Eastern Shore Motel

A good price, a safe location, and clean, simple rooms made this a perfect overnight stop. The front desk staff were helpful and friendly, and I really appreciated that they accept pets.

My key card stopped working late at night, but the overnight staff fixed it quickly so I could get into my room. I’ve had the same issue at nicer hotels, so it wouldn’t lower my rating. Some corners and crevices weren’t clean, but when I wiped down the surfaces, the wipe came away clean. The paint was chipped and peeling, and there were mystery stains on the curtains and walls. That’s cosmetic to me, and at $200 for three nights, I don’t care much about the paint. I’m a woman in my early thirties traveling alone, and this is just my own experience. Some comments about the motel were nearly a decade old, so I thought a newer account might help. I felt safe and slept well. The staff were attentive and polite, and neither cleaners nor other guests bothered me. My parking spot was right outside the door, with a 24-hour Waffle House just 20 feet away. It was July and there were zero bugs. The furniture and furnishings seemed updated enough to make the room feel somewhat cared for. The water pressure was great, and there was a mini fridge and microwave. The location worked well, booking and paying online was easy, and check-in and checkout were hassle-free. They gave me a receipt at check-in and said I could switch rooms after inspecting mine if I didn’t like it. I noticed no odd smells apart from a little stale cigarette odor. The toilet was clean and had no rust stains. Sheets and towels were clean, though inexpensive, as you’d expect. There’s no carpet, which helps keep floors clean between guests. Children were staying there too, so it didn’t feel as seedy as I might have expected. The blackout curtains covered the whole window, with side blockers for privacy and light, and there was a full-length mirror. The air conditioning was a relief in the July heat and cooled the room quickly, even making it chilly when turned up. When I travel, I bring shower shoes, my own pillowcase, and a clear plastic bag for the remote, like the ones that disposable cups come in. Insider Edition did an exposé on how filthy remotes and other things can be, even at highly rated hotels, and I don’t take chances. I also bring a Velcro strap to secure the deadbolt under tension so it stays locked even if the handle is turned. For an affordable place, I was very happy with what I got.

The one bright spot was Wayne at the front desk. He was friendly, professional, caring, and great to deal with. The owners, though, fall short of providing a safe, clean place. Our room had mold all through the window AC unit, grime in every floor corner, flies, and other bugs. The hot water came and went. For rooms like these, this place should cost $55, not $70.

I was hoping to get some rest, but instead got roaches everywhere, an old smoke and regret smell, and Breaking Bad. Sketchy people were hanging around like a crime documentary casting call, and as we were leaving I actually saw what looked like a drug deal next door. I came for one cheap night and ended up mapping an escape route. You’d be better off in your car with the windows cracked. At least hotels.com refunded me right away.