Elmwood Motel

588 High St, Auburn, CA 95603, Auburn Lake Trails, United States

2-star hotel

Guest rating: 3.7 / 5

Overview

Elmwood Motel is a 2-star budget motel located at 588 High St in Auburn, California, within the Auburn Lake Trails area. It holds a public rating of 3.7 from 232 reviews, reflecting a mixed but generally positive reputation as a no-frills, affordable place to stay near Auburn's historic core. The property appears to be under relatively new ownership and management, a point several reviewers noted favorably.

Rooms

Specific amenities are not documented for this property, but guest feedback points to variability in room condition: some travelers describe rooms as freshly made up, clean, and tastefully furnished, while others have reported issues with odor and cleanliness. Prospective guests should weigh these differing experiences when booking.

Location & Surroundings

The motel sits about 1km from Old Town Auburn, placing guests within easy reach of the Placer County Museum, Bernhard Museum, and Auburn Old Town Gallery, as well as the Old Town Auburn Business Association area for local shopping and dining. Outdoor destinations are also close by, including the Auburn State Recreation Area Ranger Station just over 1km away, No Hands Bridge, Quarry Road Trail, and Lake Clementine Trail within a few kilometers. Farther afield, guests can reach Folsom Lake State Recreation Area, Folsom Lake itself, Hidden Falls Regional Park, and the historic Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park, all within roughly 10-20km.

Dining & Recreation Nearby

While on-site dining is not documented, the motel's proximity to Old Town Auburn puts guests near a variety of local eateries and shops. Wine enthusiasts have Mt. Vernon Winery within about 3.5km, and outdoor recreation options abound with numerous trails, parks, and lakes in the surrounding area, making it a reasonable base for a mix of history, wine, and nature-focused day trips.

Best for

This motel best suits budget-conscious road trippers, history buffs, and outdoor enthusiasts who want easy access to Old Town Auburn's museums and galleries as well as regional trails and lakes like Lake Clementine and Folsom Lake. It's a practical option for travelers prioritizing a low-cost, convenient base over upscale amenities.

Travel tips

Book early or call ahead to confirm current room conditions, since guest experiences with cleanliness have varied. A car is recommended for exploring the wider area, including Folsom Lake and Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park, though Old Town Auburn's sights are within easy walking or short driving distance. Outdoor destinations like No Hands Bridge and Quarry Road Trail are close enough for a quick morning hike before checkout.

What guests say

Reviews of Elmwood Motel present a notably split picture. Many guests praise friendly, efficient check-in service, clean and freshly updated rooms, and fair pricing, with several crediting new ownership and staff (including a manager named Kristi) for recent improvements. However, at least one detailed negative account describes a room with strong odors of smoke and urine and visibly unclean bedding, raising serious cleanliness concerns for that stay. Overall, staff friendliness and value are recurring positive themes, while cleanliness consistency appears to be an area of concern for some guests.

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