Pine River Inn

The front desk woman was so kind when I called ahead to check that my online registration had gone through, after a problem somewhere else the weekend before. She even got us an early check-in. The room had what we needed for one night, and I felt safe with cameras covering the parking lot. You can get to the Paul Bunyan State Trail easily, though you have to cross a highway without a light or stop sign. For a two-star budget motel, it was clean and perfectly adequate. The beds were comfortable, and the pillows and linens were clean. It had the basics and worked well for a short stay. The carpet is worn, the paint is bubbled in a few spots, and the beds aren't some new luxury cloud, so keep the rating in perspective. It's not a fancy boutique hotel, but that concise review calling it “perfectly adequate and clean” got it right.

The price was very sensible, and we were happy with our two-day stay. Our room was simple and a bit dated, but spotless, with a fridge, microwave, coffee pot, and hair dryer. There was also a continental breakfast, and the water pressure was excellent with plenty of hot water. Service was A+. We arrived after hours and check-in was easy. The manager made both us and our dog feel welcome.

The room itself would be fine for a quick stop on the way through, but I wouldn't choose it for more than a couple of nights. The light switch didn't work, there was a muddy handprint on the bathroom wall, and I found about four dead flies on the floor. My after-hours check-in was a little bumpy because my reservation wasn't in the system. The woman on duty called the manager, and they got it sorted out. She seemed new and unfamiliar with the system, so that part wasn't a big deal.

The room was clean and fine, but Nancy in the office is what made the stay special. I left my dog's new dish behind, and after I got to Backus to pick up a new scamp trailer, she called to tell me. Earlier, she'd brought my driver's license out after I dropped it in the office, and the next morning she came over to unlock the room when I realized I'd left a pillow inside after locking up. Her service was above and beyond. I'd highly recommend staying here.