Does this Motel 6 Santa Fe have tales to tell? It certainly does. Motel 6 began with a simple idea. It offered affordable lodging for travelers. William Becker and Paul Greene started the company in 1962. They wanted cost-effective options for their construction crews. Thus, Motel 6 was born.
For over 60 years, Motel 6 has stood for value. It is a clean, comfortable room at a fair price. The name “Motel 6” came from its original nightly rate. Can you believe it cost just six dollars?
Motel 6 started in Santa Barbara, California. Becker and Greene were building contractors. They focused on low-cost housing. Their goal was simple. Offer an alternative to upscale hotels. They cut costs. Coin-operated TVs replaced free color TVs. Functional decor made cleaning faster. The first Motel 6 had no restaurant.
The concept became popular. Other chains copied it. In 1965, Motel 6 opened its 15th location. It was the first outside California, in Salt Lake City. By 1966, they had 25 locations. Occupancy rates soared. In 1968, Becker and Greene sold the chain.
In the 1970s, Motel 6 expanded eastward. They opened in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. By 1980, there were 300 locations. In 1985, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts bought Motel 6. They added amenities like phones and color TVs.
Competition increased in the 1980s. Motel 6 bought other chains. In 1990, the French-based Accor bought the company. In 1993, Motel 6 opened a high-rise location near LAX.
Unlike most chains, Motel 6 owned many locations. Franchising began in 1994. Accor renovated rooms and upgraded security. In 1999, they launched Studio 6 Extended Stay. These suites had kitchenettes.
In 2000, Motel 6 went international. The first Canadian location opened in Burlington, Ontario. In 2002, Motel 6 celebrated its 40th anniversary.
In 2012, The Blackstone Group acquired Motel 6. In 2024, Oyo Rooms agreed to buy Motel 6 and Studio 6.
Today, Motel 6 offers free Wi-Fi. Many locations have been renovated. The “Phoenix Project” updated rooms. The goal was modernizing while keeping rates low.
Since 1986, Tom Bodett’s voice has been on Motel 6 radio ads. His tagline is famous. “We’ll leave the light on for you.” The ads have won many awards.
This Motel 6 Santa Fe offers several amenities. There is an outdoor pool and free Wi-Fi. You will also find free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Some rooms have microwaves and refrigerators.
Keep in mind some guests have reported cleanliness issues. Others mention noise. Verify amenities upon check-in. Despite these points, Motel 6 continues to offer value. It remains a simple, affordable place to stay. Remember Tom Bodett’s promise. Motel 6 will leave the light on for you.