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I heard that motels in Amarillo save money by not having security. I saw the results of that. They also save by not doing much about trash that flies around in the wind. You get what you pay for and this motel is no exception. I wish I could find prices that low in NM and AZ. However, for a woman alone after midnight, or a car alone after midnight away from your room's door, Amarillo can be a bad place. Almost every resident I met had been robbed, and were very sympathetic when I was. Amarillo has a lot of friendly people, and a significant number of punks and/or addicts. \r
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The staff, most of them long term employees, are committed to excellence, despite working at a motel that will be bulldozed one of these days. They seem like a group of siblings caring for an elderly parent. They practically ran the place themselves under a ""who cares?"" manager and were reenergized under a new highly engaged manager. There was also a shakeup in the business that made them spiffy the place up and press for more profits, for this and the sister motel across the interstate. Both turn a blind eye to the one dog rule because they want more customers, and most of the employees are animal people so they are okay with that.\r
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The sister motel (Motel 6 Airport--although they are both equally easy access to the airport) is more up market, newer, with larger rooms. This one costs less and I gather has the best employees. I have stayed at both and I prefer this one, being tolerant and budget conscious. The staff will fix anything that is fixable and will do it all with a smile. Unfortunately a lot of things aren't fixable. When I was there last the pool was under repair and the tv had two channels out, which is par for the course. They shampoo the rugs frequently, and change the blankets and bedspreads often. This place may be down at the heels but the staff make sure it is in as good a shape as possible. I never had a worry about cleanliness and if I wanted another towel or anything else they were happy to provide it if they could.\r
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There are only a few wifi rooms so book early if you want one. I didn't mind the traffic roar in front, the interstate is ground level there, but you can ask for a quiet room. The rooms in the rear are noisy on weekends. I would choose one on the nonpoolside, the east, of the middle section for nearness to my car and the least noise. \r
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It's big advantage for me over the sister motel is it is within easy walking distance of Walmart, Meineke (honest, helpful, go the extra mile, wonderful people!!), and various other fast food places and stores. Because the street is one way you have to go around a long block to drive there, being able to access most of the stores from the Walmart lot, but in the daylight it's a safe and quick walk. This was easily the most conveniently situated Motel 6 I've ever stayed in. And it is on the free limo route to go to famous Big Texan Steak Ranch. \r
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I would give it a five for the staff but most people will be more aware of the building and that's a two. Many of the customers are repeaters.\r
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If you stay in an Amarilo motel be sure get the brochure with a lot of coupons for local attractions. There's a nice visitor's bureau in a very interesting building a few miles east of the motel on the interstate or frontage road near the road to the airport that is very helpful. Or go to visitamarillotx.\r
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Pros: hardworking, friendly staff--A+++
Cons: the building is on its last legs
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