Motel Crown Hotel (El Centro, USA)

This is an aging locale, but well-kept for the most part, with clean and nicely functioning amenities throughout. Great prices, decent Wi-Fi connection, self-serve laundry, close to the freeway (but not noisy from the traffic), several restaurants and Von's Supermarket. A standard daily breakfast and lots of free parking. The pool is small, but nice, when open in the warmer months.

You'll find all the expected basics and most of it will work. Large televisions, desks, mini-fridges, coffee makers and microwaves. Plenty of counter space and closets. Air conditioning is good, beds are comfortable and you can usually park pretty close to your room.

The staff is very friendly and accommodating and the manager is a delight.

If you have mobility issues, heavy luggage, or any large valuables to bring in from your car (this is recommended as the neighborhood is not spectacular), do ask ahead for a ground floor arrangement. There's no elevator on the premises.

A few items could use some prompt attention. The towels and bedding are worn, the shower water pressure is very weak, and the walls are paper thin. Some have found insects in their rooms and others have noticed there are quite ancient toilets in some units.

The breakfast is very basic, including not much more than pre-packaged pastries and coffee. They should really add a few more items to the selection to make it a true continental. Buy a few groceries from Von's to keep in your mini-fridge in case you get hungry.