I prefer older independent motels to interstate chains, the older the better. Vintage motels are always my first choice. I was in Mo Valley to visit family and do genealogy research at local cemeteries again, and decided to stay at the Hillside. Despite the name, there are no separate cottages, just a long low court motel behind a big old farmhouse. You can park right in front of your door. The rooms are small but very clean and charmingly furnished with a blend of old and new. The beds were comfortable, the AC worked, the bathroom fixtures all were clean and working. I couldn't hear my neighbors, good sound separation. But the real bonus is the location; far away from the CONSTANT interstate roar and railroad crossing noise that plagues the other motels in town. Mo Valley is a railroad town and there are dozens of trains a day, with loud horns and clanging crossings. You won't hear that at the Hillside, just train horns in the distance. I like trains, but i like to sleep too!
Hillside Cottages is on the Old Lincoln Highway, at the far east end of town behind a bluff. The old highway isn't that busy, and the cicadas in the trees were the loudest thing out there. I recommend this place for folks who dig real history, local ambiance and a clean quiet sleep. My ONLY beef is that my room didn't have a table! It did have a nice micro-fridge tho. It also about 6 nautical themed clocks, only one of which was set to the right time. But these things are minor weirdnesses, part of the fun. I would definitely stay there again, all five of us in my party feel the same. Good Value, Good historical appeal, quiet and friendly. Not fancy, but clean.