Thunderbird Motel
Thunderbird Motel descritpion
In Seaside, California, this motel is only a 10 minute drive from Central Monterey and Fisherman's Wharf. A microwave and a refrigerator are featured in all guest rooms.
Gateway Thunderbird Motel’s guest rooms have cable TV with in-room movies and free Wi-Fi. Other amenities include ironing facilities and wake-up services.
Motel Gateway Thunderbird serves a continental breakfast every morning. Guests can take advantage of the on-site laundry facilities and free parking.
The Laguna Seca Raceway is a 20 minute drive from this motel. Monterey State Beach and the Monterey Bay Aquarium are within a 10 minute drive of the property.
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Facilities of Thunderbird Motel
Pets ：Pets are not allowed.
Internet ：Free!WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.
Parking ：Free!Free public parking is available on site (reservation is not needed).
Services ：24-Hour Front Desk | Laundry | Fax/Photocopying
General ：Non-smoking Rooms | Family Rooms | Heating
Reviews for Thunderbird Motel
Review 1：Terrible service. Said free breakfast but was none. Condom on the floor when we got there. Moved us to the hotel next door. Was told pet friendly but wasn't.
Review 2：That we got to shower.
Review 3：Noisy neighbors. I swear they were moving furniture at 10 at night, and were up again at 4 am.
Review 4：Very friendly staff! Our stay was for the Half Marathon on Monterey, and ended up checking out late and there was no additional charge.
Review 5：pillows were pathetic. only crib size. no tea/coffee making facility. price was to have breakfast included. it was a bit of a muffin and a disgusting cup of coffee. we ended up at mcdonalds to get a reasonable breakfast. toilet continually flushing so we had to change rooms.
Review 6：Location was reasonable.
Review 7：Very small room pretty much filled by the queen bed. No coffee pot. No room for either a table or a chair.
Review 8：Location close driving distance to Cannery Row, Fisherman's Wharf. 15 minute drive to 17 Mile Drive and Carmel. Clean, bright room with mini fridge, hairdryer, TV (no DVD). Comfortable queen bed.
Review 9：Toilet is not working properly. We had big flood when flushing the toilet at night. Horrible experience. Never ever think of staying this place and horrible smelly curry at the room.
Review 10：Nothing
Review 11："Breakfast" was a coffee pot on a burner and slices of muffin. Add fresh fruit, a better quality coffee (in a thermos for freshness), a better quality muffin, scone or croissant and call it a "Tasty continental breakfast." Exterior is clean but not (yet, I hope) up to the quality of the interior.
Review 12：Recent good quality room remodel. Pleasant, quiet and comfortable. Clean room and bathroom. Slider to "faux deck" offers fresh air. Air conditioning is effective. Staff is friendly and accommodating. Very good value for the $.
Review 13：Overpriced and nothing but the cheapest everything. Smoke dectector hanging from wall disconnected. Room was non smoking and it stunk of smoke. Told manager he just looked at me. Room was worth 60 not 200.
Review 14：The pool was filled in with concrete but they still had the brush pole and life-hook hanging up, so from the parking lot it fooled us. I saw the other rooms which were updated....apparently ours was not. No fan or a/c, so we had the patio door open the whole time to get fresh air in the room. The stairs were a tripping hazard with old broken concrete..but it was newly painted! For 2 days there was garbage left at the entry way up to our room...I finally took the trash to the dumpster myself so we had clean walkway. The towels were like sandpaper and smelled like smoke. We had to walk over to the sister property to get ice. AAA approves them but I think they need to reconsider.
Review 15：The rate for a 3-day stay was 1-night at the other high-end places. For the busy weekend we were there it was the only last minute "value" choice, so I had no great expectations.
Review 16：Checked in at ypm and maid had not cleaned the room yet....20 Min latershe's done we walk in and it stinks like ciggerettes bag. Bad.Im asmoker...but oh my god....there was mold and bugs in the shower.Bathroom lights we're all out and so we're the vanitylights....had to get switched to a different room witch wasn't thatmuch better.....this place sucks.
Review 17：Nothing at all.
Review 18：Location is a little sketchy. Thunderbird and Gateway are basically the same hotel and there are only staff ever at one of them (if at all). I think our room was on the Gateway side but I assume they are all the same. Next door to a liquor store. Not an area I would feel comfortable walking around at night in. Breakfast was bad coffee and a slice of cake.
Review 19：Room seemed recently renovated, especially bathroom. It had a mini fridge, TV, Wifi and ice maker nearby. Probably the cheapest option near Monterey/Carmel/Big Sur region. Close to those towns and major roads for easy travel. Shopping and food options nearby.
Review 20：Very small breakfast selection, wi-fi was not great, bathroom towels were too rough, and the bed had only two mushy pillows.
Review 21：Bathroom was the nicest part of the room.
Review 22：The beds were infested with bed bugs - we ended up sleeping in our car because we were absolutely repulsed and there was no one at reception to report this to. The owner did give us a refund in the morning. I feel I have to write this review to make other potential customers aware of the health risks when staying at this motel. As soon as we found out that there were bed bugs we checked the contents of our suitcases and bags to make sure that we didn't take any bed bugs with us back to our own home where they can infest our own bed. Another negative was the price - we stayed in San Francisco financial district the next night in a fancy and luxurious 4 star hotel having been left scarred by that bed bug experience, and the price was the same as a night at this motel. Absolute joke of a place. Go here at your own risk.
Review 23：Leaving the motel
Review 24：It took10 minutes to find a desk clerk to check in. Had to finally call on phone to get a clerk to comer to the front desk. There was pee and toilet paper in the room toilet that had the "sanitary band seal" around the seat & lid. There were no drinking cups in room. The ice machine was in an adjacent motel. The exterior was poorly kept with trash, bed box springs, etc. on the guest grounds. Horrid "breakfast" to be avoided.
Review 25：Okay bed comfort. New bath tub surround.
Review 26：Don't have a better selection of continental breakfast items, such as fruit, cereal, milk, juice, yogurt, etc.
Review 27：Moderate price but was somewhat expensive because not in touristic area.
Review 28：No bad experience.
Review 29：We appreciated that it was clean; looked newly painted inside. The bed was fairly comfortable and we appreciated the refrigerator. Did not use the microwave, but it was available. The bathroom counter was lovely and looked new. TV was adequate. The gentleman who booked us in did a great job of explaining the shower and general facilities
Review 30：Shower didn't work well. Room was not completely clean, we found a beer cap on the floor. Wifi didn't work or we were given the wrong code, Outside appearance needs work. Free breakfast consisted of coffee, orange juice and sliced muffins.
Review 31：They let us check in early so we had a place to put our luggage
Review 32：Over 3.5 week road trip in comparison with all other places we stayed this was very poor value. It was expensive and only provided basic accommodation.
Review 33：Room had been recently refurbished and was clean and comfortable. Staff pleasant
Review 34：The area looked a bit shady at first.
Review 35：The staff was great!! The room was all new and clean!!!! The absence of curb appeal was overridden by the pleasantly clean and comfy room.
Review 36：The outside of the hotel sets a tone that doesn't match the quality room. The pool is filled in with concrete, the building looks dated from the outside and an empty parking lot implies it is not kept up, but the new rooms were great.
Review 37：The room was fully remodeled with new bathrooms, beds, TV and was very comfortable.
Review 38：Towels are rough as sandpaper; probably been in use for ten years. The maid sometimes took away old towels and did not leave new ones. Very stingy with providing soap.
Review 39：Most rooms have been renovated.
Review 40：No kettle in room. Wifi was not good. Had to sit in reception to get it to work properyl
Review 41：Standard motel but was clean and comfortable. Good value for money
Review 42：Registered at one Motel and was sent to the connecting Motel. Not the most friendly clerks. There was a lot of Construction on units, Courtyard was filled with pulled out toilets, beds, carpet, sinks etc. Noisy from construction and tenants due to thin walls.
Review 43：Wifi and the cleaning lady.
Review 44：it advertises breakfast, but it was only coffee and one choice of sweet bread
Review 45：sometimes motels have a funny smell, this one didn't!! that was really nice
Review 46：Missed having a hair dryer. Continental breakfast could be much better than homemade muffins cut into quarters.
Review 47：Location was great as we were headed north up the '1'. Quiet and clean. In process of upgrading hotel property. Our room, a King, was clean and nice. Beds were clean & comfortable.
Review 48：I was surprised there was not a clock in the room.
Review 49：The room was recently renovated & everything was fairly new and sparkling. We did not have a remote for the tv, but when we contacted the Office they promptly brought one for us and made sure it worked before leaving.
Review 50：We filmed a RAT scratching and scurrying up in our ceiling. Very unsanitary! I had owners wife watch our video, only to have the subject changed several times. Will not stay there again. I'd rather sleep in my car! Also never got clean sheets or a full set of scratchy towels!!
Review 51：The property was old Moldy and smells we only stayed because we had No where to stay last minute no reservations and was late wil never stay there again
Review 52：Property is being re-done and is looking run-down.
Review 53：Room was updated and was nice and clean and comfortable. Owners/operators were very pleasant and accommodating.
Review 54：there were toilets in the court yard, rolls of carpet, old televisions and other junk scattered through out the complex.
Review 55：It was inexpensive, close to the things, fairly close to the beach, the management was very sweet.
Review 56：a man's wiskers in the sink...I'm a woman.
Review 57：For an older property, it was updated nicely. The people who checked me in were very nice. The bed was very comfortable.
Review 58：Honestly none that i could think of.
Review 59：Great place, great location. Minutes away from Monterey. Just remodel the room we stayed in on the thunderbird side. The gateway side was in the process of being remodel. It great place and value to sleep and rest. I will stay there again when visiting that area again.
Review 60：The room was had not been cleaned and the 'clean' sheets were stained. The water was brown and staff were extremely unhelpful and rude. Stay anywhere but here.
Review 61：Nothing.
Review 62：The on/off switches on the lamps were missing. To turn them on and off required finding the plug in behind the bed. The man staffing the front desk when I checked in was not very friendly, but upon checking out, his wife was very nice. I guess they balance each other.
Review 63：Basically clean, AC worked, adequate hot water. The location is close to restaurants and a grocery store. I liked (nothing to do with the motel) that Seaside has a street named Obamaway.
Review 64：The bedding was dirty, there was hair and stains all over the mattress covers and the mattress had pee stains. And there was black stuff all over the it. The rooms smelled and gross. The bathroom toilet seat where stained. The carpet where musty. I would have rather stayed in my car, also the people that where i. The parking lots where really scary. Do not stay there. I dont know how the could even pass inspection with the health department, no kidding. You have been warned.
Review 65：Close to ocean
Review 66：Our room was closed to a cigarette deposit and it stunk so bad in that area! The windows did not have mosquito screens, so we could not open the windows. The bathroom was shut off by someone while we stayed, so we had to call the guy at front desk! Also, the bathroom did not have hooks like most of the Motels & Hotels to hang your clothes! So we had to improvise! One of the young guy that works there had an attitude with us! The ice machine did not work in the first building of the motel.
Review 67：The beds were comfortable! It was close to Monterey, by the freeway! And close by a shopping center!
Review 68：Older and dated facilities in fair condition. The outside areas were dirty and cluttered.
Review 69：Acceptable place considering the price of other lodging options. Rooms were clean and location was convenient.
Review 70：We were there that particular weekend to move our daughter into CSU Monterey Bay. I wanted a room that was close to the school. The room was fairly clean inside, new paint, ect...There were no fitted sheets on the beds and the mattress was nasty. The bed was not for comfort. The location was great right on Fremont, but the outside of the motel was dirty, trash all over, handrail for the stairs was broken, shopping cart in the hallway. I wouldn't have stayed there if I were not desperate for a room for that weekend. I would not recommend this room to anyone.
Review 71：Mold in Shower & walls in Shower, Microwave poor power very old, Plumbing,Poor cleaning service didn't leave any new towels took old ones & left nothing, wall above toilet had hand lg.prints,I had to clean the wall it was just to much to look at. I can say more, Do I need to?
Review 72：Location, Location, Parking
Review 73：The air conditioning didn't work but it was cool out side so all we had to do was open a window and it cooled off the room.
Review 74：The room was clean and organised. The shower was roomy and the bathroom was clean. Overall a good place to spend the night in.
Review 75：Outside it is an old pretty run down place, but they are definitely doing their best to improve the rooms.
Review 76：Clean renovated room with nice new bathroom, good bed, nice clean linens and towels. Service was prompt and responsive.
Review 77：The staff was ridiculously rude and the room and bathroom were filthy dirty. The shower door didn't close. I put a do not disturb sign on the door and maid service still entered and threw away things that were not garbage. There was trash in the room when we first arrived. There was no blow dryer and the quality of towels were so poor they scratched you when you dry yourself off. If you have allergies then stay away because the dust alone will have you sneezing immediately.
Review 78：It was nice that they had Wi-Fi and a balcony.
Review 79：Staff fighting in the parking lot! A little noisy in the rooms and could hear the neighbor in the next room Snoring all nite!! Our bed for the first nite was so hard it felt like sleeping on a board!! The staff did change out the bed for us for the 2nd nite and it was Great!
Review 80：The location was close to our intended destinations and the price for 2 nites was good! Free muffins and coffee in the morning were provided; plus a small frig and microwave. The TV had decent reception!
Review 81：they advertised in room blow dryers . They did not have any. No radio/alarm clocks. The television picture was not clear it rolled the whole time it was on. When we asked the manager about all he said was that's as good as it gets. Broken ice machine. We had to go to a neighboring hotel To get ice. They also said breakfast included which consisted of dried out 1/4 of a muffin, coffee and juice.
Review 82：the bed was comfortable
Review 83：never again, dirty matteress, shame on who rated this hotel...our friends,also agreed and went home a day eariler. all one wants is clean,the upgrades are not a concern with us, as we are there to teach diving, so our needs are a CLEAN MATTERESS! and a BATH TOWEL not a hand towel.
Review 84：-Expensive for what was offered -Location to far from Monterey without a car and seaside doesn't offer anything per se
Review 85：-Available rooms at short notice -close to the beach
Review 86：I had the three bed suite, nothing fancy. But it's clean and in acceptable condition for a transit. After all, it's a budget motel, so you can't ask for more.
Review 87：Wifi worked only after 3 reboots and many iterations with the owner.Wifi not available inside the room , needes to get outside... The roomwas very old and not clean Breakfast is a joke : coffee & muffinonly without capability to seat.
Review 88：1) It looks like the owners bought two adjacent properties, Gateway Motel and Thunderbird Motel, and combined them. However, they still use two offices. So when we checked in, we used the 9070 address and went to the Gateway office. But then our room was over in the Thunderbird property, which required us to drive the car all the way around a city block in order to park near our room. 2) Service was poor. When we came down for the continental breakfast (which consisted of orange juice, coffee and two types of muffins, chocolate and poppy seed, cut up into quarters), I noticed there were no plates to put our muffins on to take back to our room. I asked the gentleman behind the desk if he had any plates. He said, "The plates are in your room." Well, they weren't. So no plates. I got the same sort of answer when I noticed we didn't have an ice bucket in our room. I called down and asked if they had ice buckets. Again, "You should have an ice bucket in your room." Well, we didn't. Why don't they just say, "We don't have plates", or "Sorry, we forgot to put an ice bucket in you room." I'd rather hear the truth than some little white lie. Btw, the ice buckets and ice machine are over in the Gateway office and the continental breakfast is over in the Thunderbird office. Also, if you still want to stay here, I suggest you check in at the Thunderbird office, which comes up before the Gateway office. This way, you don't run the risk of having to driving around the block in order to park near your room.
Review 89：Location is convenient, right off Hwy 1. Price was cheap.
Review 90：Room was very old and showed. The towels were so thin, I would have used them for rags. We found trash all over the carpet. Almost all fixtures in bathroom were rusty. Part of bathroom faucet was missing and water sprayer all over sink. Mirrors were so old that the light was bleeding through. Price for room should have been $50 or less and was over $130. The tile in bathroom was not cleaned in the corners or on top edges. Shower door did not fit the opening. Curtin in bedroom had paint on it, as did the carpet. Our breakfast consisted of coffee and 1/8 of a muffin.
Review 91：We liked the location of room. Glad we could open front window and bathroom window to air out room. Sheets were very clean. We had refrigerator and microwave. It was very quiet. The ice machine was close to room.
Review 92：This is a motel that is in bad shape! Pluming makes noise, old furniture,stained carpets housekeeping does a bad job of house cleaning. Towels are clean but very rough. Save yourself the nightmare stay somewhere else!
Review 93：Location and front staff
Review 94：comfortable bed, clean room. no coffee:(
Review 95：Calling chocolate and sesame muffins with filtered coffee a "Continental breakfast" is a little bit misleading !
Review 96：It was fine, just what we needed. A king bed would have been better.
Review 97：Price
Review 98：Good value for money. 10min to Monterey by car.
Review 99：O
Review 100：Staff made us welcome
Review 101：The shower needed decalcification, it was close to useless. Cheap impression.
Review 102：Room was clean
Review 103：The temperature of the water when showering could have been much warmer.
Review 104：I like that there was a mini fridge and microwave.
Review 105：Breakfast was only muffin cut into small bites.
Review 106：ood.
Review 107：The picture on the hotel entrance is misleading. It shows a sign indicating that there is a pool. The pool is no more, it has ceased to be.
Review 108：Breakfast really poor
Review 109：Room was very good
Review 110：It's a little bit dirty.
Review 111：Big room with queen beds.
Review 112：Expect a better breakfast, not 1/4 of a muffing and coffee
Review 113：Rooms are comfortable and clean
Review 114：no pool, poor continental breakfast, not a great area of town homeless people around area
Review 115：clean rooms
Review 116：Breakfast was a joke !!!!!!!
Review 117：Bed bugs, bed bugs, bed bugs, oh did I mention they have bed bugs, forget about it
Review 118：Nothing, horrible motel do not stay here, they have bed bugs
Review 119：It was a hard bed
Review 120：It was a bed
Review 121：There were three double beds. Great for a family.
Review 122：Shower, poor breakfast, Location and surrounding Not nice.
Review 123：Room, parking, wifi
Review 124：Clean rooms. Coffee and muffins for breakfast is better than nothing ;)
Review 125：no A/C no daily towels or beds made
Review 126：location, cost
Review 127：My neighbors were very loud, I had bedbugs in my room. I was happy to leave the Motel next day.
Review 128：The mam at the front desk was more then helpful and made our stay amazing!
Review 129：The manager hardly said 2 words other than what's your name and hereis your key.
Review 130：Location to Monterey, ca
Review 131：Convenient location & good for some peace and quiet
Review 132：The staff were not kind or friendly at all. When we checked in, we're annoyed at thier attitude. Breakfast was bad.
The Fine Print
Upon check-in photo identification and credit card is required. All special requests are subject to availability upon check-in. Special requests cannot be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.