Finding a motel for $300 a month near St. Louis, Missouri, is difficult due to rising lodging and hotel costs. However, budget-conscious travelers, relocating workers, or temporary residents can explore flexible alternatives that fit this price range. Below, you’ll find a guide to motels, extended-stay suites, and creative solutions for finding affordable monthly accommodations near St. Louis.
Is $300 a Month for a Motel Realistic in St. Louis?
According to current data from verified sources, a $300/month motel stay in St. Louis is extremely unlikely and well below market rates.
Expedia offers motels starting at $68 total (presumably per night). Even with a negotiated 30% discount for monthly bookings, the average price would be $1,428/month.
Even deeply discounted extended-stay motels (e.g., InTown Suites in other cities) rarely drop below $600–800/month due to operating costs (utilities, cleaning, staff).
The city isn’t known for offering monthly rentals or ultra-cheap motels, unlike San Antonio or other southern cities with lower costs of living.
How to Find Cheap Monthly Motel Rentals Near St. Louis
Finding affordable monthly motel rentals near St. Louis requires a combination of strategic location selection, straightforward negotiation, and taking advantage of extended-stay discounts. Below are vetted options and practical tips:
1. Start with budget motel chains that offer monthly rates
Several national motel chains offer extended-stay or discounted monthly rates. Near St. Louis, consider contacting:
- Motel 6
- Super 8
- Red Roof Inn
- America’s Best Value Inn
- Extended Stay America
- Studio 6
- Quality Inn or Econo Lodge (by Choice Hotels)
Look for locations in North St. Louis County, East St. Louis, Hazelwood, Bridgeton, Florissant, or Granite City, where rates are typically lower than in downtown St. Louis.
2. Use motel and apartment search websites.
Several platforms can help you find affordable motels by the week or month:
- Booking.com (use filter for “monthly stays” or “long stays”)
- Hotwire (last-minute extended stay deals)
- Trivago
- ExtendedStayAmerica.com
- Cheap-Motels.com
- Craigslist > St. Louis > Rooms & Shares or Sublets
Search using terms like:
“monthly motel St. Louis”
“cheap extended stay”
“long-term motel rentals St. Louis”
3. Call Independently Owned Motels Directly
Many small, family-run motels near St. Louis don’t advertise online or offer discounts only by phone. Try calling motels in these more affordable areas:
- Berkeley
- Dellwood
- Pontoon Beach
- Wood River
- Ferguson
- Granite City, IL
Ask them: “Do you offer a weekly or monthly rate? If I stay 30 days, is there a discount?”
Some may rent for as little as $800–$1,200/month.
Motels that Offers $300 a Month Extended Stays in St Louis, MO
1. Motel 70 – High Hill, MO
Located approximately 45 minutes from downtown St. Louis in High Hill, MO, Motel 70 offers clean, simple rooms with amenities such as free Wi-Fi, DirecTV (with premium channels), a mini-refrigerator, and a microwave. While the hotel doesn’t explicitly advertise its monthly rates, it does encourage longer stays and offers discounts for extended bookings.
Contact: Call 636-585-2241 to inquire about monthly packages.
Why it works: Its proximity to St. Louis (via I-70/I-44) and the ability to negotiate rates make it a viable option for budget-conscious travelers.
Pet-friendly: Designated rooms available for travelers with pets (fees may apply)..
2. InTown Suites Extended Stay (St. Louis Metro Area)
InTown Suites operates in several locations in the St. Louis metropolitan area and offers affordable weekly rates that can be converted to monthly stays. While no property explicitly advertises a price of $300 per month, its flexible terms and amenities (kitchens, no credit check, weekly housekeeping) make it a great option for budget-friendly extended stays.
Key Features:
- Fully furnished rooms with kitchens and full-size refrigerators.
- Weekly rates from $1300–$1500.
- No lease or credit check required.
Locations: Search InTown Suites in St. Louis County, St. Charles, or Florissant for competitive rates.
3. Secondary-Market Motels in Nearby Towns
For travelers looking to stay a little further out from St. Louis, smaller towns like Hillsboro, Washington, or Pacific (30-60 minutes from downtown) often have older motels with lower rates. These establishments may not advertise online, but may offer monthly stays for $500.
Tips:
- Call the motels directly and ask about long-stay discounts.
- Look for family-friendly properties along highways like I-44 or US-50.
Example: The Budget Inn of America (multiple locations) occasionally offers monthly rates under $1,000.
4. Private Rentals & Furnished Apartments
Platforms like ApartmentHomeliving.com or Zillow offer furnished apartments and rooms for monthly stays. While most affordable options start at $500 a month, negotiating with landlords in outlying neighborhoods (e.g., East St. Louis, IL) can offer lower prices.
Strategy:
- Search “San Antonio monthly rentals” (replace with St. Louis) and filter by “fully furnished.”
- Use Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist to find unlisted listings from individuals.
5. RV Parks & Campgrounds
For those with RVs or travel trailers, RV parks offer an affordable alternative with many amenities:
St. Louis West KOA Holiday: Monthly rates starting at $1,200 per month with all hookups (water, sewer, and electricity).
TravelLodge Campground & RV Park: Budget-friendly options starting at $900 per month.
What to Expect for a $300-a-Month Motel
Paying just $300 a month for a motel stay is extremely rare in the United States today. That works out to as little as $10 per night. However, in some rural areas, low-income towns, or during certain off-season offerings, it may be possible. If you find a place at this price, here’s what you can realistically expect. At $300 a month, the motel will likely cover only the most basic needs:
- One small bedroom-sized unit
- A bed, often old or uncomfortable
- Possibly a table and chair
- No kitchen—maybe a microwave or mini-fridge (but not guaranteed)
- Shared or limited bathroom access in some cases
- No cleaning service or very infrequent cleaning
- Broken locks, poor lighting, no security cameras
- Areas with high crime rates
- Other residents struggling with homelessness, addiction, or mental health issues
- Little to no staff presence overnight
- Long-term low-income tenants
- Seniors with limited income
- Individuals recently displaced or homeless
- People who pay weekly and can’t qualify for traditional rentals
- Accept cash only
- Require weekly payments ($75–$90 per week)
- May offer a small discount if you pay a full month in advance
- Usually don’t require ID, background checks, or deposits
Budget-Friendly Alternatives to $300 Motels
If you’re looking for budget-friendly alternatives to $300-a-month motels, there are several options that offer affordable accommodations, along with greater convenience and flexibility. Here are some options:
1. Extended-Stay Hotels
Many extended-stay hotels offer weekly and monthly rates comparable to motels, but with better amenities. Some options include:
Extended Stay America: Offers kitchenettes and discounts for longer stays.
Studio 6: Budget-friendly extended-stay hotels with basic amenities.
InTown Suites: Offers affordable weekly rates with furnished rooms.
2. Budget Rentals and Shared Lodging
If you’re interested in renting a room or a shared space, consider:
Monthly Rentals on Airbnb: Some hosts offer longer-term stays at lower rates.
Roommate Finders: Platforms like Roomster and SpareRoom help find shared accommodations. Sublets and Short-Term Rentals: Websites like Craigslist and Zillow offer short-term rental options.
3. Religious and Community Housing
Some churches, monasteries, and community organizations offer affordable or free housing for people in need.
Catholic Charities: Offers emergency housing assistance.
Local Churches: Some churches offer temporary shelter or housing assistance.
Hostels and Dormitories: Affordable hostels may offer monthly rates.
4. RV Parks and Camping Options
If you have access to an RV or camper, staying in an RV park can be an affordable alternative. Some parks offer lower monthly rates than motels.
5. Government and Nonprofit Housing Assistance
If you are having difficulty finding affordable housing, consider contacting:
HUD Housing Assistance: Offers rental subsidies for low-income people.
Local Housing Authorities: May offer low-income apartments or housing vouchers.
Nonprofit organizations: Groups like Habitat for Humanity and the Salvation Army offer housing assistance.
Tips for Staying in a Motel Long-term on a Budget
Staying in a motel long-term on a budget requires careful planning to maximize comfort and keep costs down. Here are some practical tips to help you save money and get the most out of your stay:
1. Negotiate Monthly Rates
Many motels offer discounted rates for extended stays, but they may not advertise them. Call ahead and ask about weekly or monthly rates; some places may offer lower rates if you pay in advance.
2. Choose Motels with Kitchenettes
Eating out daily can be expensive. Look for motels that offer kitchenettes or microwaves, which will allow you to cook simple meals and reduce your food spending.
3. Take Advantage of Loyalty Programs and Discounts
Some motel chains offer loyalty programs or discounts for seniors, military personnel, or AAA members. Enrolling in these programs can result in significant savings.
4. Consider Additional Expenses
While motels may include utilities, you may need to budget for laundry, Wi-Fi, and parking. Some motels charge extra for these services, so check before booking.
5. Keep Essentials on Hand
Since motels may not offer daily housekeeping, bring essentials like extra towels, cleaning supplies, and storage containers to keep your space organized.
6. Look for Local Assistance Programs
Some churches, nonprofits, and community organizations offer housing assistance or temporary financial assistance for long-term motel stays. Consult local resources for support.
7. Stay Safe and Secure
Choose motels in safe neighborhoods and avoid places with frequent complaints about security issues. If possible, request a room near the front desk for added security.
Other Popular $300 a Month Motels:
$300 a Month Motel San Antonio, TX
$300 Rooms for Rent in Philadelphia
Final Thoughts
Although $300-a-month motels near St. Louis are scarce, combining flexibility (e.g., negotiating with owners, staying in nearby towns) with alternative options such as extended-stay suites or RV parks can offer affordable solutions. Always check cancellation policies and long-term booking conditions before committing. To get the best deals, prioritize direct communication with property managers and explore off-peak seasons.
