Aero Inn

The room itself was clean, but it smelled strongly of Lysol, and the old mattress sagged in the middle. The bedding was worn out too. Breakfast was supposedly included, but it was just two kinds of cold cereal and a broken toaster. The hot tub was broken as well, and at check-in I was told my rate couldn't be refunded. I wouldn't book here again. There's a Hilton Garden Inn next door and an EconoLodge down the street. The booking was the biggest problem. I called what I thought was the local front desk number and ended up with Room77, a third-party vendor that booked us through Expedia. I hadn't realized who I was speaking to, and they charged my card $244 when the hotel website listed $125 a night. They told us there was only one room left. When I explained this at the hotel, the front desk woman said I'd booked through Expedia, which wasn't what had happened, and didn't seem to care that someone was scamming customers. I showed her the local area-code number and the link where I'd found it; she just shrugged and didn't offer to contact the manager. The service was so bad I'd give it minus five stars if I could.

The staff were friendly and helpful, which was a bright spot. The rooms are small, with linoleum floors, cement block walls, and a tiny bathroom. The room felt musty, probably from poor ventilation, and the windows had condensation on the inside. There aren't screens, so opening one isn't really an option. Noise was the worst part: airport, road, and other guests. Earplugs at check-in would make sense. Someone in the next room was yelling during what seemed like a phone argument at 10:30 pm, and after about half an hour I called the front desk. Bring your own shampoo and conditioner, since the wall dispensers had Dial in both. The hair dryer cord is under three feet long, so good luck using it. It wasn't as cheap as I expected, though it did cost less than other places nearby. At least it gave me a story to tell when I got home.

The morning noise from planes at the nearby airport and doors constantly closing made it hard to rest. The room was cramped, the bed was worn and much too soft, and the mildew smell was so strong I bought an air freshener at Walmart to make it bearable. Checking out was the best part of the stay.

The pool, hot tub, and sauna were a real highlight, and there's always fresh coffee in the lobby. The motel is smoke-free, with a designated smoking spot by the rear outside door. Everyone on staff we met was helpful and friendly. Breakfast had toast, bagels, muffins, cereal, coffee, and juice. Rooms are small and dated, but comfortable and practical. The window air conditioner bothered my husband's allergies, and the shower took a few minutes to warm up, though it was fine once it did. The location is handy, just off the main road and across from Kalispell Airport, where you can watch small planes take off. Being beside a preschool also gave me peace of mind. For an affordable motel with decent quality, it worked well, and we'd stay again if we visit the area.