Name: Best Western Golden Key
Address: 13450 Lincoln Way, Auburn, California, United States of America, Auburn, California, US
Price range: US$92–US$200 per night
Rating: 8.63

What guests think

At Best Western Golden Key, travelers consistently praise the friendly, accommodating staff, clean updated rooms, and convenient I-80 location near shops and restaurants, while noting trade-offs like freeway and neighbor noise and occasional maintenance or Wi‑Fi hiccups.

Many enjoy the clean pool and hot tub and pet areas, though the pool is smaller than photos, parking can be tight, and upstairs access is by stairs. Breakfast is appreciated for waffles and hot items, but some guests find it basic or subpar. Overall, expect a comfortable, well-kept roadside motel with standout service and some noise.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

Guests frequently mention the clean pool and hot tub and pet areas; some note the pool is small or street facing. Parking can be tight and upper floors require stairs.

Related guest reviews

10

Lenae

11 May 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Comfortable rooms, friendly staff and the pool and hot tub are nice and maintained

10

Martin

6 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great rooms very comfy! 10++ The not great thing is parking isn’t great and stairs to the second floor. Not great for carrying 4 suitcases up at 1am! BUT the room made us forget about it! Loved the shower and water pressure to!! Super clean!

4

NIYA

7 May 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The room was fine and the front desk staff were really nice. The place was more of a motel and the pool/hot tub are right on the street.

8

Kelly

15 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The room is was clean and comfortable. The only concern was the hot tub jets were not strong and the water looked a bit dirty.

8

George R

3 Oct 2024

·

Stayed 4 nights

Parking not so good after 8:00 pm

10

Carol

23 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

My friend and I spent 2 nights here during a golf tournament. This hotel was very near where we had to be early in the morning. At first, we were a bit disappointed with the location on the freeway, and the outer appearance of the older motel. We were pleasantly surprised with the updated rooms, cleanliness, comfortable beds and large screen TV in the rooms. Breakfast was included and had some healthy options. This motel was about 7 minutes from downtown Auburn and good restaurants. The pool looks much larger in the pictures than it actually is, but was also spotless and clean.

10

Tahni

2 Sept 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Staff was very friendly. Pool and hot tub were clean and operational, we enjoyed the hot tub. Room was nice, bed was comfortable, breakfast had several hot options as well as cereal, yogurt, and applesauce and fresh bananas, apples and oranges. Really good mexican restaurant right next door.

10

Denise

8 Sept 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Very good stay pool lovely and clean reception lady was friendly

10

Molly

22 Aug 2024

·

Stayed 4 nights

I loved the pool and hottub

10

Linda

7 Mar 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Three night stay, two rooms. Great front desk at check in, they provided suggested places to eat, 10% discount at the excellent breakfast/lunch place next door (Awful Annie's, wonderful), chocolate chip cookies in the afternoon, hot and cold breakfast options in the morning (waffles, breakfast sandwiches, cereals, fruit, orange or cranberry juice, coffee, various bread/muffins). Large grassy area for our dog (pet friendly rooms are at one end, so people who prefer to keep their distance can do so). Rates are good also. We were in the back of the motel (well lit parking area) so very little/no street noise. We will stay here again.

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Cleanliness

Most reviews highlight very clean rooms and well-kept grounds. A minority report issues such as odors, ants or a roach, dusty floors or under beds, and occasional bathroom mold.

Related guest reviews

10

Patty

6 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Clean room, wonderful shower, comfortable bed. Breakfast included sausage & egg biscuits, cereal, toast, 2 waffle makers, yogurt machine, bananas, apples, tangerines, and several juices. Nice stay!

10

Robert

1 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

Very nice rooms at a great price. Housekeeping was every day. The staff at the front desk wete excellent. Great places to eat nearby. Everything worked!

10

Darren

7 Apr 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The property was clean. The room was VERY clean and very comfortable. Lots of television channels. The showers had great pressure too! I had two interactions with staff and both of the staff members were AMAZING! Friendly, courteous, and helpful. A great hotel choice if you’re in Auburn.

6

Corrie

6 Mar 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

This motel currently has a 9+ star rating, and I was surprised at what it was like in person. Pros: -The linens were clean. The surfaces all seemed clean and well-maintained in a sanitary condition- the paint seemed pretty fresh, the bathroom tile and grout were clean and not stained, etc. -The staff were pleasant to interact with. Cons: -The room smelled quite strongly of smoky, musty "cheap motel essence", with a slight tang that could have been weed. -The toilet flushed feebly and took many minutes to slowly refill, and then didn't respond to flushing at all. When I told the desk staff about this at checkout they said "oh, ok!" -The Wi-Fi wasn't configured right- none of our devices could connect to it. It just showed the "your connection is not secure" warning. Also, the only Wi-Fi network visible that seemed remotely related to the hotel didn't have the same name as on the printed card (think "BW Golden Key" and then it's actually called "Best Western goldenkey"). This was a problem for a zoom meeting; we had to check out early and go find working Internet service. -This isn't the property's fault, but this motel seems to be popular with out-of-town workers in the trades- lots of work trucks, etc, in the lot. We stayed on a week night and from 5:30ish AM onward guests were starting big diesel trucks in the parking lot. Since it's a motel, this is close to the rooms and it was loud.

6

Brian

22 Mar 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Convienent location, older property, filthy carpet with stains. I would expect better for price point paid.

8

Lisa

28 Jul 2023

·

Stayed 4 nights

Very clean room, the only thing we noticed was that our floor was quite dirty. Our feet were black on the bottom so I took a cloth and washed the floor which also came out black. So keep your shoes on. Other than that we were pleased with our stay. Staff was very friendly.

8

Christine

9 Jan 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

I’ve stay here a few times when visiting Auburn. But this time my room wasn’t as clean as it usually is. The bathroom had mold in between the tiles and around the tub. Something that should easily be wiped away. Also my husband found someone’s used contact on the night stand. So it kind of made me think things weren’t that clean

10

Laura

15 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Last minute stay on our way home from vacation. The front desk staff was warm and welcoming. The room was so clean and newly renovated.

10

WAYNE

2 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Clean rooms, good customer service and continental breakfast.

2

vanessa

23 Jul 2023

·

Room was infested with ants and there was a dead cockroach under the desk as well! Man who was working the desk at night was extremely rude about it too!

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Rooms

Rooms are updated, comfortable, and often spacious, with reliable basics. Recurring downsides are thin walls and freeway noise, plus occasional issues with Wi‑Fi, TVs, or loud/dated A/C units.

Related guest reviews

8

Diane

22 Feb 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Super clean, safe and convenient to Tahoe/Reno. Great bed linens. Staff were terrific. The walls are pretty thin though, so I could hear my neighbor's TV till 11pm and again at 6am. The bed was too soft for my back and the shower could be more updated and higher quality. Overall a decent deal en route to the mountains, if you get a discounted rate.

8

JOAN

30 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

It was very clean. The staff members were very nice and helpful. The only complaint would be that it was noisy with hearing people walking upstairs and outside the room.

10

Alice

16 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

Updated interiors but beds a bit too hard still overall fine

8

Patricia

27 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 5 nights

Very comfortable beds, clean room, convenient location.

8

Mike

12 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Stay was fine. Only negative comment is I selected this location because I was under the impression it had “Business Internet” because I needed to have the ability to “stream” for my business. They have internet at this location it’s not strong enough for streaming. I had to use my phone as a hotspot. Thankfully, I have unlimited minutes on my phone plan. Otherwise the stay was fine. Room Clean, staff very nice and helpful. I would stay again if I didn’t need business internet.

6

Donald

12 Jan 2026

·

Stayed 1 night

The rooms are updated and clean. The service and the way everything is presented is great. However, the one thing that cannot be easily remedied are the paper thin walls. From a sound perspective it's as though there are none. It's really too bad.

10

Min

28 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Spacious, spacious, spacious! The room is huge. We are happy to stay here. And the breakfast is excellent!

10

CLAUDETTE

7 Aug 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

We stayed for a couple of days. It was hard to regulate the AC. It ran really cold so we turned it off for a little while and then it back on when we went to bed so the room temperature would be good.

8

Julie

22 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The property was fine. The room was clean and the location was perfect for our needs. The only issue is, and I'm assuming because it's an older property, the walls between rooms are not insulated and you can hear everything. Also, and we think it's because of the wall air conditioner, every sound outside the room is heard like there was a window open. Other than that, it was fine.

6

Mark

15 Jan 2023

·

Stayed 19,371 nights

Bed very comfortable but TV did not work. Overall decent property

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Service

Service is a standout: staff are described as friendly, helpful, and accommodating across many stays. A few guests reported check-in or policy frustrations and isolated rude interactions.

Related guest reviews

10

Pat

26 Mar 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Charged 25.00 for early check in and was not informed of this charge till on my bill. Felt such have been told at request.

10

Lucia

9 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

We were in Auburn for a race and really just needed a room as a home base, napping spot and quick shower. We didn't end up needing the room until the day of checkout and the staff was SO KIND to let us check in that morning. I took a fantastic shower and loved the soft towels and bath products. I got a great 20 min nap in the super comfy bed (100 miles of running makes me really appreciate creature comforts!). We were SO grateful to the staff for their kind and helpful service.

10

Robert

18 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Staff was very nice, helpful, friendly and professional

10

David

25 Dec 2023

·

Stayed 8 nights

From the moment I checked in, everyone was helpful and friendly. The rooms are clean and comfortable. The front desk clerk, Windy, greeted me by first name days after check-in. Even the breakfast is tasty. I felt treated like family and appreciated as a customer. The stay exceeded my expectations.

4

Brandon

13 Oct 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Had sprained my ankle and they couldn’t give me a room downstairs,said they were sold out but he didn’t seem to look very hard. Also Rooms had no USB ports only regular plugs for phones or laptops. It’s 2024.

10

Ana Claudia

28 May 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Excellent staff!

10

Amanda

8 Jan 2026

·

Stayed 1 night

Would be 5 star but at check in they had given our rooms to another group due to they decided to extend their stay. I had to ask to talk to the supervisor who was off for the holiday to get adjoining rooms as we reserved. After that things were great.

10

Marlene

1 Jan 2026

·

Stayed 2 nights

Extremely nice staff

2

vanessa

23 Jul 2023

·

Room was infested with ants and there was a dead cockroach under the desk as well! Man who was working the desk at night was extremely rude about it too!

10

Linda

7 Mar 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Three night stay, two rooms. Great front desk at check in, they provided suggested places to eat, 10% discount at the excellent breakfast/lunch place next door (Awful Annie's, wonderful), chocolate chip cookies in the afternoon, hot and cold breakfast options in the morning (waffles, breakfast sandwiches, cereals, fruit, orange or cranberry juice, coffee, various bread/muffins). Large grassy area for our dog (pet friendly rooms are at one end, so people who prefer to keep their distance can do so). Rates are good also. We were in the back of the motel (well lit parking area) so very little/no street noise. We will stay here again.

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Location

Right off I-80, close to restaurants, shops, and Old Town Auburn; convenient for road trips and local activities. Several reviews mention freeway noise despite the handy access.

Related guest reviews

8

Michelle

8 Dec 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Decent location. Some freeway noise.

10

Gloria

23 Feb 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great stop on the way to Tahoe Ski resorts. Rooms are clean and beds are comfortable. The breakfast options were very good. Conveniently located near restaurants and grocery stores.

10

Tracy

1 May 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great location. Next to a fantastic well stocked grocery store. The noise of the freeway (hwy 80) serves as white noise.

10

Gary A.

15 Sept 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Very close to the main freeway for easy access.

8

Dale

24 Mar 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Ok, for one night. This hotel was too close to the freeway - you could throw a rock and hit it. Loud from the traffic there.

10

Nichole

7 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Convenient location

10

MICHAEL W

3 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great Hotel off I-80 with many convenient stores fast food and restaurants within walking distance . Close to old town Auburn with a few miles . Room was very updated and comfortable and clean . Would stay here again.

8

Santos

16 Aug 2024

·

Stayed 4 nights

Close to freeway

10

Kathryn

27 Sept 2024

·

Stayed 4 nights

We had a great stay! Great room, great staff, lived the pool and hot tub, walkable shopping, grwat dining options, and convenient close location. We would stay here again!

10

Pamela

3 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Location close to I80 but still quiet. Plenty of parking. Room clean and not worn out.

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Dining

Breakfast is generally praised for variety (waffles, hot sandwiches, fruit, yogurt) and value. Some guests found it basic or poor in quality.

Related guest reviews

10

Patty

6 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Clean room, wonderful shower, comfortable bed. Breakfast included sausage & egg biscuits, cereal, toast, 2 waffle makers, yogurt machine, bananas, apples, tangerines, and several juices. Nice stay!

4

Stanislav

28 Apr 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

This hotel is more of a glorified motel. The breakfast was very basic with zero healthy options except boiled eggs. The fridge in the room was turned off, so everything got spoiled. The room was noisy and I could clearly hear every step in the room above me.

10

Min

28 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Spacious, spacious, spacious! The room is huge. We are happy to stay here. And the breakfast is excellent!

8

Glenn

14 Oct 2024

·

Stayed 4 nights

Room, front desk and service were great, but I have had much better breakfast at Best Westerns

10

Tahni

2 Sept 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Staff was very friendly. Pool and hot tub were clean and operational, we enjoyed the hot tub. Room was nice, bed was comfortable, breakfast had several hot options as well as cereal, yogurt, and applesauce and fresh bananas, apples and oranges. Really good mexican restaurant right next door.

10

jilong

5 Apr 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Free breakfast, convenience close to I80. Staffs were friendly. Enjoy the stay.

2

Paul

1 Aug 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The worst breakfast I've ever had and this for $180 a night! Bread was stale, eggs and sausage awful. The whole room, 6 people were throwing out their food. I have stayed at many hotels with breakfast and nothing this bad!

10

ZI

29 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Really good breakfast that you don’t want to miss. Also friendly staff!

4

Sherry

8 Apr 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The bed was adequate however the pillow was so hard it gave me an earache and no other choice of pillow. The walls were so thin we could hear upstairs and rooms on both sides as well as outside noise.The breakfast had hard boiled eggs as only protein offered. Very misleading to rate this 9.0 wonderful.

10

Sandy

31 Dec 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Breakfast was great! Rooms were nice.

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Month	Average price
January	US$95
February	US$101
March	US$103
April	US$115
May	US$120
June	US$120
July	US$110
September	US$139
October	US$128
November	US$111
December	US$100

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
				1 $100	2 $165	3 $200
4 $97	5 $96	6 $97	7 $97	8 $103	9 $163	10 $178
11 $103	12 $97	13 $95	14 $97	15 $97	16 $153	17 $133
18 $92	19 $92	20 $96	21 $96	22 $96	23 $124	24 $141
25 $105	26 $96	27 $96	28 $96	29 $121	30 $141	31 $124

Best Western Golden Key

Prices for Best Western Golden Key

Monthly average prices

About this property

Location

Room options

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Accessible, Bathtub

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Refrigerator & Microwave

Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed, Accessible

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Refrigerator & Microwave

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Refrigerator & Microwave (Pet Friendly)

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Refrigerator & Microwave (Pet Friendly)

Guest reviews of Best Western Golden Key

Who stays here?

What guests think

Property policies

Check-in instructions

Good to know

Optional extras

FAQs about Best Western Golden Key

Prices for upcoming dates

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
		1	2	3	4	5
6	7	8	9	10	11	12
13	14	15	16	17	18	19 $183
20 $115	21 $95	22 $95	23 $95	24 $95	25 $126	26 $176
27 $92	28 $97	29 $95	30 $95