Lodgings Spotlight: Motel 6 & Microtel Inn
Written by Kathy Witt
Did you know that Motel 6 got its name from its room rate? Back in 1962, when two California contractors founded the budget brand, their intent was to provide no-frills accommodations at an affordable per-night price that would cover building costs, land leases and janitorial supplies. The amount? $6.
Overnight guests who book the Motel 6 Georgetown pay a bit more these days and will find a hotel wrapping up a renovation and in transition. Half the hotel will be converted to economy extended-stay brand, Studio 6, which offers more amenities than its sister property. Renovations are expected to be completed by the end of March/early April.
“Motel 6 has always provided clean, comfortable rooms at the lowest price of any national chain,” said owner Himanshu Patel, whose family has managed the hotel for 10 years. “And now, Studio 6 will bring extended stay amenities such as a fully equipped kitchen.”
In 2019, the family bought Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Georgetown and immediately renovated the property to the new Wyndham Micro-Cool standards to reflect a cleaner, crisper, more streamlined look.
“We have new furniture, paint, bedding, drapes and lighting,” noted Himanshu. “And we also changed our breakfast menu to offer more items such as waffles.”
Located near the Kentucky Horse Park, the hotel offers free breakfast and parking, in-room refrigerators and plush mattresses. Additionally, it has a unique feature for which the brand is famous: the combination window seat/bed.
“Many of our customers (children and adults) love it,” said Himanshu.
Motel 6 Georgetown and Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Georgetown offer free Wi-Fi and a coin laundry, and both lodgings allow pets at no additional charge. A courtyard with pool awaits at Motel 6 and the location of the Microtel Inn & Suites gives guests plenty of dining options.
Both hotels are known for a friendly staff that routinely demonstrates Kentucky hospitality.
“They go above and beyond to welcome, assist and help people,” said Himanshu.
COVID-19 protocols: Staff wear masks and professional-grade cleaning products are used to sanitize rooms. A clear shield has been installed in the lobby. The two hotels are among Georgetown’s 40 lodging choices, including brand name hotels, Airbnbs, farm stays and other unique stays.
6 Motel 6 fun facts
1. The first Motel 6 was in Santa Barbara, California.
2. In its earliest days, the no-frills chain had coin-operated black and white TVs in the rooms instead of free color TVs found in other more expensive motels.
3. The $6 paid in 1962 is equivalent in purchasing power to nearly $52 in 2021.
4. The motel’s tagline, "We’ll leave the light on for you," was created in 1986.
5. According to Himanshu, Motel 6 “enjoys the highest brand recognition factor of any U.S. economy lodging brand.”
6. The Patel family moved from New York to manage the Motel 6 Georgetown and considers their Kentucky hometown a treasure.
Hotel to Home Hack: “Does it really matter what your bathroom tissue looks like? Yes it does. Folding the bathroom tissue in a neat triangle shows you like to take care of the smallest details and makes guests feel welcome.” Himanshu Patel
Author: Kathryn Witt
Kathryn Witt is an award-winning travel and lifestyle writer, syndicated columnist and author of several books, including Secret Cincinnati, The Secret of the Belles and Atlanta Georgia: A Photographic Portrait. A member of SATW, Authors Guild and the Society of Children’s Books & Illustrators, she lives in northern Kentucky.
