The El Centro Motel 6 (and the other redesigned 6's) have the hospital look. Teal colored walls, wood board furniture, and composite flooring (which admittedly is much easier to keep clean and see if it is clean, than horrible carpeting). My transition away from Motel 6 was in the early 2000's when I "discovered" (although I'm sure they've been out there longer than that) exit books, which you can find at rest stops, Denny's, and gas stations. For just $5-$10 more and a cell phone (which most people didn't have until the 2000's), you can call around to some of the hotels and take some inventory off their hands, and most of them are AAA 2 or 3 star rated. Instead of a Motel 6 at the rack rate for $50, you could get a Best Western for $55 with free breakfast. But Motel 6 is probably one of the few hotel chains that accepts cash, with a minimal deposit required.