Why are so many motels poorly maintained? (profit, pay, poor)

[Inattentive]

In traveling numerous times thought especally the Southeast my wife
and I are amazed at how many chain motels have borderline incompetent
maintainance crews or generally one. Their given repair assignments often
when lacking even fundamental skills. The standard mess is the patching
of formerly removed towel brackets, hole patches, wall repairs, caulking,
painting few having the slightest idea or obvious care with workmanship.
I blame incompetent regionals and managers onsite for being equally clu-
less. So what to do? Intense walk throughs daily and if the repair person
resists show that person the door! Too many times showers are nor marked
hot and cold my desk lamp is missing a bulb, the curtains are unlached
laundry room locked and unmarked, The ice machine in a room with 90
degrees with a broken soda machine. Who are these people having the
audacity of charging $80 a night false advertizing lower rate on the outside
sign? Lastly, motels pose a long list of safety issues albeit electrical
outlet haphazard repairs, scalding water (children) bacterial ridden air
conditioning, improper food handling, missing exit signs, lack of first
responder training, loose second floor railings.

[Ruth4Truth]

I've noticed that in some parts of the US, people buy a local motel, or manage one as part of a franchise, and just let it go downhill. They don't invest any profits in the property, it's like they're just sucking the money out of it and allowing the property to decline. This doesn't work, because those places get terrible reviews online. Sooner or later, they'll have to be torn down, or extensively renovated by a new buyer.

[Inattentive]

Ruth you are very observant. I hate playing the blame game ,but the fire depatments,
city inspectors need to also be scrutinized and THAT good ol boy group needs to be replaced. I realize that running these facilities is difficult and many short stay customers abuse the motels. Weather,age ,use damage and lack of funds impact outcomes as a management oriented person maybe I' m too harsh, but i demand perfection within
my behavior box.

[Threestep2]

You get what you pay for.

[shh1313]

Not everyone can affect a luxury hotel. Some travellers only need a place for a few hours of sleep. City officials should be held responsible for keeping them up to code.

[Meemur]

Originally Posted by Ruth4Truth

I've noticed that in some parts of the US, people buy a local motel, or manage one as part of a franchise, and just let it go downhill.

I saw that last summer when I was driving between IA and OH and staying in inexpensive hotels. One received multiple citations and is now closed, which needed to be done, but now there's nowhere to stay along that section of I-70.

[harry chickpea]

When your clientele is NASCAR fans, football fans, drunks and meth heads, investing heavily in repairs might not be a good business model. After the recession hit, a lot of tourism related industries took a huge loss.

[Hemlock140]

Originally Posted by Threestep

You get what you pay for.

I agree. Whether you pay $49 or $110 can make a big difference in the quality of the place you are staying but it also depends on where it is. We have done several road trips this summer and probably stayed at 10 different places, ranging from $70-$159, and all were clean and in good repair. We paid a lot more in Eugene, OR than in Klamath Falls, and even less in Eureka, CA all for similar quality.

[debtmonger]

Poor management is the answer, just like any business... customer service needs to be more than lip service.

[MountainBiking]

It all comes down to money and profit. If profit margins are lean or non-existent maintenance will be used only on a must basis. Aesthetics will not matter. When profits are healthy maintenance is routinely used.