Grand Inn

The rooms and linens are clean, though the bathrooms are old and rough around the edges. The hotel itself is ancient, but that can make sense for the price and return if people know what they're booking. For anyone familiar with local hotels, it's like The El Rancho or the Vegas mini chains on the west side of North Dakota/Montana, places geared more toward working-class temporary housing than travelers looking for comfort. The five stars aren't for the quality, just to explain the situation. A lot of complaints seem to come from people expecting a hotel, while it's now a workforce housing option still taking hotel-style reservations. It's more like a man camp for oil field workers. The sign now says Temporary Workforce Housing, and being clearer about the branding and who stays there might lead to kinder reviews.

I spent almost six months here, and it was a welcome change in the low budget, pet friendly category. The rooms stayed clean and fresh, the beds were comfortable, and the bright, beautiful lobby had a microwave for guests and free coffee around the clock. The staff are warm, welcoming, and willing to help with reasonable needs, including fax and mail services. I can't say enough good things about Mr. Singh and his establishment. He made my family and me feel safe, welcome, and at home.

We arrived at 3 p.m. to check in, then waited until 4:30 for someone at the front desk. Nobody answered the phone, and the guy who finally helped was barely friendly and seemed totally indifferent. The hotel feels sloppy. At least the room was clean and okay.

I got a good rate, and the front desk woman made me a fresh pot of coffee very early this morning. I really appreciated it. I hope her employer knows how much that kind of care matters. She's a real people person, the sort of person any hotel would be lucky to have.