Microtel is a budget hotel chain owned by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts

Microtel is a hotel brand that focuses on small, no-frills rooms at lower nightly rates than full-service hotels. The chain is owned and operated by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, one of the largest hotel companies in the world. Microtel properties are typically located near highways, airports, and business districts rather than in downtown tourist areas.

The brand operates under the philosophy that travelers do not need expensive amenities to have a clean, safe place to sleep. A Microtel room usually includes a bed, a private bathroom, a television, and air conditioning — but not much else. There are no on-site restaurants, room service, or front desk staff available 24 hours a day at most locations.

Microtel competes directly with other budget chains like Motel 6, Red Roof Inn, and Super 8. The brand appeals to business travelers on tight per-diem budgets, road-trip families, and anyone looking to cut lodging costs without staying in a hostel or unsafe facility.

Key Takeaways

  • Microtel rooms are smaller and simpler than standard hotel rooms, with basic furnishings and no restaurant or room service on-site.
  • Nightly rates are typically lower than mid-range hotel chains, though the exact price varies by location and season.
  • Most Microtel locations offer free Wi-Fi, a small fitness center, and a basic continental breakfast.
  • You can book a Microtel room directly through the Wyndham website, through third-party booking sites, or by calling the specific property.
  • Microtel is part of the Wyndham Rewards loyalty program, so stays can earn points toward free nights at any Wyndham-branded hotel.

What you get in a Microtel room

A typical Microtel guest room is smaller than a standard hotel room — usually around 150 to 200 square feet. The room contains a bed (usually a queen or double), a small desk or table, a television with basic cable or streaming access, and a private bathroom with a shower or shower-tub combination. Climate control is included, and most rooms have a window.

Microtel does not provide daily housekeeping, extra towels on request, or a front desk open around the clock. If you need something during the night, you may have to wait until morning or use a phone number posted in your room. Rooms are cleaned between guests, but not during a stay unless you request it.

Most Microtel locations include free Wi-Fi throughout the property, a small fitness center with basic equipment, and a continental breakfast in the morning — usually pastries, cereal, coffee, and juice rather than a hot meal. Some properties have a small business center with a computer and printer.

How Microtel pricing works

Microtel nightly rates vary widely depending on the city, the season, and how far in advance you book. A room in a rural area during the off-season might cost $50 to $70 per night, while a room near an airport or in a major city during peak travel season could run $100 to $150 or more. Rates are typically lower on weeknights than weekends.

The price you see online usually includes the room only — taxes and resort fees (if any) are added at checkout. Some Microtel locations charge a small fee for parking, though most offer free parking. Pets may be allowed at certain properties for an additional nightly fee, typically $10 to $25.

Microtel does not charge cancellation fees if you cancel within the timeframe stated at booking, which is often 24 to 48 hours before arrival. If you cancel after that window closes, you may be charged for one night. Always check the cancellation policy for the specific property before you book.

How to book a Microtel room

You can book a Microtel room through several channels. The official Wyndham Hotels website (wyndhamhotels.com) lists all Microtel properties and allows you to search by location and date. You can also call the specific Microtel property directly — the phone number appears in the search results or on Google Maps.

Third-party booking sites like Booking.com, Expedia, Hotels.com, and Kayak also list Microtel properties. These sites sometimes show lower rates than the official Wyndham website, though the room and terms are the same. Compare prices across a few sites before booking, as rates can differ by $10 to $20 per night.

When you book, you will need to provide a name, email address, phone number, and a valid credit card. Most bookings require you to enter your credit card information to hold the reservation, even if you plan to pay at the front desk when you arrive. The hotel will not charge your card until you check in, unless you cancel after the important date.

Wyndham Rewards and loyalty benefits

Microtel is part of the Wyndham Rewards program, Wyndham's free loyalty system. When you stay at any Wyndham-branded hotel — including Microtel, Days Inn, La Quinta, or Ramada — you earn points toward free nights, room upgrades, and other perks. You do not have to pay to join; you straightforward create an account before or during your booking.

Points are typically awarded based on the room rate you paid, not a flat amount per night. A $60 night might earn 60 points, while a $120 night earns 120 points. You can redeem points for a free night at any Wyndham property, though the number of points needed varies by location and season.

Wyndham Rewards members also receive perks like free Wi-Fi (which Microtel offers anyway), room upgrades when available, and late checkout. Elite members who stay frequently receive additional benefits like free breakfast or points bonuses.

What to expect when you arrive at a Microtel

Check-in at Microtel is typically between 3:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m., though some properties allow earlier check-in if a room is ready. Check-out is usually 11:00 a.m. the next morning. If you need to check in outside these hours, call the property ahead of time to arrange it.

At the front desk, you will show your ID and the credit card used to book the room. The staff will give you a key card or physical key and direct you to your room. If you have questions about the property — Wi-Fi password, breakfast times, parking — ask at this time.

Breakfast is usually served in a small lobby area between 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. It is self-serve; you help yourself to what is available. If you plan to leave early, ask if breakfast can be provided in your room or if you can take items with you.

Microtel versus other budget hotel chains

Microtel competes with several other budget chains, each with slightly different offerings. Motel 6 and Red Roof Inn typically have lower nightly rates but fewer amenities — often no breakfast or fitness center. Super 8 and Days Inn (also owned by Wyndham) are similar to Microtel but sometimes have slightly larger rooms or more amenities, which can mean higher rates.

The main advantage of Microtel is consistency: because all properties are owned by Wyndham, the rooms, cleanliness standards, and amenities are more uniform than at independently-owned budget motels. You know roughly what to expect before you arrive. The trade-off is that Microtel may cost a few dollars more per night than the absolute cheapest options.

If you travel frequently for work or leisure, Microtel's inclusion in the Wyndham Rewards program is a practical benefit — your stays accumulate points that can eventually earn you free nights. If you stay only once or twice a year, this loyalty program may not matter to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Microtel rooms have air conditioning and heating?

Yes. All Microtel rooms include climate control — you can adjust the temperature in your room. The system is usually a wall unit or central air, and it works the same way as in any other hotel.

Is breakfast really free at Microtel?

Yes, breakfast is included in your room rate at most Microtel locations. It is a continental breakfast — pastries, cereal, coffee, juice, and sometimes toast or bagels — not a hot meal. A few older or franchised properties may not offer breakfast; check the property details when you book.

Can I bring a pet to Microtel?

Many Microtel properties allow pets for an additional fee, usually $10 to $25 per night. Not all locations accept pets, so check the property details or call ahead before you book. You may be asked to keep your pet in the room when you are not there.

What if I need to stay longer than one night?

Microtel accepts multi-night bookings just like any other hotel. Weekly rates are sometimes lower than the nightly rate multiplied by seven days. Call the property directly or check the booking site for weekly pricing options.

Can I get a refund if I am unhappy with my room?

Refund policies vary by property and booking terms. If you have a serious problem — the room is dirty, the air conditioning does not work, there is noise all night — report it to the front desk when ready. The staff may move you to a different room or offer a partial refund. If you booked through a third-party site, you may also contact that site's customer service for help.