Best Motel
1281 E Main St, Barstow, CA 92311, Barstow, United States
2-star hotel
Guest rating: 3.4 / 5
Best Motel is a budget, 2-star roadside motel located on East Main Street in Barstow, California, a longtime waypoint along historic Route 66 and the I-15 corridor between Los Angeles and Las Vegas. The property sits within easy walking distance of several of Barstow's small local museums and heritage sites, including the Route 66 Mother Road Museum, the Western America Railroad Museum, the historic Harvey House, the Mojave River Valley Museum, and the Main Street Murals, all clustered roughly 1.7 to 1.9 kilometers away. Barstow Station, a well-known highway rest stop, is just over a kilometer away, making it convenient for travelers pausing en route. For those with more time, the Calico Ghost Town attractions -- including Calico itself, Calico Ghost Tours, Maggie Mine, the Mystery Shack, and the Calico Mountains -- are reachable by a short drive of roughly 14 to 17 kilometers, as is the scenic Rainbow Basin Natural Area. Specific in-room amenities and on-site dining are not documented, suggesting a straightforward, no-frills motel format typical of independent Route 66 lodging. With a public rating of 3.4 from 146 reviews, guest experiences appear mixed, ranging from satisfied budget stays to complaints about cleanliness and room upkeep.
Best for
This motel suits budget-minded road-trippers and travelers making an overnight stop between Los Angeles and Las Vegas, given its location directly on the historic Route 66 corridor and short walk to Barstow Station. It also appeals to history-minded visitors interested in the nearby Route 66 Mother Road Museum, Western America Railroad Museum, and Harvey House, all within about two kilometers.
Travel tips
Barstow functions primarily as a highway stopover, so a car is the most practical way to reach the Calico Ghost Town attractions and Rainbow Basin Natural Area, both located 14 kilometers or more from the motel. The downtown museums and murals near Main Street are close enough to visit on foot, making an early evening or morning walk worthwhile before continuing your drive. Given mixed guest feedback on room condition, it's worth requesting a room viewing or checking linens and amenities at check-in, and confirming the property's refund policy before booking.
What guests say
Guest feedback is mixed, with some reviewers praising the motel's value for money, friendly service, and a sense of safety in the surrounding area. Other reviewers raised concerns about room cleanliness, including stained bedding and evidence that towels or linens from previous guests had not been properly replaced. Noise and comfort issues were also mentioned, particularly an outdated air conditioning unit described as too loud for overnight use. A few reviews cite dissatisfaction with the property's no-refund policy after a poor room experience, pointing to inconsistency in housekeeping standards as a recurring concern.
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