Motel 81

2.0 star property

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Photo gallery for Motel 81

Comfort Double or Twin Room | Free WiFi
Front of property
Front of property
Business Single Room | Free WiFi
Comfort Double or Twin Room | Free WiFi

Reviews

6.6 out of 10

Popular amenities

  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • 24/7 front desk

Explore the area

View in a map
26 Southside Ln, Dalton, PA, 18414
  • Place, Wemberly Hills Golf Course
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, Lackawanna State Park
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Place, Summit University of Pennsylvania
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Airport, Wilkes-Barre, PA (AVP-Scranton Intl.)
    ‪19 min drive‬

Room options

Comfort Double or Twin Room

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Business Single Room

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

About the neighborhood

Dalton

Motel 81 places you within 2 miles (3 km) of Wemberly Hills Golf Course and Messimer Preserve. This 19-room motel has a casino, free in-room WiFi, and free self parking.

What's nearby

  • Wemberly Hills Golf Course - 3 min drive - 1.8 miles
  • Lackawanna State Park - 4 min drive - 4.4 miles
  • Gardner Spencer Preserve - 5 min drive - 5.1 miles
  • Rabbit Hollow Wildlife Sanctuary - 5 min drive - 4.9 miles
  • Summit University of Pennsylvania - 6 min drive - 5.0 miles

Getting around

  • Wilkes-Barre Scranton Intl. Airport (AVP) - 26 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Mcgrath's Pub - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Laura's Pizza & Hoagies - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Bailey’s Café - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Subway - ‬1 min walk

About this property

Motel 81

Guests staying at Motel 81 enjoy features like a casino and free WiFi in public areas. There's free parking if you drive. Front-desk staff are standing by 24/7 to assist with any requests.
Guests can expect free WiFi and 32-inch Smart TVs. Refrigerators, microwaves, and coffee makers are also available. Housekeeping is available on request.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • In-room WiFi speed: 250+ Mbps (good for 3–5 people or up to 10 devices)
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free uncovered self parking on site
  • Free RV/bus/truck parking on site
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking and van parking available

Things to do

  • 3 slot machines
  • Casino (204 square feet of space)

Family friendly

  • In-room microwave
  • In-room refrigerator

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (on request)

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • 20 accessible parking spaces
  • Accessible shuttle
  • Hardwood flooring in room
  • No elevator
  • Stair-free path to entrance
  • Valet for wheelchair-equipped vehicles
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible van parking

More

  • Designated smoking areas

Room amenities

Bathroom

  • Private bathroom

Entertainment

  • 32-inch smart TV

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • This property welcomes pets for free
  • Service animals exempt from fees

Property payment types

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash
  • Check-in: 3:00 PM—-anytime
  • Check-out: 11:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is open 24 hours a day. Driving? This property offers free self parking, along with free RV, bus, and truck parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • There are no elevators.

Property is also known as

Motel 81 Motel
Motel 81 Dalton
Motel 81 Motel Dalton

Frequently asked questions

Is a free cancellation option available at Motel 81?

Motel 81 offers free cancellation on select room rates. If you'd like to learn more, take a look at the cancellation policy on our site.

How much does it cost to stay at Motel 81?

As of Apr 7, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Motel 81 on Apr 8, 2026 start from $90, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

What can I see within easy reach of Motel 81?

This motel is located in Dalton, close to Wemberly Hills Golf Course, Lackawanna State Park, and Lake Kewanee. You'll also find Messimer Preserve and Meadowsweet Preserve within a short drive.

Will I be able to park at Motel 81?

Yes, uncovered self parking is offered for free at the motel. Free RV/bus/truck parking and wheelchair-accessible van parking are also available for guests.

Does Motel 81 include a casino at the property?

Yes, Motel 81 has a casino that's 204 square feet and includes 3 slot machines.

Is there an indoor pool at Motel 81?

No, there is no indoor pool at this motel.

What do couples enjoy most about Motel 81?

Couples staying at this motel will appreciate amenities like a smart TV as well as a casino and a 24-hour front desk.

Are there hot tubs at Motel 81?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this motel.

Does Motel 81 have a restaurant with a breakfast menu?

No, Motel 81 doesn't have a restaurant that serves breakfast.

Does Motel 81 allow pets to stay for free?

Yes, pets stay free at Motel 81.

Are there connecting rooms at Motel 81?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this motel.

Where is the closest airport to Motel 81?

The closest major airport to Motel 81 is Wilkes-Barre Scranton Intl. Airport (AVP), which is 20.7 mi away (26 minutes by car).

Can I book a room with a balcony at Motel 81?

No, there aren't any guestrooms with balconies at Motel 81.

Motel 81 Reviews

Reviews

6.6
Rating 10 - Excellent. 22 out of 54 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 6 out of 54 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 54 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 7 out of 54 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 16 out of 54 reviews

6.8/10

Cleanliness

7.0/10

Staff & service

6.4/10

Amenities

6.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

4/10 Poor

Marg

Traveled with pets, Traveled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Found garbage from previous renter on a shelf above refrigerator and microwave in our room. When taken to front desk, we were told " no, it isn't, I just cleaned the room! " I took it that she thought the garbage was ours, which is an insult to the renter. No heat turned on in the room. Freezing cold in room. Sat in vehicle 45 mins to keep warm while the room heated enough to at least go in the room. My cat went under the bed and came out with dust bunnies. I looked and saw floor was covered in dust. Whenever we stayed before there was always a coffee pot in the room. Not this time. When the attendant realized her mistake, that she left the garbage behind, brought the coffee pot, condiments and candy as a "gift". She also stated that she gave us " this room" because we complained of noise in the past". We never complained about anything. Always gave high reviews! The outside was never shoveled. Snow on walkway. Ice in parking spot under snow. Piles of snow between vehicles. Tenants were shoveling the snow and putting ice melt down that they purchased. It snowed overnight a plow truck made one swipe through the parking lot. Done. We never had problems like this in the past. Always enjoyed our stay. This incident has me considering other accommodations for return visits to my hometown. The previous attendant always took care of these things. Never an issue. The renters were a priority. I always gave this place a high review. Not this time . Very disappointed!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

6/10 Okay

Leslie

Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service
A little rough around the edges but affordable and convenient. Our host was helpful, brought extra towels to our room. A one-story motel where you can park in front of your door. Older motel was renovated a few years ago but showing wear & need for TLC in some places. Comfortable beds & pillows. Fridge & microwave. Excellent wifi, good shower. I-81 is nearby: road noise was intrusive until we turned A/C fan up...the other side of the building is probably better. Fabulous old neon sign sadly no longer works.
Interior view
Interior view
Bathroom wide angle.
Classic sign in decline
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kathleen

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kathleen

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kathleen

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

2/10 Terrible

Suhail

Traveled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Place smells of cat Urine the place was not even clean. The bathroom was dirty and it had stains. I had to clean them myself to stay with our family, but our stay was already paid for so we just kept the key and checked out The last day. When we checked in, we were there for a while to bring our stuff in and I believe we got sick because now we are all home and we all have stomach viruses and fevers and the rest of the family that we went to visit all and no one is sick so I think we picked up a virus from the motel room .
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

4/10 Poor

Lizbeth

Traveled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The reviews were decent, the price was low and the proximity to where I needed to be was good, so I chose this hotel. Dingy, plastic wrapped mattresses and mouldy tubs. I couldn’t fall asleep and left.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ivan

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I had a great stay very quiet will be back.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Really impressed

Pennsylvania skill machines in lobby
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Pat

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

Mostly good

Though Dalton (exit:Scott) isn't a tourist destination, this location is good if you're travelling long distance and want to break up the trip. I've stayed there twice, and my room was clean, bug free, and had a TV, refrigerator, microwave and one-cup coffee maker. The service personnel was cordial and helpful. You'll save money compared to other nearby places, but there are a few trade-offs. You'll need to buy ice at a nearby Subway, which is a stone's throw away, and the internet was a bit spotty but still a bit more reliable than at least half of the places I've stayed, even much pricier places.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kathleen

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kathleen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

4/10 Poor

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Staff & service, room comfort

OK if it's the only affordable option

The rooms are being redone and so are in good condition. The bed was comfortable, though keeping plastic on the mattress didn't help my sleep. The refurbishing didn't include the exterior or the door, and the room didn't have curtains for the front window which made it difficult to sleep. The staff were friendly but difficult to reach, including in the morning when I was ready to leave and just wanted to drop off my key. I wouldn't rule it out entirely, but it wouldn't be my first choice to stay at again. Maybe it'll improve after the refurbishing is done in the whole property and they can focus on improving service.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

4/10 Poor

Julie

Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Not returning there.

Booked 2 rooms double beds, and got 1 double beds and one room single bed; we were lucky our teens were okay spending the night in same bed. Also not used to plastic covered mattresses :( They advertise as newly renovated, but the bathrooms are really old, rusted and missing tiles.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

2/10 Terrible

ANATOLY

Business traveler, Traveled with partner
Disliked: Amenities
We booked 2 rooms for 4 people., by arriving to the hotel reception advised us, that only 1 room is available ( we prepaid 100% for 2 rooms)! Unacceptable and unprofessional . Stay away from it!!!!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

2/10 Terrible

Jordan

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Made the reservation through expedia - but there was no staff at the hotel. The office door was locked. Lights were on and waited over an hour, but no one showed up.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Edward

Was the perfect room for someone that just needed to crash a few nights. Room was clean, manager was on site 24/7. No amenities, but just for me it was perfect. Would recommend for someone just needing a safe space to stay. Would not recommend if you’re traveling with family.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2025

2/10 Terrible

Abdel

Traveled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness
I was not able to check in. Property was sold out and i was told that they were not able to stop accepting bookings for some technical reasons!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Stacey

Julio and Alan are awesome
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Cory

Liked: Staff & service, amenities
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Great customer service, but the recent renovations were subpar and the room had a faint smell of urine.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kelly

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kelly

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff was extremely welcoming and accommodating. We felt like we were with family
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kelly

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff is amazing
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kelly

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

2/10 Terrible

Carlos

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025