Panorama Motel

There are no frills here, just an uncomplicated basic motel. My non-smoking room was clean, well kept, and didn't smell, and the heater worked fine. Parking was plentiful, usually right outside the door. Don't expect thick comforters or piles of plush towels, just the essentials for an overnight visit. I stayed two nights and would come back.

The rooms have been clean every time I've stayed, and there's a microwave in them too. The price is one of the best around. The front desk guy is nice, and the place has a relaxed feel. It doesn't give me that creepy sense that someone is haunting the room or watching me.

The rooms vary a lot, from sickening to decent, though the walls and rooms are quiet. The family running the place can be wildly unpredictable. One day the son seems like he wants to fuss over you, another day he might act as if you're a puppy-eating baby trafficker. Even an ordinary check-in question can set someone off, with a sudden, hard-to-understand Indian accent asking whether you speak English, even when it's clear you do. Then they may threaten to call the police, with a grown man yelling from behind bulletproof glass. There are donuts around, so you can take one, but the whole scene feels threatening and unpleasant. A reservation doesn't seem to guarantee how your stay will go, and things can change at any time. I don't think their behavior is aimed at people for their color, orientation, cheap car, or how much they think they can overcharge them. It just feels random. The father, mother, and son run the place with a neurotic iron fist. You never know if your presence will trigger one of these episodes. If you're the gambling type, maybe check it out, but be ready for the uncertainty.

Panorama Motel was nicer than I expected, especially for an area that's going through changes for the better. The rooms were roomy, the bed was comfortable, and there was a microwave and fridge. There was also a big flat screen with Direct TV. The front desk and housekeeping staff were friendly.