Vagabond Inn Bakersfield South

6501 Colony St, Bakersfield, CA 93307, Bakersfield, United States

2-star hotel

Guest rating: 3.4 / 5

Overview

Vagabond Inn Bakersfield South is a no-frills, 2-star motel-style property set in a low-rise building just off the Golden State Highway in Bakersfield, California. With a public rating of 3.4 from 1,708 reviews, it caters to budget-conscious travelers who want straightforward, functional lodging rather than a resort experience. Its roadside location makes it an easy stop for drivers passing through the region.

Rooms

Rooms are described as low-key and are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, minifridges, microwaves, and tea and coffeemakers, covering the basics for a short stay. Upgraded rooms add kitchenettes, giving guests who want to prepare their own meals a self-catering option. This tiered room setup suits both quick overnight stops and slightly longer stays.

Amenities & Recreation

On-site recreation includes an outdoor pool, and practical extras include coin-operated laundry facilities for guests staying multiple nights. The property also offers a free local shuttle, free hot breakfast, and free parking accommodating cars, trucks, and buses, which is notable for travelers with larger vehicles or groups.

Location & Surroundings

The hotel sits within a few miles of several Bakersfield green spaces and cultural sites, including Silver Creek Park, Belle Terrace Park, and Advanced Aquascape, all under 5 miles away, with Golden West Casino about 6 km distant. Slightly farther out are the Bakersfield Museum of Art, Buena Vista Museum of Natural History & Science, Kern River Parkway, McMurtrey Aquatic Center, and Kern County Museum, all reachable within roughly 6-11 km, giving guests a range of museum, park, and entertainment options for day trips.

Best for

This hotel best suits budget travelers, road-trippers, and families driving through Bakersfield who need simple, affordable accommodations with free parking for cars, trucks, or buses. The free local shuttle, free hot breakfast, and kids-stay-free policy also make it a practical option for families and groups traveling on a budget.

Travel tips

Since the hotel sits off the Golden State Highway, having a car (or making use of the free local shuttle) is the most convenient way to reach Bakersfield's parks and museums, many of which are several kilometers away. Guests interested in the Bakersfield Museum of Art, Kern County Museum, or Kern River Parkway should plan for a short drive or shuttle ride rather than walking. Given mixed feedback on room noise, light packers might request a room away from shared walls or busier areas of the building.

What guests say

Guest feedback repeatedly highlights friendly, helpful staff across both day and night shifts, along with a convenient location near restaurants, groceries, and coffee options. Several reviewers praised the free hot breakfast and on-site dining quality, as well as clean, well-stocked towels during their stay. On the negative side, some guests reported cleanliness lapses such as hair on floors and stained bedding, and noted that thin walls led to noticeable noise between rooms. Overall, the recurring themes center on solid service and location convenience balanced against inconsistent room cleanliness and sound insulation.

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