Best Western Plus Thornburg Inn & Suites

I came back and stayed here again on the return drive, which confirmed that my first good impression wasn’t just because I was exhausted. I’d found the place through my niece while driving from SC to Ct, with no reservation and no idea how much farther I could manage. The desk staff welcomed me, and the bed was wonderful: soft, warm sheets, a good mattress, and even a pillow I liked. Breakfast had lots of choices, plus a lovely woman bringing around warm pastries. If I make that drive again, I’ll stay here.

We’ve stopped here a few times on family road trips. It’s a quiet, safe spot away from the city, with a roomy lobby, a large driveway, and plenty of parking. The free breakfast is great, and having a microwave is handy. Rooms and bathrooms feel a bit cramped, and the amenities and service are more basic. The bigger problems are the loud AC units and thin sound insulation. The AC waking up, along with hearing neighbors’ bathroom noise, can make sleep tough, so bring earplugs. Booking just after midnight can raise the price by 30%, so it’s better to book online ahead of time. For a budget stay, availability is a plus.

I’m torn between giving this room more stars for its lovely bed and taking stars off because I barely slept. I only had six hours available after arriving at 11 p.m., and the ice machine at the end of the hall kept waking me through the night. The bed and pillows could have made for wonderful sleep, but instead I’m heading to a 10-hour shift after driving over an hour on hardly any rest. If you’re in that room and have the energy after your drive, go back downstairs and ask whether another room is available.

When traffic cooperates, we always stop at BW+ in Thornburg, VA on the southbound drive from Connecticut to North Carolina, unless DC adds too much time to the trip. It’s just minutes off I95, with good Italian and Mexican restaurants nearby as well as fast food. The clean room, very nice swimming pool, and pleasant breakfast make it an ideal stop. We’ll keep staying there whenever the traffic allows.