McCaig Motel

I left without staying, even though they wouldn't give me a refund. The first room was dirty and smelled awful, and the second room upstairs was just as bad and hot as an oven. I waited 15 minutes for the a.c. to cool it, but it never did. They denied my refund because of how long I'd been in the room waiting. I left the key card on the counter and walked out, then they called my cell while I was checking in at the sleep inn across the road, trying to get me to come back. That felt creepy and weird. The motel is outdated, unkempt, unclean, and hot, and the staff's English was very hard to understand. It may be $20 cheaper than the hotel across the street, but it was unlivable to me. If it were the last motel in sight, I'd sleep in the back of my truck.

Rooms were clean and freshly painted, even though the building seems to be fifteen plus years old. Rates were competitive and a little cheaper than some nearby motels, but they do go up during race weekend because it's close to Talladega Super Speedway. That happens twice a year, usually in April and October. Staff were friendly and helped me find local shops and restaurants.

The main issue for us was the constant noise from locals upstairs, and cops were regulars there too. Since we were in town for my fiance's shutdown during the Talladega race, safety matters a lot to us when traveling for work, which is why I gave it three stars. Still, this was budget friendly and pet friendly, with a microwave and fridge, plus weekly rates. Every hotel was price gouging that weekend except this one, and Mrs. Libby, the manager, was very pleasant to deal with.

For a night's rest at a low rate, it was okay, and the bed was firm and comfortable. The room had a refrigerator and microwave, the a/c was cold, and the shower water was very hot. They provided soap and two small packets of conditioning shampoo, but there was no hair dryer or coffee pot. WiFi was so weak it wasn't worth using. It's pet friendly for a reasonable $10/night charge. The office clerk was friendly and helpful with dinner suggestions. The place is outdated and needs improvements. I'd give it 2-1/2 stars, October 2016.