, and sanity will thank you.