Villa Serena Motel El Cajon

2/10

Poor

27 Jun 2026

Kaylee

the room was okay but the blanket smelled terrible we couldn’t even use it

Partner

2/10

Poor

11 Jun 2026

mineko

I don’t know what to tell you I have had si h wildly different experiences at this place. The first time I stayed there it was was gorgeous, perfect delightful. and that time I was able to pay the deposit on my card. The second time, I had cash for the room, I had my ID and money on my card, but that time they said it had to be a cash deposit.. ok.. I wasn’t able to get cash from the local atms, and I was sp tired, it was Christmas, and I had to work the next day, so they made an “arrangement” with me. They gave me a room that was straight out of SAW II, complete with a broken tv as well as random old appliances, rust stained dripping tub and sink, FLITHY, and blanket with cigarette holes, and the worst was a broken heater, it was FREEZING. I called to ask if they had. An extra blanket and it was a no.

Self

6/10

Pleasant

31 May 2026

Karolyn

Good service

6/10

Pleasant

29 May 2026

Stephanie

The price was doable for being a holiday weekend, however had complications checking in and processed hold on my deposit (have not received a credit refund yet). Parking lot is small and was blocked in when leaving; took staff awhile to locate tenant to have car moved so we could get out. The rooms are basic but clean, but only has half glass door on the shower. Overall it is an average motel good for an overnight stay.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

17 May 2026

Drew

For the price I guess it is what it is. Made us pay cash for deposit even paying for it through Expedia.

Self

8/10

Excellent

16 Apr 2026

ISAIAH

Nice and clean but the air-conditioned unit buttons wasn't working to lower or higher the temp

10/10

Exceptional

15 Apr 2026

Lashaya

The staff was kind.
The room was clean and prepared. Parking was included

2/10

Poor

23 Mar 2026

john

Pictures are deceiving room was much smaller , toilet did not flush properly , no smoke detectors in room and worst of all the tv did not have any cable or wifi., we were told about the television and cable after we paid for room so we could not cancel and leave , it was a terrible stay

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

17 Mar 2026

Raniecia

Booked for my partner who’s a traveling nurse that works many double shifts & it’s absolutely a Blessing. Lowkey location, great polite staff, clean room w/ microwave & mini fridge. If you’re looking to shower & get some sleep w/ free parking that’s budget friendly then this is perfect for you!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

13 Mar 2026

Mary

Room was comfortable, clean and very pleasant.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

03 Mar 2026

Marcus

It was ok

Leisure Pet

4/10

Poor

08 Feb 2026

Marcus

Let's just say I should of listened to My friend about this place. But all I can say is if I don't have anything good to say. I just won't say anything at all

Leisure Pet

10/10

Exceptional

23 Jan 2026

Nelson

Clean roomy room ,staff

Business

8/10

Excellent

25 Nov 2025

Maryna

A good option for an inexpensive overnight stay.

2/10

Poor

29 Sep 2025

julissa

horribke

Business_and_leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

12 Sep 2025

Travis

Designated parking area for guests. Great room and cleanliness. Very smooth sailing after checking in. Only complaint, check-in took a little long. Staff was very friendly and kind.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

06 Sep 2025

Rafael

I have been staying at Villa Serena for my weekend visits for three consecutive summers (I would rather stay here than at my friend's place - it's quiet!)

2/10

Poor

01 Sep 2025

Amira

The price is higher of quality and service
Dirty and have a lot ants

6/10

Pleasant

10 Aug 2025

mohannad

There was hair of men and women in the bed. I think you need to clean the air dryer filter because was not use i think thats why i did not call and change my room. The unit smells good. Ac works. Bathroom clean. If the bed was clean i would gave you 5 stars. Sorry.

10/10

Exceptional

10 Aug 2025

Ciera

Extremely clean room, and nice and courteous staff.

6/10

Pleasant

03 Aug 2025

Crown Outreach Ministries

I understand is a motel and not a hotel, but it needs better cleaning.

Business Family

10/10

Exceptional

01 Aug 2025

Guy

Great Experience

Great experience for the price, excellent location for what we were there to see

2/10

Poor

18 Jul 2025

angelica

Property was fine.. only thing with this motel is it was late i accidentally reserved on Expedia for the following day. At check-in, staff noticed and advised me to cancel and pay gor that night at window. Room was never canceled k was still charged after i paid cash for that night.i reached out to the hotel with no response and no parking.. I DO NOT RECOMMEND

10/10

Exceptional

14 Jul 2025

Anna

Family that manages the motel are lovely and helpful, room is gorgeous and well-designed, newly renovated. Decor is great. Little touches everywhere like bottles of water, good coffee with the good sugar, shampoos, lotion, etc. its just very welcoming and lovely to stay at-- highly recommend!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

13 Jul 2025

Steven

Vintage charm meets modern design. The exterior reminds you of a mid century roadside motel while the interior rooms are renovated and stylish complete with everything you need. The staff is friendly and professional. They make you feel right at home.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

08 Jul 2025

Shelia

Great place

Excellent location clean comfortable and wonderful staff

Partner

8/10

Excellent

29 Jun 2025

Laura

It's a cute little hotel. Very quiet with the sweetest staff and management. I would highly recommend.

Business_and_leisure Family

6/10

Pleasant

26 Jun 2025

Daniel

We arrived at the 3pm check in time. We were given a room key and the room had not been cleaned, un made bed, garbage, and towels on the floor. The desk clerk was friendly, genuinely upset, he checked 2 more rooms before giving us an upgraded room ( upgrade was a couch) only because it waas the only cleaned room. The room was on the street and was loud. The black put curtains not very good, and parking is unsecured and not great, especially for a truck. Also be prepared for a lot of stairs. Only one mexican restraunt near by(walking distance) Our bathroom was very nice.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

19 Jun 2025

Treisean

Inviting room with wonderful amenities, friendly staff easy parking. Bed is fresh and comfortable clean feel, extra large television.

Business_and_leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

12 May 2025

Martin

Very clean and well-furnished room with budget-friendly price. Noise from the road could be a concern during the day but definitely no problem at night.

10/10

Exceptional

10 May 2025

George

Excellent place for PCT hikers to stay before getting on the trail.

10/10

Exceptional

02 May 2025

Alejandro

Clean and great location

10/10

Exceptional

25 Apr 2025

Seth

Came in town for work found this little gym in La Mesa hidden away very clean all the rooms look like in the pictures remodeled and the staff is very accommodating and friendly

Business

8/10

Excellent

25 Mar 2025

Noe

Clean room.

Leisure Self

6/10

Pleasant

03 Mar 2025

Igor

There was a slight smell of mold which gave me a headache during the night. I’m susceptible to mold. From my point of view the air quality was not good. It seemed to mostly come from the bathroom but am not sure.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

19 Feb 2025

Humayoun

Good

2/10

Poor

17 Feb 2025

Maria

The pillow cause and shower mat were ditty. The fresh wall paint was s p strong that my stomach was upset. Thd bed is very uncomfortable, mattress is too old. Tv remote control wasn't working and no closet to hang up your clothes.I try to get my money back. I won't recommend this motel stay.

Leisure Self

6/10

Pleasant

05 Feb 2025

Nelson

Is too noisy

Business

8/10

Excellent

17 Nov 2024

Verified traveler

The service was kind and easy, the room itself was really clean and everything worked well. the only downside was that the bed is pretty hard but overall really nice stay!

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

08 Oct 2024

Esteban

This place is a MOTEL not a hotel and they buy the more reviews with snacks and drinks and when I said the are looked dirty and no parking in my reviews the guy got extremely mad

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

23 Sep 2024

Diana T

I originally booked this \"hotel\" on expedia It looked super clean and very modern, however when i arrived at the address, it was a motel ! check in was a bit slow but the gentleman who checked me in was kind and hospitable. I decided to stay and check it out. once I walked in to the room to check it out there was a room with a shower curtain that was dirty, the second room I booked was a bit cleaner however there was no shower door in that bathroom and it had bad lighting, the tub looked stained.

8/10

Excellent

02 Aug 2024

silvia

Good place to stay the night

6/10

Pleasant

30 Jul 2024

Giselle

Room was nice and comfy. It was a bit hot in the room the A/C unit is older so it took a while for the room to cool. Overall it was worth it, would recommend.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

21 Jul 2024

Andrew

Good, clean and nice people

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

10 Jul 2024

Crystal

The lion on the wall

2/10

Poor

30 Jun 2024

Jessica

Our ac did not cool the room.

2/10

Poor

12 Jun 2024

Juan

Literally everything in the room smelled like cigarette Including the towels in the restroom. This place by far has been the most disgusting I’ve stayed at.

Business Self

2/10

Poor

09 Jun 2024

angie

Did not even stay. Not what pictures described it’s not a hotel it’s a motel. We lost out on our money. We stayed elsewhere . Would not recommend this place at all

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

31 May 2024

Joel

Easy and quick check in. Friendly staff

10/10

Exceptional

01 Apr 2024

Noemi

It was nice. The room was spacious and clean

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

25 Mar 2024

Egbert

comfortable and great price

Easy to check in and clean.

2/10

Poor

19 Feb 2024

Jessica

I didn’t like the area at all. It was very dirty and unkept. Looked nothing like the pictures. We ended up booking another place.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

17 Dec 2023

Janis

It was fine. It’s an older hotel we didn’t expect too much. They were accommodating

Friends_and_family Family

2/10

Poor

11 Dec 2023

michelle

The water pessure in the bathroom sink was very low and the heater did not work properly in the room. We stayed for 2 nights, the room was not cleaned in the morning time, we only have 2 towels, 2 pillows on the bed and a very thin blanket for the bed as well.

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

22 Sep 2023

Roger

Its ok

The hotel its fine the location not some much, have a little visit at night from a homeless:( mi wife was scared at the end having everything on mind its 7 out of 10

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

17 Sep 2023

Patricia

This hotel is really modern and renovated beautifully. The amenities in the room were excellent.

10/10

Exceptional

17 Sep 2023

Mov

It’s not a bad place. Good effort on renovations but there are minor damages in the room. Friendly staffs, and great parking lots. 8/10 would come back

Business_and_leisure Self

2/10

Poor

31 Aug 2023

michael

Horrible. There was an empty six pack of beer in my room when I checked in. The good reviews are FAKE and are ‘bought’ with an offer of a free candy bar at the reception. I was tricked into booking here by these fake reviews. Dirty and definitely not what the ‘good’ reviews describe. I highly advise avoiding this motel.

Business Self

6/10

Pleasant

21 Aug 2023

Anita

No place to get a meal. Office was not open and no signage as to when it would be open. No pen/pencil or paper. Towels were small, stiff and only 1 small and 2 mediums. Advertised on Expedia as Hotel.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

03 Aug 2023

Ryan

Pleasantly surprised

The room was extremely well put together and clean they had a Keurig coffee maker even microwaves freezer fridge other amenities Even bottled water and a saved parking space Will definitely put this on a list of places to stay in the future

Partner

8/10

Excellent

25 Jul 2023

ANA

Everything is fine

Leisure Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

24 Jul 2023

Leonel

It was cool

Leisure Friends

2/10

Poor

27 Jun 2023

Elana

The sheets and pillows were filthy. Bottles of water were open and towels were mostly dirty. I tried to speak to staff but there was no one there.

10/10

Exceptional

31 May 2023

Jennifer

Dylan was so attentive and kind. I liked the price and the cleanliness of the property.

Leisure Family

2/10

Poor

21 Feb 2023

Sir

Nothing

Business_and_leisure Family

6/10

Pleasant

19 Feb 2023

Aseel

Hotel, there is absolutely no cleaning service, and there is no service about a service. If you need tissues, coffee or a blanket at all 👎

8/10

Excellent

03 Feb 2023

John

It was clean and sanitary.

Business_and_leisure Self

6/10

Pleasant

01 Feb 2023

Christy

I booked what I thought was a hotel room, but this is not a hotel - it's a motel. Property didn't look like it was maintained very well. There was trash and dog poop laying around. The front office wasn't labeled well and I wasn't sure where to park or go to check in. The front desk service was extremely slow. Towels were tiny. Shower leaked water from under the base of the shower and dripped from the ceiling onto the toilet seat.

The rooms did look nice! The price was low. I appreciated that! Just not expecting a motel because of the name of the place.

Business Partner

10/10

Exceptional

16 Jan 2023

Verified traveler

Clean room, free parking, frig and microwave in room. The room is a little tight, but we don't stay in our room only to sleep.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

27 Dec 2022

Deborah

Friendly staff. Great shower. Big TV. Refrigerator w/ freezer. Great toiletries.

Leisure Partner

2/10

Poor

17 Sep 2022

Teofilo

Cleanliness ++

Room is ok clean but parking is scary bad people hang out in the parking+it takes 2 weeks to refund your deposits upon check- in price went up.

Self

2/10

Poor

09 Aug 2022

Andrew

Horrible

When we got to our room it smelled like pot. The bed looked like someone has sat on it and there was cigarette burns on the comforter.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

28 Jun 2022

Ashley

Rooms were

10/10

Exceptional

23 Jun 2022

Angelina

It’s such a cute hidden hotel, really affordable price with great service. The rooms are in great condition and the bathroom as well. I will definelty book again

Friends_and_family Family

6/10

Pleasant

21 May 2022

Katrina

Super run down and almost no parking. Wifi never worked. Shower curtain was hanging from 3 hooks… that seemed almost intentionally ignorant… they cost 1.25 at Dollar Tree.

Leisure Self

4/10

Poor

19 May 2022

Essotolome

Not recommend

Everything is dirty. The matraisse is bad.

Partner

4/10

Poor

13 Feb 2022

Staci

Boo. No Parking, No Blanket.

Where to begin? Had to park on the very busy street in the very scuzzy neighborhood. They entire front of the building is roped off for \"construction\" (yet no signs of actual construction). Asked repeatedly if I have a pet or guests. NO! I'm tired, it's late, just give me my key. No blanket or comforter OF ANY kind on the bed. Called front desk twice, hung up on both times. Had to walk over there and wait outside freezing for 5 minutes to get a thin, low quality blanket. Stains on the pillow. And tomorrow at 11am, I was informed, someone will come and sniff the room to see if I smoked. Ummm, wow, I work at Jamul Casino as an musician once a month. I will NOT be returning here. Ever. Nasty. Horrible. No parking. Scuzzy. Pictures online were very deceptive.

Business

4/10

Poor

05 Dec 2021

James

There were no blankets on the bed and the heater did not work.

Business Self

10/10

Exceptional

15 Nov 2021

Denise

I liked the remodeling of the rooms. Very nice upgrade!

Leisure

4/10

Poor

24 Oct 2021

Victoria

Disappointed

The picture looked nothing the hotel when I arrived. My goddaughter w/o was with me informed me that hotel got a 1 star rating. I decided not to stay and cancelled my reservation. My boyfriend was told also by his friend who stayed once said the hotel was not good.

Friends_and_family Family

2/10

Poor

24 Aug 2021

Priscilla

If you like roaches on the floor and bugs on your bed this is the right place to stay. Ended up booking elsewhere. Place was disgusting.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

21 Jul 2021

Jose

The place was deceitful and it was not as pleasant as it appeared in the ad.

Self

2/10

Poor

21 Jul 2021

Juan S

TERRIBLE!!!

TERRIBLE DON'T STAY THERE!!! PLUS, THEY TOOK HALF OF MY $100.00 CASH DEPOSIT!!! NO OTHER HOTEL OR MOTEL DOES THAT AND THE PREVIOUS MANAGEMENT DIDN'T!!! CHARGED MY CREDIT CARD 3/4THS OF THE BILL BUT TAKES 1/2 OF THE CASH DEPOSIT AND YOU HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL 11:00AM WHICH IS CHECK-OUT TO GET IT??? ANY OTHER PLACE IN THE AREA DON'T DO THAT NEITHER!!! BOTTOM LINE I WILL NEVER GET A ROOM THERE EVER AGAIN!!! BESIDES THAT IT A LOT IF DRUG ADDICT MEXICAN LIKE BUSTERS IN THE HOTEL HIGH ACTING LIKE THEY WANNA GET KNOCKED OUT!!!

Business

10/10

Exceptional

28 Jun 2021

Ron

Pretty on the Inside.

The rooms look better than the exterior of the hotel. They need to repave the driveway and parking lot as well as have all the concrete power washed and painted. Otherwise the rooms are pretty decent.

10/10

Exceptional

18 Jun 2021

Josh

El cajon's best kept secret

Really enjoyed the hospitality

Self

8/10

Excellent

26 Feb 2021

Amy

Not bad cheap pricing

It was okay

Friends_and_family Friends

6/10

Pleasant

12 Feb 2021

Verified traveler

Not so great motel

Not so friendly service. Room had more than a few roaches and no trash can. Requested a trash can twice and never recieved. Problems with the T.V.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

03 Feb 2021

Savannah

Fun stay

Good comfortable stay enjoy it

Partner

2/10

Poor

25 Jan 2021

Shadeed

Had a horrible time.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

08 Jan 2021

Nicholas

They need to evict their residential guests

This hotel is trying desperately to shake their bad image. The upgrades and remodel helps. But the challenege isbthe other hotel guest, who call themselves residents... they are soemwhat harrassing and are, from what I can tell are addicts. The excitement was fun and scary, one Other guest got into a fight with her boyfriend through all of his clothes off the 2nd floor onto the street below and then proceeded to attack his car Elin Woods style.

Self

6/10

Pleasant

27 Dec 2020

Martin

Ok

It wasn't what I expected in an area that is ok. Pics make it look a lot better than what it actually is.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

30 Sep 2020

Mitchell

It was nice way better than it was when i stayed there 3 years ago.

Friends_and_family Friends

2/10

Poor

21 Sep 2020

Mike

Don’t do it !!!

I canceled due unfriendly service and dirty rooms

Partner

2/10

Poor

06 Jul 2020

Christina

Thumbs Down

There were roaches in our room, the a/c didnt work propwrly due to expises wires, it smelled nasty. we didnt stay and ibwas supposed to receive a creidt back because I had prepaod, no argument aboit is not stYing there but never received a refumd. Not happy and will not wver thinking about sraying there again.

Partner

4/10

Poor

06 Jul 2020

Alyssa

Its a cheap motel, what do you expect?

There was no microwave, fridge, nor any clean towels in the room. The sink faucet was leaking but the interior decorating was fabulous and the large tv was rad!!!

Partner

2/10

Poor

03 Apr 2020

John

If you want to feel like you are in a mexican prison then maybe this is the place for you. One example of what the place is like, odd men wanted to come in and use my room when checking out.

Business Self

2/10

Poor

19 Feb 2020

Verified traveler

When i got there to check in they had given my room away so i had to look for another room some place else

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

12 Feb 2020

Jessica

Much nicer than before.

Nice place. Very good rooms.

Partner

2/10

Poor

29 Sep 2019

AlexiaRay

Dirty !!! Shower curtain mildewed! Bath tub BLACK! Dirt! Bed is on little plastic stands 6 of them! Head bored nailed on wall bed is not queen! Floor dirty! I wouldn’t walk around with out shoes on! I was scared to brush my teeth, Definitely didn’t shower there had no towel to anyways lol.
And lastly but no the least or the last! Ha I used my own blanket and pillow cause there’s wasn’t even a pillow anymore and the blankets were so over used they looked older than my great grandmothers quilts. Tv works ac works when plugged in a better out lit
Room is stuffy and just over all really horrible
But I am very happy with Expedia for accommodating me accordingly after my FIRST AND LAST stay here ever !

Friends_and_family Partner

6/10

Pleasant

29 Aug 2019

Alisha

Place looked nothing like the pictures. Bed was old and very uncomfortable. Did not get a good nights rest at all. I would not stay here again. Check in was ok friendly service.

Friends_and_family Friends