The hype
Travelers appreciate the updated 'wood' floors and friendly staff, but almost everyone complains about the noise.
Motel 6 Rochester Mn
$50-75/ night
Book this if You need a dirt-cheap, pet-friendly crash pad near the Mayo Clinic and have a car to get around.
Why People Love It
- Free shuttle to Mayo Clinic (Mon-Fri)
- Pets stay free (no hidden fees)
- Recently renovated rooms have wood-effect floors (cleaner than carpet)
Quick Take: A functional highway-side motel that trades sleep quality for rock-bottom rates and a free ride to the hospital.
Reviewed by @Pbc968: I grabbed this room because I needed something cheap near the Mayo Clinic. It's definitely no-frills, but my room was surprisingly clean and having a Pizza Hut right across the street was super convenient for a late dinner.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'pool' is often closed or underwhelming, and the 'non-smoking' rooms can sometimes smell faintly of smoke.
- You are traveling with pets on a budget
- You have a 7am appointment at Mayo and just need a bed
- You prefer hard floors over questionable hotel carpets
Cleanliness & Maintenance
5.5
- Housekeeping: Inconsistent. Some days it's fine, other days floors are gritty. Daily service is not guaranteed unless requested.
- Bathroom hygiene: Renovated bathrooms with granite counters are decent, but grout lines in showers can be stained.
- Maintenance: Renovated rooms are okay, but expect peeling paint or loose fixtures in older units.
- Linens & towels: Thin, well-worn towels. Sheets are usually clean but check for hairs.
- Odors & scents: Non-smoking rooms can have a lingering 'masked' smoke smell or strong chemical cleaner scent.
Sleepability™
4MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Highway 52 traffic (Frontage Road location)
- Voices from neighboring rooms
- Hallway doors slamming
Before you book
Good to know
- Free shuttle to Mayo Clinic runs Mon-Fri only
- Check-in is 3:00 PM, Check-out is 11:00 AM
- Wi-Fi is free but speed can be spotty for video calls
What to pack
- Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash (soap bar only provided)
- Earplugs or white noise machine
- Hair dryer (not standard in all rooms)
- Slippers (floors can be cold/gritty)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Renovated rooms with 'wood-effect' flooring (cleaner feel)
- Top floor rooms (minimizes overhead footsteps)
Rooms to avoid
- Ground floor rooms facing the parking lot (headlights and noise)
- Rooms near the ice machine/vending area
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am requesting one of the recently renovated rooms with the wood-effect flooring, preferably on the top floor away from the highway side if possible.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there breakfast?
No. There is free coffee in the lobby in the morning, but no food.
Is the pool open?
Technically yes, it's a seasonal outdoor pool, but reviews often cite it being closed for maintenance or dirty. Don't book solely for the swim.
How close is the Mayo Clinic?
About a 5-10 minute drive (2 miles). The free shuttle is a major perk.
Are pets really free?
Yes. Motel 6 is one of the few chains with a truly free pet policy (limit 2 pets).
Is it walkable to restaurants?
No. You are on a Frontage Road. Crossing the highway/ramps on foot is dangerous. You need a car.
Is there a fridge in the room?
Most renovated rooms have a mini-fridge and microwave, but verify this specifically when booking as some basic rooms do not.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'wood' floors are actually vinyl, which is great because it doesn't trap bed bugs like carpet does.
- ✨
There is a coin laundry on-site if you're on a long haul.
- ✨
Ask for a room receipt at check-in; some guests report billing confusion with third-party bookings.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'stand-up showers' in renovated rooms are tiny—elbow-bangingly small.
💡The towels are often small and scratchy; bring your own if you care about fluffiness.
💡The vending machines are your only on-site food source after dark.
💡Local pizza delivery drivers sometimes struggle to find the specific building entrance.
💡The heater/AC units are older wall-bangers that will cycle on and off loudly all night.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Motel 6 Rochester Mn is located and what's nearby.