You’re driving down I-69, the sun is dipping below the Indiana cornfields, and your eyelids are getting heavy. You need a spot to crash. Usually, that’s when you see the glowing blue sign for Motel 6 Anderson IN.
Honestly, most people look at a Motel 6 and think they know exactly what they’re getting. A cheap bed, a thin towel, and maybe a weird smell in the hallway. But the Anderson location—technically listed as Motel 6 Indianapolis - Anderson at 2205 East 59th Street—is a bit of a weird case study in "expectations vs. reality."
It’s a 2-star spot. We all know that. But in a town like Anderson, where you’re basically a stone’s throw from Harrah’s Hoosier Park and Mounds State Park, this specific motel carries a lot of weight for budget travelers. It’s not just a room; it’s a strategic basecamp, provided you know which floor to ask for.
The Reality of Staying at Motel 6 Anderson IN
If you’ve spent any time on TripAdvisor or Expedia lately, you’ll see the reviews for this place are a total rollercoaster. We’re talking a 6.6 or 6.7 average. That’s the "C-minus" of the hotel world.
Why?
Well, it’s mostly because the experience depends entirely on who’s working the desk and which of the 55 rooms you land in. Recently, some guests have raved about how quiet and clean their stay was. One review from early January 2026 mentioned it was "exceptionally clean." Then you flip the page and find someone complaining about a faulty heater or a missing bathroom door handle.
🔗 Read more: Jackson: What Really Happened with Mississippi's Capital
It’s inconsistent. That’s the honest truth.
The building itself was put up in 1994 and got a facelift around 2015. You’ll see those "modern" wood-effect floors that Motel 6 rolled out across the country to replace the old, germ-trapping carpets. It makes the rooms feel cleaner, for sure. But it also means you hear every footstep from the person in the room above you.
What You’re Actually Getting for the Price
Let’s talk amenities, because this is where people get confused.
- The Pool Situation: This is the big one. Many sites still list an indoor pool and hot tub. Don’t hold your breath. For a long time, guests have reported the pool being closed or non-operational. If a morning swim is your dealbreaker, call the front desk at (765) 644-4422 before you book.
- Truck and RV Parking: This is actually a huge win. They have a massive lot. If you’re hauling a trailer or driving a big rig, you aren’t going to struggle to park here like you might at some of the cramped hotels closer to downtown.
- WiFi: It’s free. It works. It’s not fiber-optic fast, but you can stream a movie or check your emails without throwing your phone across the room.
The "Pet Policy" is Why People Keep Coming Back
If there is one thing Motel 6 Anderson IN does better than almost anyone else in Madison County, it’s the pet policy.
They don’t charge a pet fee.
Most "pet-friendly" hotels in the area, like the nearby Best Western or Fairfield, will tack on $25 to $75 per night just for the privilege of having your dog sleep on the floor. At Motel 6, your dog (or cat) stays free. You can bring two pets of any size.
There’s a grassy area right outside for relief, and honestly, the staff is usually pretty chill about four-legged guests as long as they aren't barking at the housekeeping carts. Just don't leave them unattended in the room. That’s the one rule they actually enforce, mostly because they don’t want a stressed-out terrier chewing through the drywall.
Safety and the "Anderson Factor"
We have to address the elephant in the room. If you Google this specific motel, you might see some old headlines about a police-involved shooting back in 2023.
It was a heavy situation involving a warrant service that went south.
Is the place dangerous? Not necessarily. It’s a budget motel right off the highway. Like any property at this price point, it attracts a mix of people—construction crews, families on a budget, and folks just passing through. The front desk is staffed 24/7, and they have a safe for valuables.
The area itself is actually pretty developed. You’re right by a Steak 'n Shake, an Olive Garden, and a Cracker Barrel. It’s a busy commercial strip, not some isolated dark alley.
Pro-Tips for a Better Stay
- Request the Second Floor: Unless you have mobility issues (they do have accessible rooms on the first floor), go high. You won't hear people walking over your head, and it generally feels a bit more private.
- Check the Fridge: Not every room has a microwave and refrigerator. If you’re planning on saving money by eating leftovers, specifically book the "Deluxe King" or "Deluxe Queen" rooms. The standard rooms are pretty bare-bones.
- Morning Coffee: They have free coffee in the lobby. It’s... fine. It’ll wake you up. But if you’re a coffee snob, there’s a Starbucks a short drive away.
Why Location is the Secret Weapon
People don't stay at a Motel 6 for the Egyptian cotton sheets. They stay for the location.
If you’re in town for the races, you’re less than two miles from Harrah’s Hoosier Park Racing & Casino. You can spend your money at the tables instead of on a fancy suite.
You’re also incredibly close to Mounds State Park. It’s one of the coolest spots in Indiana, featuring earthworks built by the Adena-Hopewell people. It’s about a five-minute drive from the motel lobby to the park entrance. If you’re traveling with kids or dogs, it’s the perfect place to burn off some energy before another eight hours in the car.
Nearby Points of Interest:
- Hoosier Park: 1.3 miles (The main draw for most weekenders).
- Anderson University: About 3 miles north.
- Anderson Speedway: 4.5 miles away for the high-octane crowd.
- Ball State University: A 20-minute jump up I-69 to Muncie.
How to Get the Best Rate
Don’t just walk in. The "walk-in" rate is almost always higher than what you’ll find online.
Usually, the rates hover between $55 and $85 depending on whether it’s a random Tuesday or a race weekend. If you’re a senior (60+), a member of the military, or a student, you can grab an extra 10% off.
Also, check the "My6" app. Sometimes they have "app-only" deals that shave five bucks off the nightly price. In the world of budget travel, five bucks is a free lunch at the vending machine.
Is it Worth it?
If you need a five-star experience with a mint on your pillow, go somewhere else. Seriously. You’ll be disappointed here.
But if you’re a road tripper with a dog, a contractor working a job in Madison County, or someone who just needs a place to sleep after a long night at the casino, Motel 6 Anderson IN does exactly what it says on the tin. It keeps the light on. It’s basic, it’s affordable, and it’s right where you need it to be.
Just remember to bring your own shampoo—the little bars of soap they give you won't get the job done.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Confirm Amenities: Call the property directly to verify if the indoor pool has reopened, as status changes frequently.
- Book for Pets: If traveling with animals, mention them during your online booking to ensure you are placed in a room near the grassy relief areas.
- Check Race Schedules: Avoid booking during major events at Hoosier Park or the Anderson Speedway if you want the lowest possible rate and a quieter stay.