Where are you going? The safety issue probably depends a lot on the venue. Have you tried Priceline? You might be able to get Motel 6 rates for a better hotel.

I've only stayed at two Motel 6s - once when my car failed me and I was stranded and that was the only place around and another time when I was in high school and was staying in South Lake Tahoe with friends. The South Lake Tahoe property is very popular and quite safe. The other one was a pretty seedy dive. It was probably safe though.