SPOKANE COUNTY, Wash. — The Spokane region has been plagued with housing shortages for quite some time, which is why many people in need of affordable housing might be looking at extended-stay motels instead of renting an apartment, staying in a housing project or a shelter.
The Park Lane Motel and RV Park in Spokane Valley offer single-night and weekly stays.
Manager Rani Calderon told NonStop Local that she sees many people staying long-term at the motel for numerous reasons.
“They’ve got work in other areas where they stay here and they leave, but certainly we’ve been finding that a lot of the people who stay with us either are coming from the shelters, because they find the shelters are a little dangerous…Some people find that staying here is more ideal that way,” Calderon said.
However, Calderon and Julie Garcia, the Executive Director of Jewels Helping Hands, told NonStop Local that staying long-term in a motel is not more affordable than renting an apartment.
Garcia said that while staying in motels is not cheaper, for those experiencing housing insecurity or poverty, in the moment, a motel is all some people can afford.
“Hotels range from about $550 to $650 a week. And there’s a few of our hotels in our town that have those rooms available. They also accept cash,” Garcia said.
According to a Rent.com search, the best rent available in Spokane is roughly $1100 for a studio apartment. That figure would include all utility, electric and additional fees.
For example, at The Red Roof Inn, they currently charge $44/per night. Multiply $44 by 30 days and that would cost approximately $1320.
“We charge $440 per week plus tax for a single, that’s our smallest room and it goes up to our most expensive room, $580 for a kitchen, plus tax. So, most families ideally want to be in those kitchens, so they can cook. And they’ve got three beds as well,” Calderon said.
Rentals also require money up front along with background checks. Motels and hotels do not.
“We’ve also found that a lot of the people who are staying here are trying to get into housing and are struggling, for whatever reason. If they’re up against somebody with great credit and who doesn’t have a criminal background, and they do, then of course, they are going to get passed by,” Calderon said.
Calderon said that some people have told her they actually “prefer” staying in a motel because they find it is more “freeing” and that it can be more of a safer option for housing.
