Finding a place to crash in Salt Lake City shouldn't feel like a high-stakes gamble. But if you’ve been scouring the internet for a budget-friendly extended stay, you’ve probably hit a wall of confusing reviews and mixed signals regarding Studio 6 Salt Lake City. Specifically, the location in Murray—often marketed as "Studio 6 Salt Lake City - Fort Union"—is the primary spot people end up at when they're looking for that specific "6" brand experience with a kitchenette.
Honestly, the reputation of economy lodging in the Salt Lake Valley is all over the place. You have gleaming new builds next to relics from the 90s. Studio 6 Salt Lake City occupies a very specific niche: it’s for the person who needs to boil pasta and sleep for a week without spending $200 a night. It isn't the Grand America. It isn't even a mid-range Hilton Garden Inn. It is a utility.
The Reality of Studio 6 Salt Lake City - Fort Union
Most travelers get tripped up by the name. While everyone calls it Salt Lake, this property is technically tucked away at 975 East 6600 South in Murray. Location-wise, it’s actually pretty strategic. You’re about 15 minutes from downtown SLC and roughly the same distance from the mouth of Big Cottonwood Canyon. If you’re here for a week of skiing at Brighton or Solitude but can't afford the $400-a-night lodge prices, this is usually the "hack" people suggest.
The building itself was constructed around 2001. It shows.
You’ve got 132 rooms spread out across a layout that feels very much like its sibling, Motel 6, but with a few crucial upgrades. The biggest differentiator? The kitchen. Every room at Studio 6 Salt Lake City features a kitchenette. We aren't talking about a gourmet setup here. It’s a two-burner stove, a microwave, a full-sized fridge (usually), and a sink. It’s basic. It’s functional. It’s exactly what you need to avoid eating McDonald's three times a day.
What the Rooms are Actually Like
Walking into a room here, you'll notice the flooring first. Most G6 properties (the parent company of Motel 6 and Studio 6) have moved to wood-effect laminate. It's easier to clean than those old, crusty hotel carpets that have seen too much history.
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Sentence lengths vary because life isn't a brochure. Some rooms feel crisp. Others feel like they've had a rough decade.
- Space: You’re looking at roughly 199 to 250 square feet.
- The Beds: Standard queens. They’re firm. Some say "supportive," others say "like a brick."
- Storage: Since it's an extended stay, there’s usually a bit more hanging space than a standard motel room.
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi is included, but let’s be real—if everyone in the building is streaming Netflix at 8:00 PM, don't expect to win any gaming tournaments.
Addressing the Sketchy Factor
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: safety and "sketchiness." If you read reviews for Studio 6 Salt Lake City, you’ll see people mention "shady characters" or a "run-down vibe." This is a common theme in the economy extended-stay world. Because the price point is low and they allow weekly stays, you get a very diverse mix of guests. You’ll see construction crews, families in transition, and solo travelers on a budget.
Recent guest reports from 2025 and early 2026 suggest that your experience depends heavily on which floor and which side of the building you’re on. Some guests have noted boarded-up windows in certain sections during renovations, which can definitely give off a "disaster movie" vibe.
Is it dangerous? Generally, no. Is it "vibrant" in a way that might make a suburban traveler nervous? Sometimes. The parking lot is well-lit, and there's a 24-hour front desk. If you’re worried, ask for a room near the lobby or on a higher floor.
The Fort Union Neighborhood Advantage
Despite the "motel" feel, the surrounding area is actually quite good. You are right near Fashion Place Mall. If you need supplies, there’s a Maverik nearby and a Raising Cane’s if you give up on cooking in your kitchenette. Being in the Midvalley area means you’re central to everything. You aren't stuck in the industrial wasteland near the airport, and you aren't paying the "Downtown Tax" for a room in the city center.
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Pets, Policies, and The Fine Print
If you’re traveling with a dog, Studio 6 Salt Lake City is one of the more reasonable options in the valley. Unlike Motel 6 where pets usually stay free, Studio 6 typically charges a fee. Usually, it’s $10 per day, capped at $100 per stay.
They allow two pets per room. No weight limit is usually enforced, which is a godsend if you have a 90-pound Lab. There’s a small grassy area on-site for "business," but don't expect a dog park.
Checking In: The Logistics
- Age Requirement: You must be 18 to check in here. Some locations in Utah are strict about 21, but 18 is the standard at this Murray spot.
- ID and Plastic: They require a photo ID and a credit card. No, they won't take a wad of cash at the window like in a noir film.
- Housekeeping: Don't expect daily turndown service. This is an extended-stay model. They typically service the rooms twice a week or upon request for a small fee.
Why Choose Studio 6 Over a Standard Motel?
It basically comes down to the "Cost of Living" while traveling. If you stay at a regular Motel 6 for five days, you’re eating out for 15 meals. If you stay at Studio 6 Salt Lake City, you can hit the local Smith’s or Harmons, stock the fridge, and save $200 on food alone.
It’s about the "vibe of home" in a very minimalist package. You get a desk that’s actually big enough to put a laptop and a sandwich on. You get a bathroom that is purely utilitarian—shower, toilet, sink. Nothing more.
Surprising Details Most People Miss
One thing people don't realize is the "Dual Brand" aspect. Sometimes, a property will operate as both a Motel 6 and a Studio 6 in the same building. This specific Murray location has been known to shuffle its inventory. Make sure your reservation explicitly states "Studio 6" if you want that kitchenette. Otherwise, you might find yourself in a standard room wondering where the stove went.
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Also, accessibility is a strong point here. They have a decent number of ADA-compliant rooms with roll-in showers. Since the building is only a few stories and lacks an elevator in some wings (always check this at booking!), getting a ground-floor accessible room is crucial if you have mobility issues.
Making the Most of Your Stay
If you decide to book Studio 6 Salt Lake City, go in with managed expectations. It is a budget tool.
- Bring your own kitchen kit: While they provide the basics, a sharp knife and a decent non-stick pan from home can make your life 100% better.
- Request the "Front" Side: Rooms facing the street or the main entrance tend to feel less isolated.
- Join the My6 Program: It’s free and usually knocks 5-10% off the rate immediately.
The value proposition here is simple: location and a stove. If you need to be near the canyons or the south end of the valley and you want to keep your budget under $75-90 a night, this is your primary candidate. Just don't expect a mint on your pillow.
Actionable Next Steps
Before you click "book," verify the current state of renovations. Call the front desk at the Murray location directly rather than using the national 1-800 number. Ask specifically if the room you are being assigned has been updated with the new laminate flooring and if the kitchenette appliances are full-sized or "mini." If you are planning to stay for more than 7 days, ask for the "Weekly Rate"—it’s almost always significantly lower than the daily rate multiplied by seven, but it often isn't applied automatically on third-party booking sites.