Hawthorn Extended Stay by Wyndham Monahans

After our car was totaled in an accident, we needed somewhere to stay at the last minute, out in the middle of nowhere, until a friend could drive three hours to pick us up the next day. Money was tight, so we asked the staff for the cheapest room and explained what had happened. They were so understanding, gave us a very low rate, and put us in a two-bedroom suite with a full kitchen. The place was impressively clean, with comfortable beds and pillows, and the complimentary breakfast had plenty of good options. When we checked out to collect our things from the junkyard, they let us wait in the lobby as long as we wanted after we came back. Everyone was courteous and helpful. I’ll be a lifelong customer of the Wyndham motel chain now.

We liked the room enough to come back on Wednesday after staying Monday for a good deal. It felt more like an efficiency apartment than a hotel room, with a nicely laid out kitchenette, two-burner stovetop, mini-fridge, and sink. The bathroom was clean and roomy, and breakfast was great. There was a basic supper available too, but we didn’t try it, so I can’t say how good it was. The hotel sits far enough from the freeway that traffic noise wasn’t a problem. Good price and a great room. I’d stay here again if I’m passing through Monahans.

I wouldn’t recommend staying here if you don’t want things going missing from your room. My phone disappeared from the nightstand. I tracked it, and guest services said the maid had taken it by “accident.” Then my gun went missing while it was put away in my luggage case. They told me a maid had “found” it in the lobby bathroom. They need to screen employees better, especially anyone with sticky fingers. Also, maids come into your room without knocking even when the DND sign is on the door.

The location was a little confusing to find, but once there, it was a gem. The lobby was very clean, service was great, and my room was spacious, clean, and had a mini kitchen. I had the best sleep of my trip in that comfortable bed. There’s a fitness center, and the dining area had a happy hour with snacks and beer at a special price. I’ll definitely come back.