Smoketown Inn

We won’t stay here again. My sister’s room had a big cracked, broken window beside the front door, and they refused to move her, saying the hotel was sold out. That seems like a serious liability if someone gets hurt. The front desk area also seemed to smell like cigarette smoke, which is a major turnoff. We were there overnight in July 2025, a group of nine in three rooms, to see an awesome Sight and Sound show. I found the receipt later and decided to warn others. The place looks decent from outside, maybe even nice. Some rooms are called “updated” and have somewhat modern furniture, gray floors, and lighted mirrors, but looking closer, the work and cleaning weren’t done properly. The front desk greeted us nicely and helped promptly, but our room clearly hadn’t been cleaned after the previous guest: garbage in the bins, hair in the sink, and unmade beds. We reported it and were told they were short staffed and needed time. The cleaner called down just 15 minutes later to say she was done. She made the beds, took out the trash, and probably wiped the sink rather than cleaned it. Who knows if the sheets were clean. There were dust bunnies near the bed and dusty furniture, a slightly moldy smell, and gaps between ceiling tiles. I can’t say there were hidden cameras, but little holes in the walls and partly open ceiling tiles, especially in the bathroom, creeped me out. We bring our own towels, fitted sheets, pillowcases, fleece blankets, shower flip flops, and Lysol because I’m admittedly a germaphobe. We also check mattresses for bed bugs, and thankfully found no signs in my room. Still, we had to disinfect it, which took time. After paying for a room, I shouldn’t have to clean it, though I do this even in clean rooms... LOL. The walkways and outside areas by the rooms were filthy, especially the stairs to the second floor, with big cobwebs, dead water bugs, spiders, debris, mulch, leaves, and what I think was dog poop. At least the bed and pillows were comfortable, and after showering I got a few hours of sleep. Breakfast the next morning was a pleasant surprise: hot and tasty, with decent coffee, orange juice, eggs, meat, I think bacon, and make-your-own waffles. That partly made up for the room. Simple things like cleaning rooms properly, sweeping the grounds, and being honest about whether rooms are available would help. The owners may think a hot meal is enough to bring guests back, but they need team meetings, discussions, and actual improvements to cut down on complaints.

Kim was especially kind and even wrote out recommendations for places to visit nearby. She’s the best. The staff were incredibly friendly and checked in with my friends and me several times. The hotel itself was quiet, clean, and well worth the price. I was blown away by the service and highly recommend staying here.

For more than 10 years, we’ve stayed at the Smoketown Inn and have never been disappointed. It’s become a family tradition for our weekend getaways. The place is consistently clean, the staff are friendly, and it’s close to things to do while staying quiet when it’s time to sleep. The rates are a good bargain, too.

Owner Mike was so friendly and pleasant, and gave us directions plus recommendations for places to see and eat. The rooms are really clean, quaint, and comfortable, with beautiful country decor that feels like home. I love the color and style, so much warmer than the sterile, uninviting look of modern hotels. My room had two queen Anne beds, something you won’t see at other hotels. It’s off the main road but still close to everything. I plan to return, and this will be my automatic choice. No need to keep looking for a place to stay!