Econo Lodge Inn & Suites Santa Rosa

I liked the clean grounds and paved parking lot, plus the grassy patch and sidewalks where we could walk the fur kids. The room had a modern flat-screen TV, microwave, fridge, sleeper sofa that I didn't try opening, and a safe secured to the wall or floor. It looked and smelled clean, everything worked, and the water got hot fast. You can tell it's an older, renovated motel, probably at least 50-60 years old. I'm 57 and remember family road trips across the US, staying in places like this in the heyday of Historic Route 66. I half hoped to see cool neon along the roofline at night. We're at the end of a building that turns toward the road, so traffic came through now and then. Once the room above us was occupied, though, the people up there walked like elephants. If you want to avoid footsteps from upstairs, ask for one of the few rooms with no room above it. The owner or manager seems to be doing a pretty good job caring for a place with old bones and lots of history.

Our late check-in was quick and easy, thanks to the very friendly front desk staff. The rooms were clean and quite nice for the price. We also appreciated the grassy dog area, a treat when grass is hard to find in New Mexico. There was enough parking for everything from small cars to semis. I'd recommend it and stay again.

Marcus was lovely, and the lobby and parking lot were clean. The room was great and seemed new and well maintained. The mattress was soft, and I slept well. The cloth sofa looked clean and comfortable, though I personally don't trust hotel fabric furniture. I appreciated the cable channels, including premium ones at no extra cost. The stay was peaceful, and there's somewhere across the street for drinks and food. Some drawbacks: little bugs were attached to the ceiling, like tiny dragonflies, though I doubt that's what they were. The water pressure was low and it didn't get very hot. There was no extra tissue, and the tissue box had about six left. The bathroom vent needs cleaning, and there's no iron.

I got a great night's sleep. The beds were clean, the shower had full pressure, and the room had all the usual amenities. They served a standard continental breakfast, but if you're offering breakfast, don't let the coffee run out. Keep it brewing even after some guests have checked out. Thanks for a good night.