Days Inn by Wyndham Princeton

We felt safe both at the hotel and in the neighborhood, and the price was very reasonable. On our second visit we tried the breakfast, which was decent and offered more than just cereal or a bagel. The TV picture was poor even though the TVs were new, but at $66 I was glad it wasn't an old tube set. The bathroom heat-bulb lights were a nice touch in both rooms. The first room, on the second floor, had a strange smell, gross carpet, dated walls, and one key card that didn't work. It was cheap and seemed clean, though the rooms themselves looked fairly updated, so I didn't have much to complain about. The first-floor room on our second stay had newer-looking carpet and paint and no odd smell. Its beds seemed smaller, but staff said those were the largest available. I'm not sure I agree. That door lacked a chain lock, though the deadbolt worked. The walls were thin, and the mattress in that second room was awful, but I still enjoyed the stay. I've paid more for worse. If I drive between Michigan and Nebraska again, I'd stay here. It's a good midpoint with a great price, decent quality, and a safe feel.

We pulled in during the night without knowing what to expect, and I wouldn't stay here again. The front desk person was kind, the one positive. Our double queen room was gross, with stains on the blankets and pillows and a generally odd, unclean smell. The beds were so hard we might as well have slept on the floor. Doors slammed all night, and at $114 a night, that was ridiculous.

The room smelled musty, and I wouldn't spend money on this place. The shower drain didn't work, so water rose around my legs while I showered. The paint was peeling from the doors and walls, and the two beds were so small that two adults could barely fit in one. There were no outlets except behind the TV. Breakfast came down to bread or bagels. The desk said corporate wouldn't allow more food and that hot breakfast would never open. That was the explanation for every problem: corporate wouldn't let them do something. The website showed a nice pool and lounge, but the pool was empty and in terrible repair, while the lounge was closed. A sign said beer could be bought at the front, though the desk said only three cans could be purchased. Don't waste your money on this musty-smelling "hotel."

We were riding motorcycles and stopped early because we were tired of being out in the rain. We had no reservation, but the room was clean and good, and they were accommodating when storms meant we needed a second night. Staff were really nice. They were still doing some repairs, but things were good overall. We also went to the lounge for a drink and a game of pool. There are several places to eat and shops within walking distance.