Shay
Google
I understand that staying in a hotel—especially a Motel 6—means you can't expect perfection or total silence, but you should at least get a basic level of rest. This is especially true when they're charging Hilton or Marriott-level prices. Unfortunately, my stay was far from restful, and my main issue was the noise coming from the mysterious "employee only" room next to mine.
I was placed in Room 201, a corner room, which initially sounded great. Upon arrival, I noticed some noise coming from the "employee only" room nearby, but I figured it wouldn't be a problem inside my room. At first, everything seemed fine—I used the restroom, sat down to charge my phone, and started to settle in. Then, the wall shared with the employee room suddenly began to shake, and this super loud sound—like rushing ocean waves—started up. It was alarming, to say the least, and my dog was equally unsettled.
When I realized the noise was coming from the employee room, I went to the front desk to ask for a room change. The staff member was polite, but his first question was whether I had "used" the room. I explained that I had used the restroom and briefly sat on the bed, and he informed me that this meant I couldn’t switch rooms. He promised to call the general manager (GM) and let me know what could be done.
After waiting 20 minutes with no response, I went out to get food, hoping for an update when I returned. An hour and a half later, there was still no call or resolution. When I checked back in with the front desk, I was told the GM had confirmed I could not change rooms or get a refund because I had “used” the room.
This policy feels completely unreasonable. The hotel was clearly nowhere near full (I’d estimate less than 50% occupancy), and they had the availability to accommodate me. Instead, I’m left dealing with the constant, unsettling noise from the employee room and the chaos of a loud hockey team staying in multiple rooms nearby. Walls are PAPER THIN.
I’m exhausted and frustrated. I chose this stop to get some rest on my way back to LA after leaving to get away from the ongoing wildfires, but I’m sitting here writing this review instead of sleeping—the very thing I paid $159 for.
Added note: they put this weird feeling fake fleece blanket under the bedspread and it’s that type of fabric that clings to hair / dust etc., and it’s covered in different people’s and maybe dog’s hairs. It’s absolutely repulsive, so I suggest: 1. Don’t stay in room 201, and 2. Remove that nasty blanket before getting in the bed asap. 3. Stay anywhere else.
I rarely write reviews, but my experience here left me disappointed enough to share. The situation could have been resolved easily with a small gesture, like offering me a new room, especially since the property was fairly empty. That simple act of compassion for a tired traveler that’s endured a stressful week after traveling away from home after watching wildfires outside their window, that’s just trying to find somewhere safe to sleep would have prevented this review entirely.
Updates: come morning, after not sleeping at all, I thought there was an earthquake in SB!! Turns out, 201 is not only next door to their water pumps and other full building mechanics—it’s also OVER their giant industrial washer / dryers and was shaking my bed + the floor as the maid service began room turnovers & washing sheets/towels. Insane to put a room next to and above all of that knowing it will affect the unfortunate person assigned to that room. Also, because they also keep their cleaning supplies in that room, I could barely get out my door the morning of to leave since they had pulled all the supplies out and left it. It was there for the entire morning and they kept coming and getting things from it. They also began knocking on my door numerous times before checkout time even approached disturbing me seeing if I was gone yet. I had the do not disturb sign up still.
