Mother Earth Motor Lodge

For our wedding weekend, we stayed in suite 110 on the ground floor and loved how close it was to the pool gate. The walls seemed thick, or maybe the neighbors were just considerate. I could barely hear footsteps upstairs, only their toilet flushing. It was clean apart from a carpet stain that was probably left by a previous guest. I’m picky about cleanliness, too. There’s plenty within walking distance, including the brewery and other restaurants. Breakfast was a decent continental spread, with tables to eat at. Some items, like sausage biscuits, were first come, first served. Staff kept an eye on the juice dispenser and coffee pods. The place is vibrant and artsy, and the free laundry was a nice bonus. One thing to know: the suites look like they have a back door, but they don’t. The numbered doors are the accessible ones. A man called out to me from the second floor while I was in the parking lot, and my husband had to explain that he couldn’t swipe his access card on that side, where the back of his suite was. This is a remodeled motel lodge, with some rooms combined to create suites with a living area and larger bathroom. I think suites have showers while regular rooms have bathtubs. They encourage conservation, including recycling and saving water and linens. After we left, my husband called because I thought I’d forgotten something. I found it, but the staff still followed up to say it hadn’t turned up, and my husband let them know I’d found it. Who does that nowadays? Really excellent customer service.

The rooms are comfortable, the staff are friendly and helpful, and the location is great. This was our second visit while doing food tourism in Kinston, and I love the place. My one complaint is that putt putt golf, shuffleboard, and ping pong all cost extra. That seems bonkers to me. Why not hold on to a driver’s license as a deposit so people don’t walk off with the equipment? Everything else about the hotel is great, but be ready to pay if you want to play.

That big neon sign is something, and the pool looks lovely at night with all the lights. The retro style comes through in the building, layout, colors, and furniture. There aren’t indoor hallways, so you enter rooms from outside, but the area is secured by locked gates. The hotel is central, the grounds are clean, and the front desk seems to be staffed around the clock, so late check-in is possible. Staff are accommodating, too. My bed was the best I’ve had in a hotel, though I know mattress comfort is personal. This one had just the right firmness for me. A couple of blocks away are restaurants and Mother Earth brewery and pub, so you can walk over for a drink without driving. Breakfast was a letdown. I booked through Expedia, where it was called “continental breakfast,” which seems to mean different things to different people. There doesn’t seem to be a kitchen, and most of it is self-serve. The DIY waffle maker is the only hot food option, unless you count sausage sandwiches heated in the fridge. No scrambled eggs, freshly fried bacon, potatoes, or grits. I also didn’t have a table and chair in my room, which was inconvenient for a business trip and meant doing a few meetings from the bed. That may depend on the room type. And if trains bother you, bring earplugs. I find them kind of soothing, but everyone’s different. All in all, a fine place.

I ended up in Kinston, North Carolina for a few days after an unexpected surgery, and needed somewhere to recover 2,900 miles from home. I found a gem. The room was amazing, the staff were very friendly, and the service was great. The retro look is outstanding, and I could go on about how kitschy it is. I highly recommend staying here if you can. Next time, I’m going to try the activities they offer.