Great Location and Friendly Staff, but Unacceptable Cleanliness and Room Conditions…read more
I understand that Motel 6 is a budget motel, and I certainly wasn't expecting luxury accommodations. Limited amenities, such as the lack of liquid soap, shampoo, conditioner, or a hair dryer, are understandable at this price point. Basic bar soap was provided. However, there is a significant difference between offering budget accommodations and failing to maintain basic standards of cleanliness and hygiene.
Unfortunately, Motel 6 in San Dimas falls well below acceptable standards, even for a budget motel.
Cleanliness and Room Conditions
Despite being given a freshly cleaned, designated non-smoking room, the conditions were extremely disappointing.
- Cockroaches: I encountered several roaches, raising serious concerns about a possible infestation. Even one roach is concerning, let alone multiple.
- Bedding: The sheets and comforter had what appeared to be cigarette burn marks, despite being in a non-smoking room.
- Smoke Odor: The room noticeably smelled of cigarette smoke, making its non-smoking designation feel meaningless.
- Smoking Policy: Signs instruct guests not to smoke within 20 feet of the doors, but based on my observations, these rules were not consistently followed, and there was no apparent enforcement.
- Air Conditioning: The AC vent had visible black dust buildup and appeared poorly maintained.
- Bathroom: The shower and bathtub had what appeared to be mold or mildew, making the bathroom feel unsanitary.
These conditions are unacceptable, especially in a room that had supposedly just been cleaned. Clean bedding, sanitary bathrooms, proper ventilation, and pest-free accommodations should be minimum expectations, regardless of price.
Location and Pet-Friendliness
On a positive note, the motel is pet-friendly, which is a great advantage for travelers with pets. Its location is also very convenient, with numerous stores and services nearby:
- World Market: Right next door, approximately a 5-minute walk.
- Target and Petco: Approximately a 10-minute walk.
- Walmart: Approximately a 5-minute drive.
- Sam's Club: Approximately a 10-minute drive.
These are just a few examples of the many businesses nearby. Having shopping, everyday essentials, and pet supplies readily accessible is definitely a plus.
Staff and Customer Service
The front desk staff were extremely friendly, welcoming, and accommodating. Their hospitality deserves recognition, and I genuinely appreciated their willingness to help.
My dissatisfaction is with the property's cleanliness, maintenance, and apparent lack of smoking-policy enforcement, not the front desk employees.
Overall Experience
Unfortunately, the convenient location, pet-friendly accommodations, and excellent staff cannot make up for the serious sanitation and maintenance issues.
I don't expect luxurious bedding, premium toiletries, or modern furnishings at a budget motel. However, cockroaches, moldy bathrooms, cigarette-damaged bedding, and smoke odors in non-smoking rooms should never be considered acceptable, regardless of price.
There is a fundamental difference between being inexpensive and being unsanitary.
My Ratings
- Convenience / Location: 5/5
- Pet-Friendly Policy: 5/5
- Cleanliness: 1/5
- Staff Friendliness: 5/5
- Value for Money: 2/5
- Room Maintenance: 1/5
- Comfort: 1/5
- Non-Smoking Policy Compliance: 1/5
Overall Rating: 1/5 stars
I sincerely hope management addresses these issues through proper pest control, thorough cleaning, better maintenance, and consistent enforcement of its non-smoking policies.
This property has genuine potential thanks to its location, pet-friendly policy, and wonderful staff. Unfortunately, those advantages are overshadowed by unacceptable room conditions.
Budget accommodations should mean fewer luxuries, not lower standards of hygiene. Until these issues are addressed, I would have a difficult time recommending this property.