Stay at El Canelo Motel, a kid-friendly spot in Oakland, MD with a 4.4 rating. Close to Deep Creek Lake, Swallow Falls, and Wisp Resort for recreation and sightseeing.
Guests consistently highlight the friendly service, clean rooms, and exceptional Mexican restaurant. While the motel offers good value and a welcoming atmosphere, some note minor inconveniences such as noisy air conditioning and lack of provided soap.
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Rooms, shared spaces, dining and exterior — grouped so you can skim quickly.
El Canelo Motel is a comfortable and approachable option located on Garrett Highway in Oakland, Maryland. This motel, which also functions in part as a hotel, offers a practical setting for visitors exploring the scenic attractions of the area. Rated 4.4 out of 5 by guests, it benefits from a reputation for cleanliness and attentive, respectful service, with several reviewers noting the kindness of the staff and owner.
The property is especially noted for its on-site dining through the El Canelo Restaurant, a Mexican eatery praised for its authentic flavors and friendly staff. Many guests highlight the restaurant as a standout feature, making it a frequent destination even for locals. Its kid-friendly atmosphere and reasonable pricing add to the appeal for families and travelers seeking straightforward accommodations in a small-town environment.
Conveniently positioned near popular outdoor destinations like Deep Creek Lake, Swallow Falls State Park, and Wisp Resort, the motel suits those interested in sightseeing, recreation, and easy access to nearby natural attractions. Visitors often appreciate the ample parking and the relaxed pace of the area, making El Canelo a practical base for enjoying year-round sporting and nature activities.
Guest feedback is generally positive, with many praising the cleanliness and comfort of the rooms. A few comments mention minor issues such as a loud air conditioner or the absence of soap in rooms, but these are typically seen as small drawbacks within an otherwise satisfactory stay. Flexible accommodation policies and community-minded management further enhance the motel's standing among repeat visitors and locals alike.
The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.
Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.
Omg, I’ve never stayed at the motel—my parents won’t book it because I would insist on going to the AMAZING restaurant every day lol— but I am a very frequent restaurant customer. Favorite. Restaurant. Ever. The owner and all the employees are too kind!!! And I love everyone there and the food!!!! Great veggie options. :)
We are big Mexican fans and this place is a must try! Definitely authentic and Definitely delicious! The kitchen and staff are an efficient well oiled machine! They hard working and friendly. From where we were sitting the last time, we could peek into the kitchen when the door was opened and it looks very clean. This will quickly become a regular stop once you try it!
Was in town for a wedding, and needed to rest my head. The staff was very kind. Great room. Comfy bed. Incredibly flexible with my accommodations since I was booking so last minute. Wish I stayed long enough to try the food. Hopeful to return!
I've stayed numerous times in the past 10 years with little or no complaints. They are very clean & reasonably priced. The owner & front desk treat u with respect & they also work with the community & through places like Garrett County Community Action & the Garrett County Health Department they offer a place to stay for people in need or people that are homeless. I have a lot of respect for this establishment (expecially considering about 10 years ago I once used them for that reason) & it warms my heart to know people & businesses still genuinely care about their community
Small town in all the good ways and none of the bad: welcoming, uncomplicated, and clean. We were lucky to get a room at this nice motel only 15 minutes from Swallow Falls. Everything was very clean. Linens were perfectly white. Beds were fresh and the sheets were soft. The pillows were flat for my liking but I know to bring my own. No dust, bugs, nor buildup. The fridge and microwave were spotless and smelled fresh. Parking was plenty and close. We felt safe. Critiques: AC was loud and there was no soap. If I knew there was not even a bar of soap, I would've brought some. If those are the biggest problems, there's actually no problem. Hope that helps!
Great costumer service, clean definitely will come back and recommend this awesome place
I had a great experience staying at the El Canelo. I was working out of town and Everyone here made me feel at home. It was very comfortable and the restaurant has very good food. I will definitely come back here. I did stay a month here. No complaints at all. The owner Lisa is a very nice Lady and she really took the time to help me out. Thank you so very much To The El Canelo Motel & Restaurant Crew!
I LOVE this place! The food never disappoints and the staff is very kind. They always remember us and have seen our family grow over the years. It's a wonderful addition to our small town!
Based on sightseeing, recreation, and getting around
Curated spots travelers usually pair with a stay in Maryland. Distances are rough real-world times, not straight-line.
2,920 reviews 296 Marsh Hill Rd, McHenry, MD 21541, United States
778 reviews Maryland, USA
3,619 reviews 2470 Maple Glade Rd, Oakland, MD 21550, United States
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