Are you planning a trip to Riverside, California? Well, you’re certainly in for a memorable stay! After all, this absolutely gorgeous area is known for its lush landscapes, zesty oranges, and proximity to the Santa Ana River.
But California is not the cheapest state in the U.S., so if you’re looking to save a few pennies, I recommend booking a motel in Riverside. Motels are perfect for road trippers, weekend breaks, and family vacations, but at a fraction of the cost of a hotel room.
While some people may conjure up images of shoddy, run-down places when they think of motels, this couldn’t be any further from the truth: in fact, the great majority of motels can easily rival hotels in terms of amenities and comfort.
Some even have extra perks like an on-site swimming pool and complimentary breakfast.
If you’re looking for a comfortable and cheap place to stay, check out these stunning motels in Riverside.
In a Hurry? Here’s Where to Stay in Riverside for One Night
Arlington Inn
With spacious air-conditioned queen rooms that accommodate up to two guests, the Arlington Inn lies just a quick walk from the Riverside Airport. Rooms feature a seating area, fridge, cable TV, and complimentary toiletries.
- Castle Park
- Fiesta Village Family Fun park
- Ontario Mills
Is this amazing Riverside Motel booked for your dates? We’ve got your back with our other favorite properties below!
Unlock Our GREATEST Travel Secrets!
Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox.
Staying in a Motel in Riverside
By booking a motel in Riverside, you can expect to significantly cut back on costs, so you won’t need to skimp on other expenses during your trip – perfect for those backpackers in California! Other than affordability, motels also have the advantage of being strategically placed near highways, popular attractions, or even colleges, which is perfect for parents visiting their children!
Digital nomads and backpackers will be glad to learn that some properties even feature rooms with single beds and WiFi. Since these usually cost less than standard rooms, they’re excellent substitutes for budget travelers who would rather have their own private space instead of settling for a hostel dormitory.
Another excellent advantage with motels is that some of them have around-the-clock check-in services and 24-hour front desks. This may be particularly useful for California road-trippers since they can just pull over for the night whenever they want.
What to look for in Motels in Riverside
Don’t worry if you’re on a super-tight budget: the great thing about motels is that it’s entirely feasible to book a clean and comfortable room without having to empty your wallet! Quite unlike hotels, these properties don’t have any hidden charges so it’s far easier to plan your vacation budget before flying out.
Before booking a motel room in Riverside, you may wish to map out everything you’ll want to do during your stay in Riverside in order to make the best possible choice in terms of location.
Additionally, if you would rather eat in, you can opt for a place that comes with amenities like a kitchenette, refrigerator, microwave, and the like. Several rooms also provide coffee makers so you can start the day off right every morning.
If you are visiting on a West Coast road trip, you’re in luck, as most motels come with parking. However, you may want to check whether the parking is locked at night which could cause problems if you are arriving late.
Most motels come pretty basic and no-frills, which makes it easier to pick one. However, some are better than others, so if you’re interested in seeing the best of the best, read on!
Arlington Inn
- > $
- > 2 Guests
- > Complimentary toiletries
- > 24-Hour Front Desk
Sands Motel
- > $
- > 2 Guests
- > In-Room Fridge and Microwave
- > Common Outdoor Pool
Budget Inn
- > $
- > 4 Guests
- > Refrigerator and Microwave
- > Close to UC Berkeley
Thunderbird Lodge
- > $$
- > 2 Guests
- > In-Room Coffee Maker
- > 24-Hour Express Check-In
Raincross Hotel Riverside
- > $$
- > 4 Guests
- > Complimentary toiletries
- > Close to a Family Fun Park
Emerald Inn & Lounge
- > $
- > 1-2 Guests
- > Complimentary Breakfast
- > On-site swimming pool
Rodeway Inn Beaumont
- > $
- > 2-4 Guests
- > Seating Area and Refrigerator
- > Pool and Daily Breakfast
The Top 7 Motels in Riverside
Now you know what to expect from motels in Riverside, California, it’s time to see the best motels in the area!
Overall Best Value Motel in Riverside – Arlington Inn
- $
- 2 Guests
- Complimentary toiletries
- 24-Hour Front Desk
With spacious, air-conditioned Queen Rooms that sleep two on extra-large double beds, this motel in Riverside lies just a quick walk from the Riverside Airport and Castle Park. Because it’s also close to California Baptist and La Sierra Universities, this property is also a great choice for parents visiting their kids in college.
The motel’s rooms provide seating areas, elegant wood furnishings, and fridges- perfect for those late-night snacks! Thanks to the 24-hour front desk, you won’t even have to worry about the standard check-in and check-out time.
The Absolute Cheapest Motel in Riverside – Sands Motel
- $
- 2 Guests
- In-Room Fridge and Microwave
- Common Outdoor Pool
Now, this place may be ultra-affordable, but it comes with upscale amenities such as a common outdoor pool on the premises. The motel’s queen and king rooms easily sleep two while groups can book the double queen rooms fitted with two large double beds for up to four guests.
Thanks to the in-room microwave and refrigerator, you can whip up a meal in the comfort of your room instead of eating out every day. Nearby, you can shop at Ontario Mills, visit loved ones at La Sierra University or explore Castle Park. If you’re backpacking the USA and looking for the cheapest motel, this is the one.
Best Motel in Riverside for Groups of Friends – Budget Inn
- $
- 4 Guests
- Refrigerator and Microwave
- Close to UC Berkeley
This motel lies in El Cerrito, one of Riverside County’s most charming hamlets. Groups of friends will relish the generously sized Double rooms that feature two large double beds for four guests. The whole gang can enjoy late-night conversations fueled by plenty of drinks and snacks thanks to the in-room microwave and refrigerator.
When you want to eat out, you can always check out neighboring restaurants such as Sawooei Thai Cuisine, Sasa Kitchen, and Papi’s Pizza Roma. With a stay at this motel, you’ll also be close to the Berkeley Rose Garden and the UC Theatre.
Best Motel in Riverside for Couples – Thunderbird Lodge
- $$
- 2 Guests
- In-Room Coffee Maker
- 24-Hour Express Check-In
Offering cozy standard queen rooms for two guests, this motel in Riverside is just a quick drive from popular points of interest such as the Castle Park, Inland Shopping Center, and the Fiesta Village Family Fun Park. Since each room comes with a coffeemaker, you’ll wake up to a fresh brew and a complimentary newspaper every morning!
Select rooms even come with spa baths where you can wind down and relax after an exciting day of adventures. Couples will no doubt enjoy a smooth experience at the reception thanks to the motel’s 24-hour express check-in and check-out services.
We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.
Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!
View on Osprey View on REIBest Motel in Riverside for Families – Raincross Hotel Riverside
- $$
- 4 Guests
- Complimentary toiletries
- Close to a Family Fun Park
Not only does this motel in Riverside lie close to the Fiesta Village Family Fun Park, but it also boasts proximity to plenty of restaurants. It’s also near to some of the best hiking spots in California, a perfect family-time activity!
If you would rather eat in, you can always use the in-room refrigerator to store your meals. The property’s Standard room with Two Double Beds also boasts a seating area and plenty of space for up to four guests.
Thanks to the coffee maker, parents can enjoy a freshly brewed cup first thing in the morning. Offering a 24-hour front desk, the motel also comes with a swimming pool that the kids will undoubtedly love!
Motel in Riverside with the Best Breakfast – Emerald Inn & Lounge
- $
- 1-2 Guests
- Complimentary Breakfast
- On-site swimming pool
A quaint retreat near the Colorado River, the Emerald Inn & Lounge offers King Rooms with extra-large double beds for one to two guests.
If you’re traveling in a group, you can always book the Queen Room which sleeps up to four guests. With a glorious pool, courtyard, or garden views, the rooms also provide free toiletries, coffee machines, and intimate sitting areas.
Kick off each day with a delicious complimentary breakfast served in the common dining room. After breakfast, enjoy a splash in the onsite pool or practice your swing at the nearby Municipal Golf Course.
Motel in Riverside with a Pool – Rodeway Inn Beaumont
- $
- 2-4 Guests
- Seating Area and Refrigerator
- Pool and Daily Breakfast
With beautifully appointed rooms that comfortably accommodate two to four guests, this motel in Riverside offers an outdoor common swimming pool as well as a daily complimentary breakfast that consists of eggs, waffles, juice, cereal, pastries, and so much more!
Indulge in some retail therapy at the nearby Desert Hills Premium Outlets or hit the links at the Morongo Golf Club before returning to the motel where you can wind down in air-conditioned comfort. All rooms feature seating areas, desks, as well as microwaves, and refrigerators- perfect for a snack after your swim.
Don’t Forget Your Riverside Travel Insurance
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on Motels in Riverside
A memorable trip to Riverside is something that every traveler should consider when visiting California.
After all, the county boasts some pretty terrific sights such as Mount Rubidoux Park and the iconic California Citrus State Historic Park. Since most motels in Riverside provide easy access to the county’s best attractions, you can savor every moment of your stay instead of wasting time on the road!
While planning your stay in Riverside, it’s also a good idea to consider getting travel insurance to ensure that all your bases are covered.
Bear in mind that even if Riverside is one of the safest places in California, any international trip comes with a few risk factors. With travel insurance, however, you can be sure to have an extra layer of protection if anything should go wrong.
And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
