Motel 8 Laramie

We had everything we needed and nothing we didn't. The rooms were clean, it felt safe, and there was a microwave and refrigerator. The girl who checked us in was darling.

The room felt old, wasn't properly heated, and got very cold at night. I paid around $80, so I expected somewhere clean and pleasant. The housekeeper had done a good job: clean sheets and no visible dirt. But the odor in the room was really unpleasant and hard to describe. I asked to switch rooms, and the second smelled a little less, though it still had an odor that may have come from the vent or somewhere else. I felt uneasy all night and slept poorly, so the stay didn't meet my expectations or feel worth the price.

The bed was really comfortable and the room was clean, though a bit dated and due for updates. We stayed here with our dog while traveling back and forth to Utah, and we'd choose it again when passing through. There's a great Mexican restaurant right next door, and the food was delicious.

The room was very clean, and being near shops and restaurants was handy. It's not especially modern, but it worked perfectly for several nights while I was traveling for work. What really made me want to write was the late-night receptionist. I arrived around midnight after a long day of work and packing my apartment, with no reservation, and she was kind, welcoming, and cool. She felt like an old friend within minutes, which meant a lot when you're on the road and mostly seeing strangers face to face. Those brief staff interactions are what stick with you in hospitality. I wish I'd caught her name, but a big shout-out to the late-shift woman wearing a heart choker. She's awesome and deserves recognition for being so genuine.