My Place Hotel - Dahlgren/King George, VA

This place is simple and nice, and it was much better than Red Roof Inn for our one-night road trip stop. Red Roof Inn advertises low prices, but I’ve run into shady bait-and-switch pricing there, with them wanting more than the online rate once you arrive. This one cost a little more, but was so much better. I’ll look for places like this when planning road trips and hope there are more around the country. I’ll definitely stay here again.

The room was the highlight: a small kitchenette, spotless bathroom, and a plush rocking chair. I only wish I’d brought food so I could have cooked a nice meal. The lobby is cozy, with plenty of snacks to buy if you don’t want to go out. The property looks tidy and safe, and the building seems well maintained. There are several shopping and food options just across the street, including about five good restaurants within easy walking distance, so you can park and forget the car. Colonial Beach is only 20 minutes away, and the hotel makes a good base for exploring the region. I didn’t hear a peep all night, despite worrying about noise. The lobby staff were fun and friendly, and even wished me luck for the triathlon I was competing in. I expected something basic for the price, but left feeling valued and uplifted. It was one of my best experiences at an American roadside hotel, though it is still a budget hotel, not a resort. (Photo is the view from my room on the second floor.)

There were used cotton swabs and tissues on the floor beside the bed, glitter all over the chair, water damage in the bathroom, and the toilet hadn't even been flushed when I checked in. It wasn't clean. Whoever's doing the cleaning is scamming them.

What a great pet-friendly hotel! The room was clean and well appointed, with a full-size fridge, two-burner stovetop, and large microwave. The bathroom was clean, too. We liked their choice of shampoo, conditioner, and body wash, Pure. The staff was exceptional, and everything was fantastic.