Desert Inn Motel
1100 E Main St, Barstow, CA 92311, Barstow, United States
2-star hotel
Guest rating: 2.4 / 5
Desert Inn Motel is a budget, 2-star roadside motel on E Main St in Barstow, positioned along Barstow’s Main Street—part of the original Route 66. It’s about 1 mile from the I-15/I-40 junction, making it a simple stopover for drivers crossing the Mojave region. Rooms are straightforward with exterior entrances and include free Wi‑Fi, a TV, air-conditioning, plus a minifridge and microwave for basic in-room convenience. On-site features include complimentary parking and an outdoor pool. Nearby Route 66 and rail-history sights cluster close by, including Barstow Station (about 1.35 km), the Route 66 Mother Road Museum (about 1.49 km), and the Western America Railroad Museum and Harvey House (about 1.4–1.43 km). For day trips, Calico and related attractions are roughly 14–17 km away, and the motel is about 8 miles from The Outlets at Barstow.
Best for
Best suited to budget-focused road-trippers who prioritize quick highway access near the I-15/I-40 convergence and want in-room basics like Wi‑Fi, a microwave, and a minifridge. It can also work for travelers who plan to spend most of their time out exploring Route 66 sites and Barstow’s nearby museums rather than using extensive on-site amenities.
Travel tips
If you’re doing Route 66 sightseeing on foot or by car, several major stops are close: Barstow Station, Harvey House, the Western America Railroad Museum, and the Route 66 Mother Road Museum are all around 1.3–1.5 km away. Calico, Calico Ghost Tours, and the Calico Mountains are farther (roughly 14–17 km), so plan on driving. Given the modest 2.4/5 public rating from 384 reviews and frequent mentions of room condition issues, consider inspecting your room on arrival and addressing concerns immediately.
What guests say
Across guest feedback, the most common themes are concerns about cleanliness and maintenance, including reports of pests, dirty rooms/linens, and room-condition problems. Some reviewers also describe noise and an uncomfortable or “shady” atmosphere around the property. A smaller set of comments points to low prices as the main draw, suggesting value for travelers who are focused strictly on cost. Overall, the rating (2.4/5) aligns with recurring complaints about room quality and the stay environment.
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