Motels provide a cheap and convenient place to stay. But they are so much more than that. Motels are a classic slice of Americana, a cultural phenomenon that's as American as apple pie. And that makes them great event venues for intimate gatherings, photo shoots, or as a filming location.
Motels are versatile, convenient, and often affordable locations for filming, photography, business meetings, or gatherings. And the Giggster app curates the best motels around the world so you can find a space that works for you.
Check out our listings and browse some incredible motels that will make your next project unforgettable. With Giggster, you're only a click away from your next great event.
There is a vast array of motels spread across the country, and each one of them offers its own eclectic decor, history, and atmosphere. That means if you're looking for a unique space to use as a filming location, for a photo shoot, or even for a private celebration, you can find one that fits. Giggster curates the very best motel locations so you can spend less time browsing property listings and more time planning to make your shoot run smoothly. See why production companies and film studios trust Giggster to find the perfect backdrop for filming the scenes they need.
A historic motel could be the perfect fit for a project set in the past. Some motels in the outskirts of Los Angeles, California, or upstate New York look like they haven't changed in decades, so they could be the ultimate spot for film projects with a historical side.
A modern motel can be a great place for business meetings. Many motels provide meeting rooms with high-speed Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, and even conference facilities, giving you a chance to get out of the office.
Boutique motels offer quirky charm you won't find anywhere else. Features like high ceilings, exposed brick, and modern appliances can give your shoot a unique atmosphere. They also provide spacious studio space for filming everything from music videos to feature films.
Downtown motels can be fantastic locations for filmmakers. They come with parking, which can be hard to find in places like downtown LA or New York, so if you're looking to make a movie in the city, search for a motel that can make the perfect base for your production.
Exceptional Variety & Quality: Giggster curates the best hotels, motels, and guest houses across the country, with 63 locations on offer, ready for your ideas. Explore listings to find the ideal place for photo shoots and photography, filming, or just a great party.
Hassle-Free Booking: Giggster makes the whole process of finding filming locations easier. Our app is transforming the entertainment industry by offering a great experience for location scouts, production studios, and independent filmmakers and photographers to find what they need. And with listings starting at just $38/hour, you don't need millions in funding to find locations that work for you.
24-Hour Free Cancellation Policy: Giggster allows you to stay flexible when you rent studio spaces and other properties. You can cancel any booking within the first 24 hours of receiving your booking confirmation, provided it was made at least 48 hours in advance.
Platform Protections: You can get even more peace of mind with our optional protections. Protect yourself against cancellation or accidental damage so you can focus on your photo shoots, music videos, or any other project.
The right motel (like Pink's Cafe) can make a wonderful location for filming or photo shoots. But motels can be surprisingly versatile, and serve as a site for lots of different purposes. Here are some of the ways to take advantage of this affordable option:
Filming Locations – The Perfect Backdrop. Depending on what you plan to film, a motel could be an ideal location for your production. Think of the motel scenes in modern classics like Pulp Fiction or No Country For Old Men, for example. A motel can also be a great neutral space for music videos or online content.
Photo Shoots – Contemporary or Historic. Motels come in all kinds of styles, so you can find one that fits the atmosphere of your photo shoots. Whether you want a historic motel straight from the 50s or something sleek and contemporary, you can find one on the Giggster app.
Business Meetings – Modern Amenities. These days, many motels also aim to attract business travelers. They offer meeting and conference rooms, and if the space includes conference equipment, it makes things that much easier.
Parties – An Adaptable Space. The event space of a motel or even guest suites could be ideal for a small party for you and your friends. Motels often have premium downtown locations, so you can have a little privacy and still be close to the action.
Retreats – Intimacy and Convenience. If you're hosting a wellness or artistic retreat, for example, a motel could be perfect. Smaller events can use a guestroom while larger ones could use the motel's conference room, and you know you'll have ample parking and all the amenities you need.
Every type of event requires something different, and every motel offers something slightly distinctive. Carefully check the amenities and features of any motel so you can be sure it works for you.
Is there enough parking? One of the perks of the motel is that they always have parking, but do they have enough? If you are hosting a big film production or inviting a lot of guests, you'll want to make sure you can use more than just one or two parking spaces.
Are there kitchen facilities? If you plan on catering your event or want to provide in-house options for your film crew, it's a good idea to look for kitchens to make things easier.
Does the motel have the light you need? For filming or photography, you want bright spaces with high ceilings and plenty of natural light. Look for a property that fits the bill.
Like any commercial space, motels have their pros and cons. Here are some things to think about before you make that booking.
Advantages
Parking is often an issue, especially for large events, but many motels have ample parking, even in the downtown areas of major cities like LA, New York, Chicago, and Boston.
Motels are versatile, with many of them offering both guestrooms and conference or event spaces.
Motels are used to holding various events, so the staff will know exactly what you need for your project.
Disadvantages
While some motels are centrally located, others tend to be in small towns or suburbs. That might work just fine for what you have in mind, or it might be a problem if you want to be more central.
You'll need to work around the availability of the motel. They need to provide a good experience for their guests, which may limit what you can do.
Motels can get expensive, especially during the busy season, when rooms fill up with travelers.
Motels are designed to be affordable. And Giggster can help you find a bargain, with rates starting at just $38/hour. But whether you're planning a film shoot or a birthday party, here are some ways you can help keep costs down.
Set a budget and stick to it.
Budgeting can mean making some difficult choices, but it's the best way to stop your project from running away with you. Start off on the right foot by creating a budget plan that includes every aspect of the production or event.
Save on props and decor.
Choosing the right motel will give you the atmosphere and backdrop you want, so you shouldn't need to spend a lot changing the way the room looks if you choose the right location in the first place.
Look for deals on accommodation.
If you're bringing guests or crew from out of town, the motel may be willing to give you a discount on overnight rooms since you're already renting space from them during the day.
A motel property could be an ideal place to shoot your movie scenes, photographs, or just have a party. Rent a motel from Giggster and see the versatility these venues provide. With a great range of motels on offer, combined with easy communication with hosts and affordable prices, you can start planning your motel event today.
