Name: Northgate Motel
Address: 461 North Magnolia Avenue, El Cajon, California, United States of America, El Cajon, California, US
Price range: $65–$89 per night
Rating: 7.83

What guests think

Across the reviews, Northgate Motel is described as a basic, budget-friendly stop with many guests praising clean, comfortable rooms, friendly staff, a generally quiet atmosphere, and perceived security from a closed parking layout despite the busy roadway nearby.

Several reviews also note inconsistent housekeeping and maintenance, including stained linens, strong odors, mold or pests in a few rooms, and issues with TVs, air conditioning, or fridges. Check-in often occurs at the neighboring Super 8, which some found confusing or slow, and amenities like breakfast, coffee, and ice were limited or available next door. The location is convenient to freeways, restaurants, and shopping, though a few guests mentioned street activity and occasional noise. Expect a simple, affordable stay with trade-offs.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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Facilities

Closed-in parking adds a sense of security. Ice is typically obtained at the Super 8 next door.

Related guest reviews

8

Elisa

Jan 2, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

It was quiet and had double protected windows, helped keep the room warm, the bed was very comfortable. Office manager was very pleasant and friendly, and despite the few homeless people we encountered, we felt safe.

8

Paul

Aug 16, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The rooms are basic but clean. The variery on TV channels compared to to most is superior. It's not the best location but still because of closed in parking lot (only one way in or out) on doot or vehicle you can at ease about yourself and your car so you can sleep easy. Surrounding are has some noise but its surprisingly quiet in this little enclave. There are some really fun bars within walking distnce. The one thing thats off putting is the uce maker us two doors down and on the second floor as well as the complimentary breakfast again basic. But overall and for the price you really cant do better then this one.

10

Connie

Feb 7, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

I was pleasantly surprised how comfortable and clean my stay at Northgate Motel. This is an old number two-story motel with no frills that has been updated with flooring, paint and a comfy bed. The walls are still thin and parking was in front of the door/only window, so there was some noise, but certainly not inappropriate noise. The guests were respectful of others and kept talking to a minimum. I would certainly stay at this hotel again.

10

Savannah

Sep 2, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Nightly rate was comparable to the motel 6 and super 8 close by; however, what sets this place apart from those other motels is that as a single woman I actually felt safe here. I felt safe parking my car here and getting a good nights rest. The cleanliness is far better than I expected and aside from the location right off a busy street it’s peaceful and quiet.

6

Pete

Dec 20, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Room OK, but ice is down the block at Super 8.

6

William Brian

Jul 29, 2024

·

Stayed 4 nights

The property didn't have a checkin at the desk, you had to go to the hotel next door to check in. The area was also somewhat desolate unless you went over about half a mile. The room itself was OK but not for the price. Little flys everywhere and bedding was torn. Access to the highway was the highlight.

4

William

May 23, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

There is no place to check in at the motel nor get ice because the office is permanently closed. A nearby motel handled all check in. Motel advertised a continental breakfast. Nope. None. No coffee either. The TV didn't work. Blanket had holes in it. A chair had a large tear. Bathtub was chipped. While the room was mostly clean the experience was disappointing.

8

Benjamin

Jul 25, 2023

·

Stayed 5 nights

I need a simple, basic room with accessibility at a very affordable price and I got what I asked for. It made my vacation affordable, when I didn’t have a lot of options. The hotel tied into the Super 8 Motel next door, so I would consider that option as well next time I want to stay in El Cajon.

6

Gary

Apr 23, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

We could not believe their was no mention of morning coffee,and you had to go next door for ice.

10

Randall

Apr 9, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Room was nice and clean (except for the cigarette smell, but hey I said I had no preference when asked, so I can't complain). Clerk at the front desk was friendly, helpful and check-in was quick and easy. Room had a small fridge and microwave (last two rooms I stayed elsewhere did not have a microwave so that was nice to have). Smaller motel with two stories and maybe 20-25 rooms total, so it's quiet and property was well kept. Close to the 8 freeway and El Cajon City Hall and the price through Expedia was an excellent value! Not the Ritz but you won't be disappointed if you're looking for a clean, quiet place to sgay at a reasonable rate.

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Cleanliness

Many guests found rooms clean or freshly maintained. Others reported stained linens or towels, lingering smoke or musty odors, mold, pests in a few rooms, and dirty floors or bathrooms.

Related guest reviews

8

carlo cesar

Jun 7, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

A small cockroach appeared on my sink. Had to drown it and dispose of it.

2

Roya

Jul 15, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

I arrived at the property around 8:30 pm on 1/12/24. I was given a room on the second floor immediate by the stirs case. The room had a very strong bad odor . Contacted the manager and i was moved to Super 8 next door room 201. Upon entering i liked the room and it looked clean but i couldn’t fall asleep as the room was too hot and the AC was broken . During the struggle , i found a bed bug on the bed. Went to the office and i was moved to room 108 at 1:30 a.m. finally I was able to rest for the night after a long struggle. The Staff at the place were attentive and helpful. The sheets , chairs, and bed were dirty . It was hard to sleep in a felty environment. I should get a refund for 7/12/24 as I didn’t receive a proper place to rest . I have pictures to provide upon request forbed bug and felty bed sheets.

2

Sean

Apr 28, 2024

·

Place is filthy, I have no clue how it has 7 stars on Expedia. Booked it last second as a cheap but well reviewed motel through Expedia. Was in a bad part of town but didn’t think much of it. Checked in and was horrified by the room. Dried blood, brown and yellow streaks of who knows what all over the comforter, pillows and sheets. Hair and dust on the beds, floors, countertops. Nonsmoking room reeked like a chain-smoker lived there. Tub and toilet were stained by more than just hard-water. Took a look around the room and my girlfriend and I left. The cherry on top is they refused to give us a refund and Expedia offered me $25 as a “sorry”. Will never book through them again, 7 stars for this place are you kidding me? Took a lot of photos of the room before we left as proof.

6

Perry

Aug 7, 2023

·

Stayed 3 nights

The room was not very clean at all. The floors were filthy, the bath mat should have been thrown away three years ago(mold growing on it). If you are looking for a cheap place to stay and not very clean, this is it.

2

Jorge Junior

Oct 7, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

There are fleas and stains on the bed and bath towels. Terrible

10

Edward

Mar 6, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Nothing fancy but very clean and comfortable

10

Angela

Aug 6, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Room smelled clean

8

Maria

Aug 4, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

It was a really clean room for the price it was excellent it was a really nice quiet area

6

Irene

Jul 18, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Overall the price was decent for last minute booking. The floors were dirty, the walls in the bathroom was filthy it looked like poop on the wall hadn’t been cleaned.

10

Derrell

Jul 7, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Had a great experience with my 1 night stay. Clean room, bed is very comfortable and overall no complaints.

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Rooms

Rooms are simple with comfortable beds and useful extras like a mini-fridge and microwave; many found them quiet. Some reported TV/cable problems, weak or broken A/C, occasional street or venue noise, and minor maintenance wear.

Related guest reviews

6

Daniel

Jul 3, 2025

·

Stayed 5 nights

It seemed like it was a basic family owned establishment. The lady at the front was very kind. They were likely doing the best they could, but overall the place was a mid experience. I appreciated that it was hard flooring and not carpet, but the place smelled a bit musty and cigarettes. At night you could hear loud music probably coming from the party venue across the street. Lots of helicopters. It has great reviews on this platform, but just don’t go in expecting it to be more than what it is. It is a standard motel.

10

Jennifer Marie

May 30, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

It's quiet, affordable, it has a fridge and microwave and a blow dryer. Everything is in walking distance too. Convenient for the family stay.

8

Elisa

Jan 2, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

It was quiet and had double protected windows, helped keep the room warm, the bed was very comfortable. Office manager was very pleasant and friendly, and despite the few homeless people we encountered, we felt safe.

10

KARLA

Feb 28, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Only thing i didnt like was the cable keep going in and out.

8

Jesse

Jul 18, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Pretty good rate but the A/C didn’t work all that great. Fan mode worked better than the Cool mode n the A/C. Scratch marks on the toilet that by day 2 didn’t flush all that great.

10

Carlos

Aug 15, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The TV never work. No signal internet cable

8

Cheyenne

Jul 31, 2025

·

Stayed 5 nights

Staff was friendly. The mini fridge and microwave are a lifesaver for budgeting food options.

10

Betsabe

Mar 26, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Rooms where clean and spacious beds where nice am comfortable and not hard on man i felt like i was sleeping on a cloud with them pillows and mattress

10

Derrell

Jul 7, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Had a great experience with my 1 night stay. Clean room, bed is very comfortable and overall no complaints.

10

KARLA

Mar 29, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

The bed is incredibly comfortable. The shower head in room 111 is glorious. I could stay in the shower forever. Love the mid century chair in room 111. Love this place

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Service

Many guests praised friendly, helpful staff and easy check-in/out. Others reported confusing or slow check-in at the neighboring Super 8, difficulty reaching staff, unhelpful refund responses, and occasional rudeness or housekeeping disturbances.

Related guest reviews

8

FREDDY

May 26, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Had to walk to another hotel to get the keys

10

Lori

May 8, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Greeted with a warm smile & friendly staff & check in

10

Huy

Mar 6, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Staff was extremely friendly and prompt.

4

Samantha

May 26, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

I went to the office and was directed to another hotel next door to check in. When I got there, there was no staff in the office. I rang the bell and called both hotels and no one answered at either. I waited for more than 5minutes for someone to come and help me. The room was fine for the price. The bed is uncomfortable and the floors were dirty.

2

abdullah

Dec 25, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

First thing the check in was next door in different property was at super 8 and take me almost 30 minutes or maybe more for check in I never have this kind of time for check in in all my life and they try to make me pay more since I already paid at Expedia was so much of bad experience I have and it was already late at night and I have my family and they keep saying that they can not find me on the system was so horrible I can’t believe they make it that hard and also they say that they need to check me in next door because the workers having vacation I just want know what kind off service it’s that unbelievable

10

Joanne

Aug 4, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The staff was friendly and it was an easy check-in and check-out.

2

Jeannette

Feb 28, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

For starters, the room was disgusting when I checked in. The tv didn’t work, the phone didn’t work to call for help with the tv and everything was filthy. That was fine, I finally had three days to just rest and re cooperate. But one the second morning, I was visited by three different members of staff all before 11am. The “do not disturb” sign had been taken the day before. The first was a cleaning lady who I declined because all I’m doing is laying in bed. The second was a gentleman rudely telling me that I needed to check out by 11. I had already paid for that night and had everything set up with the front desk prior to this gentleman coming in. Then the third person was another cleaning lady. I told her I didn’t need it, she basically accused me of being homeless and said something about not wanting this hotel to be like motel 6. She then looked inside the room, said everything was fine and left. I’ll never stay here again.

10

Matt

Feb 17, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

The man who checked me in very friendly! The hotel is super clean and comfy!

10

Robert

Aug 4, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Staff were all very friendly!

2

Michael

Jul 26, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Found an opened package of s*x cream underneath the extra toilet paper roll. Looks like there is illicit activity happening at this location. Checked out early and front desk staff was extremely unhelpful. Didn’t get any refund.

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Location

Convenient to freeways, restaurants, and shopping, and several guests still felt safe on-site. Some mentioned street activity, nearby nightlife or homeless presence, and occasional noise.

Related guest reviews

6

Daniel

Jul 3, 2025

·

Stayed 5 nights

It seemed like it was a basic family owned establishment. The lady at the front was very kind. They were likely doing the best they could, but overall the place was a mid experience. I appreciated that it was hard flooring and not carpet, but the place smelled a bit musty and cigarettes. At night you could hear loud music probably coming from the party venue across the street. Lots of helicopters. It has great reviews on this platform, but just don’t go in expecting it to be more than what it is. It is a standard motel.

10

Jennifer Marie

May 30, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

It's quiet, affordable, it has a fridge and microwave and a blow dryer. Everything is in walking distance too. Convenient for the family stay.

8

Elisa

Jan 2, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

It was quiet and had double protected windows, helped keep the room warm, the bed was very comfortable. Office manager was very pleasant and friendly, and despite the few homeless people we encountered, we felt safe.

4

Rachel

Jun 9, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The location is terrible. I’m right on the road and there is a crazy man yelling outside of me door. I’ll be leaving first thing in the morning.

8

Brenda Jeannette

Jul 29, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

I enjoyed how convenient it is from all sorts or restaurants and shopping malls and freeways. For the price it is a pretty good place to rest your head.

8

Maricon

May 27, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Stay for one night relaxing, feel energetic after a long day trip, nice room and easy to get in and out, I’m happy with this hotel 😉

10

Savannah

Sep 2, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Nightly rate was comparable to the motel 6 and super 8 close by; however, what sets this place apart from those other motels is that as a single woman I actually felt safe here. I felt safe parking my car here and getting a good nights rest. The cleanliness is far better than I expected and aside from the location right off a busy street it’s peaceful and quiet.

6

William Brian

Jul 29, 2024

·

Stayed 4 nights

The property didn't have a checkin at the desk, you had to go to the hotel next door to check in. The area was also somewhat desolate unless you went over about half a mile. The room itself was OK but not for the price. Little flys everywhere and bedding was torn. Access to the highway was the highlight.

8

Edward

Nov 9, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Quiet, it is what it is. Good for travelers!

10

Randall

Apr 9, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Room was nice and clean (except for the cigarette smell, but hey I said I had no preference when asked, so I can't complain). Clerk at the front desk was friendly, helpful and check-in was quick and easy. Room had a small fridge and microwave (last two rooms I stayed elsewhere did not have a microwave so that was nice to have). Smaller motel with two stories and maybe 20-25 rooms total, so it's quiet and property was well kept. Close to the 8 freeway and El Cajon City Hall and the price through Expedia was an excellent value! Not the Ritz but you won't be disappointed if you're looking for a clean, quiet place to sgay at a reasonable rate.

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Dining

Breakfast, when offered, is very basic and inconsistently available; some reported no breakfast or coffee. Limited variety was noted (for example, only oranges as fruit).

Related guest reviews

10

Alysia

Jul 22, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Beautiful property everything was clean breakfast was provided friendly staff definitely will visit again

8

Paul

Aug 16, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The rooms are basic but clean. The variery on TV channels compared to to most is superior. It's not the best location but still because of closed in parking lot (only one way in or out) on doot or vehicle you can at ease about yourself and your car so you can sleep easy. Surrounding are has some noise but its surprisingly quiet in this little enclave. There are some really fun bars within walking distnce. The one thing thats off putting is the uce maker us two doors down and on the second floor as well as the complimentary breakfast again basic. But overall and for the price you really cant do better then this one.

4

William

May 23, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

There is no place to check in at the motel nor get ice because the office is permanently closed. A nearby motel handled all check in. Motel advertised a continental breakfast. Nope. None. No coffee either. The TV didn't work. Blanket had holes in it. A chair had a large tear. Bathtub was chipped. While the room was mostly clean the experience was disappointing.

8

Joe

Oct 9, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Everything was great except: 1) The freezer section of the refigerator as heavily iced over, could not but ice packs into the compartment, needs to be defrosted 2) The toilet cannot handle a big #2 dump. It easily clogged, and there is no plunger in the room. Need higher performing toilets. 3) There was lumps of red jelly (or something) on top of one of the bed end tables. 4) No electrical plug at the desk area, had to plug in laptop charger behind the dresser. 5) Breakfast is advertised as including "fruit", but there were no bananas, apples, etc. Only whole oranges. END

6

Gary

Apr 23, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

We could not believe their was no mention of morning coffee,and you had to go next door for ice.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Month	Average price
January	$65
February	$72
March	$78
April	$82
May	$90
June	$89
July	$118
August	$88
September	$120
October	$106
November	$119
December	$100

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
		1	2	3	4	5
6	7	8	9	10	11	12
13	14 $74	15 $66	16 $67	17 $66	18 $85	19 $85
20 $65	21 $65	22 $66	23 $66	24 $66	25 $85	26 $86
27 $66	28 $66	29 $66	30 $66

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
				1 $66	2 $88	3 $85
4 $66	5 $66	6 $66	7 $66	8 $66	9 $85	10 $86
11 $66	12 $66	13 $66	14 $66	15 $66	16 $85	17 $86
18 $66	19 $67	20 $68	21 $66	22 $66	23 $86	24 $86
25 $66	26 $66	27 $66	28 $69	29 $66	30 $86	31 $89

Select dates to see prices and availability

Monthly average prices

About this property

Location

Room options

Standard Room, 1 King Bed

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

Guest reviews

Good

Who stays here?

What guests think

Property Policies

Check-in instructions

Security deposit

Good to know

FAQs about Northgate Motel

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Prices for upcoming dates