FWIW I've stayed in lot of Motel 6's over the last few years and never had a bad experience. Some are brand new. You can also try non-chain motels which are often cheap. I’ve found the Holiday Inn like places to be fine to be more then I need for a night. especially if you are going to be there for a night how much do you need?

my impression is that Motel 6's in big cities often have bad rep. however I have stayed at ones on highways or in tourist areas which have always been good.

i think there is a fair amount of snobbishness about motel/hotel chains based mostly on name recognition and such. YMMV of course.