Don-El Motel

Don-El Motel

5133 Akron Cleveland Rd, Peninsula, OH 44264, Peninsula, United States

Guest rating: 3.1 / 5

Don-El Motel is a roadside-style motel in Peninsula, Ohio, at 5133 Akron Cleveland Rd, positioned for quick access to the Cuyahoga Valley area. Amenities are not documented in the available listing information, so expectations are best set around the basics rather than specific on-site features. The strongest draw is the surrounding outdoor and heritage attractions: Ledges Overlook is about 2.1 km away and Kendall Lake about 2.9 km away, putting hikes and scenic stops close by. Several major Cuyahoga Valley National Park points are within an easy drive, including Brandywine Falls (about 8.5 km) and Blue Hen Falls (about 8.7 km), plus the Boston Mill Visitor Center (about 8.3 km). Seasonal activities are nearby as well, with Boston Mills Ski Resort around 8.7 km away. Farther afield, day trips can include Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens (~11.3 km), Akron Art Museum (~14.0 km), and Akron Zoo (~15.1 km).

Best for

This motel is best suited to travelers who prioritize proximity to Cuyahoga Valley sights over extensive on-site amenities, such as hikers and outdoors-focused visitors heading to Ledges Overlook, Kendall Lake, or Brandywine Falls. It may also appeal to budget-minded road trippers looking for a simple base between Peninsula, park trailheads, and nearby Akron-area attractions.

Travel tips

Plan on driving to most attractions: many park highlights and trailheads (Brandywine Falls/Trailhead, Blue Hen Falls, Boston Mill Visitor Center) are roughly 8–9 km away, while Akron sights run about 14–15 km. If you’re visiting in winter for Boston Mills Ski Resort (~8.7 km), allow extra time for weather and road conditions on Akron Cleveland Rd routes. Given that amenities are not documented, consider confirming any must-haves directly (e.g., parking, in-room features) before arrival.

What guests say

Guest feedback is mixed, reflected in a 3.1/5 public rating from 75 reviews. Reviews mention staff as acceptable, but raise significant concerns about the overall condition of the property. Cleanliness and indoor air quality are recurring issues, including reports of cigarette odor. Some guests also describe serious hygiene and maintenance problems and express unease about the clientele.

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