Economy Inn - Motel in Salinas - 214 John St #3323, USA

Here's a story of how you change a "4" rating to a "1". I work in Salinas but live 300 miles away so I rent hotel rooms every week - about 150+ nights a year. I'd been staying at another motel but decided to try the Economy Inn mainly because the reviews made it sound like a decent place and I was ready for a change. I stopped in on a Tuesday night and asked for a room for two nights. The clerk charged my credit card for $78.50 which is about $5 cheaper than what I'd been paying so I thought the rate was decent. I wasn't expecting a fancy place - from the street you can tell it's an old building, no pool, dying landscaping. I went to the room and was pleased to find that although quite dated, the room was clean. There were some quirky things like none of the furniture matching, a desk and two chairs up against the side of the bed, the thermostat was disabled so you couldn't adjust it (74 degrees and blowing warm), and the lights were set up for 3-way bulbs but the bulbs were single so you had to keep turning the switch to get them to come on. As I said though, for the money, I felt it was OK. I spent the first night without incident. I got back to my room after work and was winding down when the front desk called and asked that I come pay for my room. Thinking it was a mistake, I went to the office and was asked to pay another $78.50. I explained that I had paid for both nights when I checked in but the clerk was adamant saying the rate was $78.50 per night. I was really surprised - as I've mentioned I'm more than familiar with hotel room rates in Salinas and for this "economy" inn with no pool, unkempt landscaping (dead pots of geraniums hanging everywhere), and very dated rooms this rate was absurd. The clerk mocked me and said "You can't think you can get a room in Salinas for $37/night!" to which I replied "The Good Nite Inn around the corner charges $41/night and they are 10X better than this old place so I guess I can!" Good customer service should have dictated that upon learning the previous clerk had quoted me an incorrect amount, she should have negotiated a better rate for the second night or waived it altogether. By not understanding that she gave up the chance to get more of the $5000 per year I spend on lodging. I had originally drafted a review which gave this place 4 stars based on the rate I thought I was paying and the accommodations. This is not a $78/night hotel, especially in Salinas - look elsewhere for much better deals. For the runaround and hassle of having to now find another room - it gets a "1".

Stayed when we had a heatwave and our room did not have an AC unit. They did however provided us with a fan. No key card, just OG key, liked that

We stayed at this nice hotel in November 2013 and found the rooms to be clean, the beds comfortable, and the service pleasant. They provided a good room for great value. I recommend this hotel to others!

cute Little gem in salinas, Must stay, Very clean and comfortable place, money worth spent, close to visiting monterey. near John stienback museum, on hwy 68- John street and close to hwy 101. Its My Home away from home. Very nice staff with little Dave.

Nice management. Room was reasonably priced, clean and located close to my worksite.

Good value for money and welcoming staff, but unfortunately not very clean..

Friendly front desk and good quality rooms.

Good rates and good people running the motel. Jay and Ruby are the best.