Marion Motor Lodge

The location is fantastic, with trolley stops nearby and parking on site. There’s also an open balcony for smokers that faces the water. The rooms were clean and well maintained, though the mattresses and bedding weren’t very comfortable. We had a problem with the keys, but the staff sorted it out and made sure everyone in our group could get replacement keys, even when we weren’t all together. In general, it’s a very good place to stay.

We found the room nice and the hotel’s location great. The parking and pet fees were good value, too. But the room hadn’t been cleaned properly before we checked in: the refrigerator still had things in it, and the vinyl plank floor was quite dirty and needed a proper wet mop or Swiffer. The TV was very old and the picture wasn’t good. We didn’t spend much time watching it, fortunately.

I was drawn in by the price, and the hotel is close to the southern end of all the activity. The rooms were clean and fairly modern, though small. There’s a nice second floor deck for happy hour wine, but you have to bring your own. When we arrived, the shampoo dispenser was empty and the conditioner was in the shampoo slot. We went out around 9:30 AM and came back about 4:30, but the room hadn’t been serviced, so I had to ask for fresh towels. It’s not a Hilton, after all.

The rooms are clean and the prices are reasonable compared with other nearby places. We also appreciated that it’s dog friendly. There aren’t many amenities, with no pool, breakfast, or gym, but the rooms do have a coffee maker and fridge. The location is a big reason to stay here. You can walk to the historic district’s shops and restaurants in minutes, especially handy during December’s Night of Lights.