Stay at Sierra Pelona Motel with free Wi-Fi and parking in Santa Clarita, near Vasquez Rocks and Angeles National Forest. Rated 4 stars with 85 reviews.
Guests appreciate the motel's nostalgic charm, welcoming staff, and clean, simple rooms. The location is ideal for enjoying nearby nature and film-related sightseeing, though some amenities are basic and a few guests mention minor issues with room upkeep.
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Rooms, shared spaces, dining and exterior — grouped so you can skim quickly.
Located on Sierra Highway in Santa Clarita, the Sierra Pelona Motel offers a straightforward, vintage lodging experience that appeals to travelers seeking a budget-friendly option with a touch of local character. The motel’s simple, retro-style rooms provide the essentials with clean accommodations that some guests describe as rustic or quaint. While the décor reflects a time-capsule quality, some visitors note that rooms can feel a bit dated and that amenities are basic, without on-site dining or fitness facilities.
Guests benefit from complimentary Wi-Fi and free parking, making it suitable for those passing through or exploring the area with family. The motel is kid-friendly but does not feature a pool or restaurant, so guests should plan accordingly. The property's reputation is bolstered by friendly and attentive staff, whose personal touch contributes strongly to the atmosphere, as highlighted in several guest reviews praising the management’s welcoming approach.
Positioned near outdoor attractions such as Vasquez Rocks Natural Area, Angeles National Forest, and Placerita Canyon Nature Center, the location suits visitors interested in sightseeing and recreational activities. Its proximity to several airports, including Hollywood Burbank Airport and Los Angeles International Airport, also makes it accessible for various travel plans. While the motel is praised for its affordability and nostalgic ambiance, some guests have mentioned inconsistencies like heating issues or cleanliness, suggesting it may be best suited for those prioritizing experience and location over luxury.
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Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.
Sierra Pelona is not your standard roadside motel. It’s an iconic location where dozens of movies have been filmed over decades — from horrors and detectives to the Lucky series on Apple TV. The rooms are simple, vintage, and clean. A little shabby-chic, a little time capsule. The cost reminds you that authenticity doesn’t have to come with a luxury price tag. The reception desk deserves its own movie: old school jazz, dark wood furniture aged by decades of stories, and a bell that probably rang when Reagan was president. But the true soul of Sierra Pelona isn’t in the props — it’s in the people. The manager is thoughtful and caring, yet spontaneous and fun guy — the kind of person who restores your faith in humanity. When I was leaving, I asked what I could do to thank him, and he shared his dream: “I wanna be in a movie”. So here’s my message to every director and producer out there: come meet him! You’ll find a character no casting call could ever invent. Bottom line: Sierra Pelona Motel is a living relic of the 1980s — at the crossroads of Hollywood nostalgia and desert solitude. If you visit the area, it’s absolutely worth checking out.
This is a quaint motel that has been in movies and tv shows. The staff is friendly and helpful, and the grounds are nice and welcoming. The room was okay, but the sheets did not seem clean. However I was there for the experience and the charm, which is abundant.
it was so neato! the room was spacious and maybe haunted by friendly ghosts
Rustic motel in a beautiful rural setting, comfortable bed, cold refrigerator, microwave, TV and hot shower. The manager was welcoming and check in/out process was smooth.
Great price & Excellent location for theme parks! Staff is amazing and friendly, ever so helpful. Rooms are clean and comfortable, just a little outdated. I have to ask - Why can’t Troy Boy be dead man #9 in one of the movies??
Amazing spot! Troy was such a nice and accommodating host. We are PCT hikers and he was kind enough to pick us up and drop us off from the trail. Simple quiet clean rooms for a very reasonable price!
Took a family trip and wanted to stay near Vasquez Rocks for the biking and rock-seeing activities. The manager at Sierra Pelona Motel was super friendly and helpful. Had a nice stay. Rooms are simple and clean. Got good directions to other local attractions and places to eat. Fun to be in the rooms featured in so many TV shows and movies!
⭐⭐⭐⭐ The owner is very kind and friendly, which made the stay welcoming and pleasant. The room was clean and comfortable overall, but the heat wasn’t working during a cold night, which was a bit uncomfortable. With that fixed, this place would be even better.
Based on sightseeing, recreation, and getting around
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