Americas Best Value Inn Ellsworth

The room was quiet, clean, and nice, and we liked the newer walk-in shower. It’s an older-style motel, but they’ve kept it up well. We ended up here after a nearby wreck, on the tow truck operator’s recommendation.

The pool was the reason we picked this place, so I called before booking and asked directly if it was open, warm, and usable. The person on the phone said yes. After settling in, we went to swim with our two children and found the water frigid. When we asked about what we’d been told, the only answer was, “it’s indoors and it’s open.” There were other problems too. The pillows were extremely flat, and the sheets smelled musty despite looking clean. Nails, some rusty and some newer, and broken boards were scattered around the parking lot. A free flat tire with your room, what a deal. The hospitality and customer service were poor as well. At first glance, the hotel looks fairly clean and recently renovated, but looking more closely turned up all these issues. I’d steer clear. It wasn’t worth the hassle.

I’m working nearby and have two small children with me. We called specifically to ask whether the pool was open and working, and the woman at the front desk assured us it was. Once we checked in, we found the pool room was maybe 50 degrees and the water was even colder. When I raised it with her, she just said it was open and indoors. If you’re not going to heat the pool in winter, drain it. Don’t tell people it’s working when they call to ask about it.

After dealing with filthy places on this trip, this room felt like a godsend. It was one of the cleanest I’ve ever seen, updated and comfortable, and check-in was quick. It’s pet friendly, and I loved being able to park right outside my room. Restaurants, gas, and a dollar store are nearby. It’s about 10 minutes off i70.