The cast and crew of The Motel Life lived in a casino during the shoot.
Willie Nelson was big inspiration to The Motel Life.
Alan Polsky and Gabe Polsky were initially unsure about casting Stephen Dorff as Emile Hirsch's brother until Dorff asked to do a test alongside Hirsch. Dorff was always convinced that he would be perfect for the part, having met Hirsch at a party a few years before and telling him that they would play brothers one day.
Dakota Fanning's sister, Elle Fanning has also starred with the film's star, Stephen Dorff in Somewhere.