Studio 6 San Diego, Ca – Hotel Circle – Mission Valley

We were woken in the morning by a rooster, and there was another sex worker finishing a transaction. Even before that, we'd seen a sex worker crossing the parking lot before check-in. The building smelled strongly of something like mold. Our room was dated, with worn furniture and an odd ring around the toilet. The Studio 6 photos of the kitchenette didn't match what was actually there. When I tried calling the front desk, the room phone didn't work, so I went to the office. They said they could bring a hot plate and a plastic tub of kitchen supplies if requested. This was the first and last time I'd stay here.

We ended up changing rooms because we wanted to relax with the family and watch TV, but the set in our room seemed broken. Tape was all around it, it wouldn't play anything or connect to my Firestick. I called the desk and offered to fix it myself since I'm an electrician, or have them bring another TV. They said they'd handle it while we were out. After about six hours at SeaWorld, nothing had been done, and moving rooms was the only option. The hotel wasn't very clean either, with stains on the pillows, blankets, and floor. The elevators smelled strongly of oil, which wasn't pleasant. The staff were nice despite all the trouble, but it wasn't a good night's sleep.

We turned around as soon as we opened the room door. The odor was overwhelming, maybe pet smell, and it made me gag. The corridor in the “Studio” section was narrow, dingy, dirty, and sketchy. I know Motel 6 is low end and expected more than I got from my first stay at “studio six“; most Motel 6 places I've used are reasonably clean. The front desk person checked and said I could get a refund, and asked why. I politely explained the smell, and she didn't seem surprised. Both young staff members, the one who checked us in and the one who handled the refund, were polite and professional. While I was getting refunded, another guest reported that his room smelled of smoke despite being booked as non-smoking. He said he wasn't too bothered by the smoke, but didn't want to be blamed for it. I won't be back. This felt like sketchyville, not just a place having one bad day.

The location worked well for the airport, about a nine-minute drive to drop off the rental car. Check-in was quick and the front desk staff were friendly. The room was clean and comfortable enough, though just meh, and the staff did their best. Still, there was a real risk of riffraff staying here. When I got to my room, two women who looked like tweakers were outside it. As I squeezed past them, one tried to push her way inside. I'm 6'4", 215 pounds, so I had no trouble shutting the door, but I can see how that could be frightening or dangerous for someone else. She yelled that it was her room and swore at me after I locked the deadbolt and latched the door. The desk sent security, who arrived within five minutes. I watched through the peephole as she insisted it was her room. I showered, expecting it to be sorted out, but the yelling continued. Security had left, and she was still shouting at what sounded like invisible demons. I called the desk again and was told police had been called. I eventually fell asleep despite the noise, then woke to a call saying police might take an hour and they could move me. I had a 4 am flight and didn't want to pass her again to leave “her room,” so I said I'd deal with it.