Experts Warn: Never Stay at these Risky Arizona Motel Chains

When I was a kid, our family did everything on a budget. Travel and vacations were a luxury, and most of our adventures involved staying with friends or relatives.

Taking a trip somewhere without the benefit of "free" lodging meant booking an inexpensive motel. Mom and Dad searched for, in their words, "the best bang for the buck." That didn't mean the best value for the money—it translated to the cheapest option.

I didn't know the difference between a motel and a hotel until I was an adult. "It doesn't matter where we stay," Dad would tell us, "you'll be sleeping, and your eyes will be closed. You won't be awake long enough to appreciate a fancy place."

Experts Advice on Motels and Hotels in Arizona

My dad is a practical guy, but he might be wrong about this. According to experts, staying at these motel chains might not have been such a stellar idea.

Not all motel chains are created equal, and according to a recent customer satisfaction survey conducted by Clark.com, a few of these might not even offer the minimum value you're hoping for.

These Motel Bargains: A Little TOO Bare Bones

If you're looking for a bare-bones bargain with few amenities and a simple place to put your head down for the night, a bargain motel isn't a bad choice. But according to the survey, these two chains came in dead last. Both motels would get a "D" letter grade on a general grading scale.

• Super 8:  65% satisfaction rating
• Motel 6: 63% satisfaction rating

It's true—you get what you pay for. These brands are known for budget-friendly rates, but customer feedback makes them even less appealing. Consumer Affairs rates Motel 6 and Super 8 each with a mere 1.5 stars based on customer reviews and complaints.

One reviewer said that the Motel 6, where she and her friend stayed, was "not a place I would send someone I hated to."

A full 89% of the Super 8 ratings were one-star. Reviewers complained of dirty rooms, bugs, broken towel racks and toilet seats, and a complete lack of basic amenities like shampoo, towels, and washcloths.

Dad might have been wrong about staying in one of these bargain motels. You might not be able to see the room with the lights off. But you might want to leave a light on if you stay...if it's not already burned out.

Sources: Reader's Digest | Hoyt Livery | The American Customer Satisfaction Index | Consumer Affairs | Clark