clean rooms, good service, great space for hanging out with other guests. Cookies, coffee, and tea in lobby at all times.

Yes, this is indeed a moderately-priced chain, but when you pay $89 per night, you should expect to have some modicum of service. The rooms aren't anything to jump up and down about, and during my two-night stay, housekeeping came in to TAKE used bathroom linens, but failed to provide any fresh. They also failed to make the bed. Not a fluke--a friend staying two doors down had exactly the same problem, and when I was there for two nights in July 2004, the same thing happened then. I guess they expect guests to request COMPLETE housekeeping services when they check in. The desk manager expressed dismay about this when I related the issue at check-out, and said that I should have called--but guests shouldn't have to call about repeated failures of what should be the most basic of guest services.

This is most definitely a budget motel, and it generally lives up to those expectations in terms of the vintage of the rooms and the amenities. However, this hotel does step it up a notch, with amenities like in-room refridgerators and microwaves, and free passes to a great gym a few miles away. While a facelift certainly wouldn't hurt the rooms, they are definitely kept very clean. They also go above and beyond with a great staff. Everyone I dealt with was very friendly and helpful. I was here with a group (and without a car) and several people on the staff volunteered personally to drive us to the gym so that we wouldn't need to take a cab. If you're looking for a first-class, full service hotel, look elsewhere. But if you're looking for a solid, clean and afforadable place to stay with a great staff, I heartily recommend this hotel.