The Best Inexpensive Overnight Deal in the Best Vacation Spot on Earth

I have traveled a lot over the years. My American Airlines account boasts more than 1.3 million miles on that carrier alone. You can only imagine how many hotels, motels, bed-and-breakfasts, and inns I’ve stayed in. While most have been adequate, a few were downright scary. And I can count on one hand those I would rate with 5-stars.

When it comes to overnight accommodations, I don’t care that much about how pretty the lobby might be; if the place has bell service, bottles of French water, or movies on demand. What I need is a hotel in a safe location with impeccable cleanliness, a comfortable bed, a hot shower, soft towels, and a TV with at least a few channels.

Where we lived in Orange County, Calif., hotels, motels, and inns are pricey. I’m sure that has a lot to do with the popularity of Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, Aquarium of the Pacific, Hollywood, Universal Studios, and on it goes. Tourism is a big deal there.

By way of example, currently, at Disney Resorts hotels, rooms can run (gulp!) $838 a night plus $35 per night for parking. Add in all the applicable taxes and that nightly rate on a basic room can jump to $1,000 in a heartbeat. And that’s if you can even find a reservation at a resort fewer than six months out.

A place to sleep

While still living in California, we had some work done at our home, which required us to be away from it for two nights. We are not talking vacation here, just a need for a place to sleep for two nights. I booked a room at a hotel close by and nearly passed out when I saw the tab: $388 for two nights. Sure, that included parking and breakfast, but come on. We’d be there 20 hours tops, 16 of them sleeping. All we needed was a place to unwind, shower, and sleep.

When I couldn’t get that $388 number out of my mind, I decided to check around.

Only the locals know

Over 30 years of living in Orange County, Calif., I’d driven past Don’s Turf Motel in lovely Los Alamitos, no fewer than a thousand times, I’m sure. And every time it made me laugh. A throwback to the 1950s, I could just see Lucy, Ricky, Fred, and Ethel pulling into this place on their way to Hollywood.

This is a vintage motel where every room has an outside entrance and the lobby is a counter marked “Office.” Behind the counter is a wall of pigeon holes with big plastic fobs and real keys on them—one for each of the 42 rooms.

I read some of the most intriguing reviews online for Don’s Turf Motel (located near the Los Alamitos Race Track, thus the turf designation). The reviews were so positive I decided to cancel the $388 reservation and book us for two nights at Don’s instead, based on the reviews alone. The rate? $75.60 per night with a $7 up charge for a king-size bed. Parking is free.

First impressions

Driving onto the property, I wasn’t impressed. In fact, I came this close to regretting my decision. It looked a little dumpy. We stopped at the Office to check-in. Things began to look up as we were greeted by the nicest people who handed us our key and sanitized TV remote control. We parked and walked into the complex. Immediately I was taken by the sparkling pool and manicured grounds. Nothing fancy mind you, but extremely well-cared for and inviting.

We found our room and chuckled as we walked in. We’re talking no-frills here. None. Not a picture on the wall, no Internet service. The room consisted of an excellent quality bed, a small table, two chairs, a desk, microwave oven, refrigerator, and telephone. Each one of these items was freshly cleaned and shined. The analog TV offered a basic channel lineup.

The only thing that matters

Of course, my first concern was cleanliness. It didn’t take but a few minutes to realize that what this room lacked in fancy upgrades, it more than made up for in cleanliness. Every painted surface appeared to have been freshly painted, the sheets were ironed, the bedspread freshly laundered. The commercial-grade carpet was so clean it appeared to be new.

The towels and bath mat were fluffy and pristine. The tub shower was certainly not new, but there was not a scratch, not a crack, not a hint of mildew, not a stain, not a molecule of scum or residue. The chrome shone like a new penny.

The shower curtain was squeaky clean, bright, and white. The toilet seat had a paper band across it announcing that it had been 100% sanitized. The counter held a plastic tub and cups for ice (ice machine is by the pool).

We found two tiny bars of soap, one extra roll of toilet tissue and that’s it. No hairdryer, no shampoo, conditioner, or body lotion; no mouthwash, shoe shine mitt, shower cap, or sewing kit.

Amenities? Forget it

Don’s Turf Motel has no room service, no food options, and no binders of information sitting in the room. You will not find valet parking or bell staff; no concierge or shuttle bus. Don’t expect frequent flyer points or breakfast. You won’t find bottles of water in the room with $10 price tags and no mini-bar with $15 cashews. You won’t get an electronic key or a TV with games and movies on demand.

Absolutely no pets, partying or smoking allowed at Don’s Turf Motel. And if you want to eat a meal, you’re on your own. But don’t worry. There are plenty of restaurants within walking distance including Costco, home of the $1.50 all-beef hot dog with large drink combo.

What you will get at this unique vintage motel is a great night of sleep, one of the cleanest rooms I have ever seen in all the years I’ve traveled, very nice staff, and the services of professional housekeepers. I want to take lessons from the people who care for these rooms. They deserve awards and accolades.

Location also matters

And now for bonus round: Centrally located and freeway close on Katella Ave. in Los Alamitos, Don’s Turf Motel is 6 miles from Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park, 9 miles from Disneyland in Anaheim and 10 miles from Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach.

Don’s Turf Motel gets 5 stars from your humble columnist and the Everyday Cheapskate Seal of Approval for the best inexpensive accommodations in a very expensive tourist area. Now that the word’s out, I suggest you book early if you see a trip to California in your future and this is the kind of overnight accommodation that appeals to you and your wallet. Don’s Turf Motel’s most modest website is not going to tell you much. The only way to book a room is to call (562)431-6563, every day 9am – 11pm.

If you’re embarrassed to let your friends and family know you will not be staying at one of the ultra-expensive destination hotels, don’t sweat it. Just tell them you’ll be playing by day and staying at Uncle Don’s by night.

First published: 4-24-13; Revised & Updated with current rates 2-15-22;

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10 replies
  1. Linda Ketcham says:

    I grew up in Colorado & when my family of 6 traveled to Steamboat Springs to ski we always stayed at the Rabbit Ears Motel (all 6 in one room!). I’m excited to know it still exists, right on the Main Street through town, sporting the original rabbit with blinking eyes over the front door!!
    What special memories!!

    Reply
    • Mary Hunt says:

      Also interesting, Rabbit Ears Pass during a blizzard! I’m definitely going to check out the motel next trip to Steamboat Thanks, Linda!

      Reply
  2. Janine Ransom says:

    Hi Mary,
    Our friends from San Francisco always stay at Don’s. They love it and consider the staff friends.
    We travel to Paso Robles several times a year. We always stay at Melody Ranch Motel. Frank, the owner, inherited it from his parents. They bought it in the early 50’s and he and his sisters were raised there. It is all the things you described of Don’s. Added bonus is that Frank is a committed Christian!!
    Our kids stay in fancy hotels, but we are committed members of the $100+/- a night club.
    Bob and Janine

    Reply
      • Val says:

        Hi Mary and everyone! We have a hotel like that in Lebanon TN-Cedar Valley Inn. This is the best priced hotel we’ve ever stayed at and the cleanest. I am not kidding. We are always assured of a comfortable stay with beautiful clean sheets, towels that always look new and everything you need. The staff is the best!!!! It is our home away from home!!!! These places are gems!! I have never found anywhere to rival it, though this one you’ve told us about sounds like it could! It is the hotel I compare all others to!! Thank you! Val

  3. Eileen says:

    Hi Mary — excellent column. I have used TripAdvisor.com for a number of years and have found that as long as you read the reviews and do not just go by rating you can do very well as long finding good deals all across the country, as you are not looking for a high end experience you can do very well. This is also very true for restaurants. I just checked Don’s Turf Motel and it is rated 4 1/2 stars on a scale of 1 to 5. Mary — thank you for the many many hints you have given me over the years, the first being how to get out of debt, along with how clean almost anything!!!!

    Reply
  4. Mary Hunt says:

    Well you are so right Morris! For 15 years it was no membership required at the Cypress CA Costco … just walk up and order! But on your prompting I just called and sure enough, must show membership. Post duly amended.

    Reply
    • Mary Hunt says:

      Not that I know of. Some things are best kept secret maybe? If the whole world knows about it, and it’s cheap and pristine what are the chances it will stay that way AND be available when you want to stay there?

      Reply
  5. Kathy says:

    Our family has always stayed at the “home town” motels if we can find them in a city we are visiting. Years ago these motels were mentioned in travel books but I have not been able to find the listings in recent years. Does anyone have suggestions of books to locate these inexpensive motels throughout the US?

    Reply

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