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2-star hotel Check-in 10:00 · Check-out 11:00

Desert Inn Motel 1946

Affordable motel with free Wi-Fi, parking, and outdoor pool on Barstow's Main Street near I-15/I-40 junction and attractions like Route 66 Museum.

1100 E Main St, Barstow, CA 92311, United States View on map
4.8/10
Average Based on 382 recent guest reviews
Free Wi-Fi Breakfast Free parking Accessible Outdoor pool
What recent guests emphasize

Motel with friendly service and affordable value

Recent guests recognize the motel for its low prices, friendly owners, and clean, basic rooms. While the location and value appeal to budget travelers, some note a worn exterior and a no-frills setting with occasional safety concerns.

Guests often praise

  • Helpful, kind, and welcoming owners who care about guests
  • Clean rooms with functioning amenities like microwaves and mini-fridges
  • Very affordable price, offering good value for travelers on a budget
  • Free Wi-Fi and parking included with the stay
  • Convenient central location close to restaurants and shops

Worth knowing

  • The motel’s exterior and common areas show signs of wear and may feel rundown
  • Some rooms or sections appear to be under maintenance or temporarily closed
  • The neighborhood can feel rough, and some guests notice loitering or unfamiliar people around
  • No on-site restaurant, fitness center, or airport shuttle available
  • Outdoor pool and pet-friendly policy add modest convenience

Best for

  • Budget-conscious travelers seeking basic, no-frills accommodation
  • Visitors needing a short overnight stay along Route 66 or near Barstow’s highways
  • Guests who appreciate friendly, family-like service from motel owners
  • Travelers who prioritize location convenience over luxury or extensive amenities
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About this property

Welcome to Desert Inn Motel 1946

Located on Barstow’s Main Street, part of the historic Route 66, Desert Inn Motel 1946 offers a basic lodging option just one mile from the junction of I-15 and I-40. The motel is also within reasonable driving distance of The Outlets at Barstow, making it a convenient stop for travelers passing through this desert community. Its proximity to local attractions such as the Route 66 Mother Road Museum and Peggy Sue's 50's Diner adds some charm to the area, reflecting a nostalgic roadside experience.

The property features streamlined and modest rooms with amenities including free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and free parking. Guests can also enjoy an outdoor pool which serves as a simple recreational option. While there is no on-site restaurant or fitness center, the motel is pet-friendly and accessible, catering primarily to visitors seeking economical accommodations without extra frills.

Guest reviews paint a mixed picture: some praise the cleanliness and value, highlighting friendly ownership and recently remodeled rooms with useful features like mini-fridges and microwaves. However, the motel shows signs of wear on the exterior with some areas marked for repair, and the surrounding neighborhood can be considered rough by some travelers. The motel's modest 2.4 rating reflects this practical, no-nonsense environment suited best for those prioritizing budget and location over luxury.

Overall, Desert Inn Motel 1946 is a practical choice for visitors who need a straightforward place to stay for a night or two, especially those on a road trip or seeking an affordable base near Barstow’s highways and Route 66 heritage sites. Nearby airport access and a cluster of similar budget motels provide alternative options in the area.

Summary compiled by GoHotelly editors from verified guest reviews, partner descriptions and editorial notes.
Facilities & essentials

What's on-site and what you should know before you arrive

The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.

Most popular facilities

Free Wi-Fi
Breakfast
Free parking
Accessible
Outdoor pool
Air-conditioned
Pet-friendly
Golf course

Not available at this property

Restaurant
Airport shuttle
Fitness center
Verified guest reviews

What recent guests are actually saying

Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.

JT
Jer Tunks Apr 07, 2026
10

The owner is on of the nicest ladies I've met! She's very kind.

TP
Trinity Parazaider Mar 19, 2026
8.0

Sometimes you have to take what you can get. It was either stay here or hope the car will make it to Needles at night. So yeah I didn’t to take that chance. I notice the other comments said there are all kinds of people wandering around the parking lot. Its true but they didn’t bother me. I think they all were friends with other people staying there. Its not a 5 star hotel. But the owners were cool.

FV
Flaco Vasquez Mar 13, 2026
8.0

Good motel been staying her for about 8 years so all these people that are posting all that stuff they are the ones that need help and my kids are 13 14 19 years old ok this motel is a good place to stay rest me I think I would know if this motel us bad it is a very good place to stay rooms are very clean carpet is clean don't have any bugs and don't have any roaches either so if u are tired and want to stay at a good motel come to "THE DESERT INN FOR A GOOD NIGHT SLEEP" U WON'T REGRET IT U WILL SEE.

HF
Henson Family Mar 02, 2026
8.0

I liked this place we had gotten a 2 bed upstairs. It was clean and nice in the room. It came with a mini fridge and microwave. The outside is another story. It had like 12 rooms red tagged. I dont know if its because they are remodeling or because of the rain but it needs work done. Also this is a little of a rough area i guess because of the price. The doors when you open it and shut it makes a loud noise. Our stay overall was good. Parking wasn't a problem.

WC
Wannee Chen Feb 07, 2026
10

The room is very nicely remodeled and clean. The price is great, only $40 +tax for two pp. For previously nights where I stayed in several $100+ hotels, the rooms were not even as good as Desert Inn. I think probably the best deal and value in Barstow. Very convenient in center of Barstow, many restaurants, stores and supermarket within walking distant.

TB
Travion Breedlove Feb 04, 2026
8.0

Had a great time room's are in good condition,everybodies really nice. Like a Family.come and enjoy for your. Self.

EWC
Edmund W. Chan Dec 28, 2025
10

Best price of $45 dollars fees included. Got more then what I paid for. Not the best quality but if we have a party of 4, that’s $11.25 per person. Two queen beds and free WiFi.

KC
Kimberly Cremeans Dec 23, 2025
10

I call it my home it is defiantly different but Mr.and Mrs. Chin care about their customers. The pool is nice when it's hot

Location & neighborhood

Where you'll find Desert Inn Motel 1946

Barstow, California, USA

Set along Barstow’s Main Street, a part of the original Route 66, this humble motel is 1 mile from the convergence of I-15 and I-40. It’s 8 miles from The Outlets at Barstow.

  • SBD International Airport 1 hr 24 Car · 2 hr 7 Transit
Things to do nearby

Worth the walk or a quick ride

Curated spots travelers usually pair with a stay in California. Distances are rough real-world times, not straight-line.

Calico 1 reviews

Calico

California 92311, USA

5
Route 66 Mother Road Museum 60 reviews

Route 66 Mother Road Museum

681 N 1st Ave, Barstow, CA 92311, United States

4.6 · Museum
Peggy Sue's 50's Diner 17,342 reviews

Peggy Sue's 50's Diner

35654 Yermo Rd, Yermo, CA 92398, United States

4.4 · Diner
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