Maybe Motel 6 seems like a distant memory, something that only exists as a piece of Americana or a reminder of family road trips, and in the age of Airbnb, it might not seem as relevant as it did before. However, recent Airbnb scandals and rising hotel prices mean that the iconic motel chain is even more pertinent to your travel plans. So without further ado, here are six reasons to check into the place that will “leave the light on for you.”
1. Actually Affordable Prices
Founded in 1962, Motel 6 originally charged just $6 a night. Of course, times change and inflation exists, so the chain couldn’t keep that price forever, but it’s still pretty cheap: Depending on where you are, rooms can cost as little as $40 a night. If you’re on a tight college budget, this is ideal — save money on the lodging, and spend your money at your travel destination. There’s a big world out there, so why not explore it instead of sleeping in? The price goes up a little in big cities like Los Angeles, so make sure to reserve your room online today at Motel6.com for the best price.
The extended-stay version, Studio 6, can be as low as $35 a night if you’re spending a week there. You could crash on a friend’s couch, but if you don’t want to be in someone’s space, Studio 6 is ideal. The case is even stronger if you’re in a new city: Don’t waste money on a hostel where you can’t get any privacy. Stick with the room under the tried-and-true red and blue logo.
2. Reliability
Unlike with Airbnb, there aren’t going to be any surprises when you check into a Motel 6. Once you’ve made your reservation, your room will be there for you; there’s no need to worry about the host having an emergency or rentals violating city ordinances and getting shut down. Not to mention, Airbnb has recently come under fire because of the bait-and-switch scammers that have taken a liking to their app. At Motel 6, once you’ve booked your room, it’s your room, and you know what you’re getting into, so make your reservation today.
Ditto for Studio 6. You’re not going to find many places that will rent to you month-by-month, and if you’re in between places, you might need a temporary place to crash, especially if you’re moving to a new city. Don’t stress about renting from someone shady: You know exactly who you’re dealing with when you book with Studio 6.
3. Accommodations for Your Pet
Where would we be without our furry friends? Dogs lose their mind when you leave the house for the day, never mind how they feel when you’re gone for a week or so. And as for cats … well, they might play hard to get, but trust us, they’re going to miss you too. Motel 6 doesn’t charge any additional fees for your pets regardless of size, and Studio 6 charges $10 a night. Go online and secure a room for you and your best pal.
4. Nice Amenities
The pool is nice, and if you need to keep up with your exercise schedule, move on down to the fitness room. Towels, soap and toothpaste are provided for you, so you can avoid that awkward feeling of borrowing someone else’s.
If you’re staying longer, then look at Studio 6. There are even more amenities to make your extended stay comfier. Studio 6 will also provide a nice workspace so you can take care of anything you need to do.
5. It’s Always There for You
If you’re a planner, Motel 6 is perfect, but what if you like flexibility? Go ahead and get your spontaneous road trip started because Motel 6 has got your back. There are over 1,400 locations in the United States and Canada, so you can just hit the road and know that you’ll find one somewhere just off the highway. They consistently have the lowest prices, and unlike random one-off motels that seem to spring up everywhere, you know exactly what you’re getting when you check into the place under the iconic Motel 6 logo.
6. Nostalgia
Whether you want to indulge the nostalgia of those old family road trips or you’re a prospective Jack Kerouac who needs to hit the road, Motel 6 is perfect. The recognizable layouts, the miniature coffee machines, the local news that still somehow feels familiar — it’s almost freeing in a way. You’re in a new place, but you’re somewhere that’s ubiquitous in the American imagination, so there’s no sense of displacement. Motel 6 has been part of this nation’s landscape for nearly 60 years. Take part in it.
