Motel Emporio

We felt like we were in a prison. The motel is just off the motorway, but there’s nothing nearby. It also felt very impersonal: every room has its own garage, but we weren’t given a key or remote to open and close it, so everything had to go through reception over an intercom. There’s a hatch from the room to a service corridor for returning passports and answering questions. We tried to arrange breakfast for the next morning, but they wouldn’t take a booking.

The food was basic, but perfectly edible, arrived hot, and tasted good. Room service runs 24/7, with delivery and payment handled through a hatch in the wardrobe. The room itself was clean and tidy, with a massive, comfortable bed. It’s a very unusual, secure hotel setup, and I didn’t see any staff. Check-in and check-out were done at a little secure box by the entrance and exit.

I just needed somewhere for an overnight stop, and it was brilliant. Everything I needed for a good night's sleep was there.

The private garage with each room made this feel really safe, especially for anyone travelling on motorbikes, and the price was good too. The food came right to the room through the wardrobe hatch, which was odd but fun. Great location and good service.