Economy Inn Granite City

The owner told me at checkout that he had taken over about six weeks earlier. He said the first floor had been renovated, work on the second floor was underway, and corporate had been contacted about the broken window. The windows are made to order, he explained, so it would take a few weeks for one to be ready and a couple more for an installer to replace it. I felt for him; he seemed to be doing his best to improve the place, putting incoming money straight into upgrades. When we arrived, a couple of staff members were installing new, higher-definition security cameras. I have no doubt this will be a very nice hotel by spring, and I wish them all the best. During our stay, though, the room left much to be desired. The broken window was covered with a clear trash bag, and our door didn’t catch or lock when shut. From inside, the hinged swing-arm lock was the only way to secure it. The service itself was excellent.

We weren’t sure we wanted to stay when we first drove up, but they let us look at the room and it was better than expected. The air conditioning worked really well, and the bed was soft and comfortable. There was just a sheet and bedspread, but it kept us warmer than I expected, even though my husband likes to sleep in a walk-in freezer.

The staff are very nice and willing to help, and it’s a quiet place with little traffic coming and going. Rooms are moderate; they’ve upgraded to flat-screen TVs, and there’s laundry on site and WiFi. It’s near shopping, on scenic Route 66, and not far from the bluffs in Alton, Illinois, the St. Louis Arch, and other St. Louis attractions. This is a cheaper hotel, suited to families on a budget and truck drivers.

The outside of the motel looks a little rough, but there’s nothing wrong with the place inside, and it has everything you need. The family running it is really nice, the rooms are good for a reasonable price, and the shower pressure is as nice as other reviews say. I ended up here after I couldn’t find the KOA and the EconoLodge was full, and I’m glad I did. I’d come back, and choose it first next time.