Smith Motel

It was dark and raining when my daughter and I arrived, and we found a safe, clean place to sleep. The staff were friendly, and I'd stop by again. The room seemed brand new, with lovely paint, granite countertops, a granite shower surround, and a comfortable mattress and bedding.

The rooms are decent for the price, but that was about the only positive for us. We stayed around a year, and privacy was a constant problem. Owner Nick would have staff enter our room even when we weren't there, and he would creep around late at night, stopping to listen by people's doors. We couldn't have company without him calling to ask who was in the room or listening outside. He'd stop visitors, including family, and tell them not to return. Residents weren't allowed to socialize and were expected to stay in their own rooms. When rent was due, he'd harass long-term guests, calling hours before checkout to ask if we were staying so he could book the room. He'd talk to us about other guests, then talk about us to them, saying we were trouble or slick or telling them not to speak to us, but rarely addressed problems directly. It was very unprofessional. Two people died there during our year; one person's body remained in the room for a week before it was discovered. Roaches were a serious issue and cleanliness was only the bare minimum. Our door didn't shut properly, the air conditioner sat on wooden blocks, and the curtain had mildew on one side. It took weeks for them to replace it.

We hadn't even stayed a full night when they kicked me and my three toddlers out over a noise complaint from someone downstairs. We weren't making noise, and he wanted to charge us $30 for his own convenience. I'd paid $325 for five days, then he said my refund wouldn't come that day, leaving me and my kids sleeping in the car as I write this. A couple of days later, I still haven't got the money back. The front desk manager is rude, screams at you, and threatens to call the police if you ask him to be respectful. The previous owners were great when I came here the first time, but these new people don't know what they're doing. I'd give zero stars if I could. I may file a court case, but I'll wait and see what happens.

After two failed tries at other hotels, one had even given away a room I'd reserved, I found this place around midnight while looking for a few hours' sleep on a solo drive. The man and woman at the desk were welcoming and kind, and I got a small discount. Paying cash was convenient, and no deposit was needed. For under $75 a night after tax, the rooms are decent and were clean. My experience was a good one.