The Simmer Motel — Hotel in Wamego

We got to wizard of oz room, it was amazing! However, we never actually stayed because of too many sketchy events. Upon check in our code was wrong and we couldn’t get ahold of the front desk. We called all three provided numbers multiple times and there were no voicemails set up. Once they FINALLY answered I didn’t get a chance to give my information, the lady knew exactly what I wanted. She said “oh you’re probably room 121, here is your new code”. This made us nervous as is but we continued with our night. When we got into the room we were nervous that the only lock on the door was the keypad lock. We were so nervous because our keypad number was incorrect and the lady knew it right off the top of her head. We went to eat down town and asked our waitresses about the motel. They both said it’s not too nice and in the ghetto but we should be fine. We then went to the bowling alley where we asked the bartender, Lexi, about the motel. She said it was fine because nothing bad ever happens in Wamego. She then asked why we were in town and we told her for the wizard of Oz things. We realized we were being dramatic and our room would be fine. Then a bit later we overhear a guy at the bar asking where we were staying tonight and Lexi told him. He then asked “are they the girls in room 121” to which she responded yes. After this we realized we needed to leave but before doing so I wanted to confront Lexi about giving out our hotel to strangers. I asked why she did that and she said because the guy was getting us a ride home because we couldn’t drive or walk due to cops sitting outside. Mind you I had not even had one drink. I told her that was not okay and I was not okay with them both knowing our room number when we never gave it out. She was mad that we were trying to leave so my friend and I faked a phone call and went the the other hotel. When talking to locals the next day they all said we did the right thing by trusting our guy because there is nowhere close to even get a ride from. It’s a small town and Uber doesn’t exist there. They also agreed our entire experience was scary and they also wouldn’t have stayed at the motel. Wizard of oz room was cool and good for photos but we will...

This place is great. I have stayed here numerous times when I'm in the area and even plan my routes and timing just so I can stay here. Why....because it's everything I want in a motel! It's very clean, cozy, and comfortable! I hate the generic big box motels (the wal-marts of the motel world) everything is same old, same - old and usually not that clean, with no character or personality to them! This place on the other hand is a classic americana (mother road) type of motel. Besides being super clean it has plenty of personality and charm. Large shade trees all around, you park at your door, and there's no one walking overhead. The rooms are comfy cozy with everything you need. It's American owned which is real important to me...not owned by some East India Corp (which get all sorts of gov. grants to buy up motels and then they allow them to run-down and become totally grungy! ) The owner is on site and it's easy to see there is pride of ownership and the desire to make your stay as pleasant as possible. If your looking for a motel that you want to treat as your personal servant (ie., leave your trash everywhere for them to pick up after you, disrespect others property by damaging, or stealing from them, be demanding or a constant discontent, or only concerned with your wants without thinking how or if it effects your neighbors) don't stay here! Go to a generic big box or East India owned motel.! This motel is too good for that kind of crappy behavior! If you want a clean, cozy, homey, friendly place to stay this is it! They have very reasonable rates and will do their best to make your stay comfortable and pleasant! They are super friendly and you might check-in a stranger but you'll probably leave a friend with plans to return. There's even a mural painted on...

My dad is buried in Wamego, so mom and I always stay at the Summer Motel when we visit. It USED TO BE a great, affordable place to stay, with friendly owners.

But there are new owners now, and I don't know if we will stay there again.

First, we reserved the room we ALWAYS stay in (40 years now) and were told it would be fine. We get there, and it's been rented out. That's after driving 5+ hours, and having to wait nearly an hour for someone to answer the buzzer.

Second, check in time is at 3, we got there by 2:15, and buzzed the door. Nobody answered. Buzzed every 10 minutes, until we finally spotted someone from housecleaning making her rounds. SHE was able to get a man (manager???) to help us, but even HE couldn't get into our room (which was NOT the room we reserved.) The housekeeper let us in, and at 3:15 he said he'd "get back to us with the code for the door." Finally around 7pm, I called the front desk, and he answered. Said he'd forgotten about us, but would get the code to us ASAP. 15-20 more minutes later, we finally had a door code. And there were about 5 other rooms with folks in them, so it's not like they were busy.

We had reserved 4 nights, but told them upon check-in that we would only need 3. They didn't seem inclined to credit the 4th night, but of course they hit the credit card the second we made the reservation. It's been almost 3 weeks, and we're still waiting for that refund.

There are other hotels and motels nearby, including one basically across the street, and that's where we will stay from now on.

Housekeeping only cleans/brings towels upon check-out, but the gal was nice, and did her best to help us. SHE gets 5 stars. Management...