Clarion Pointe Staunton East

I picked this hotel for the price and wasn't expecting much, so the clean, comfortable room was a nice surprise. The staff were really nice when I ran into a problem with my third-party booking. I'd stay again if I'm passing through.

The hilltop setting gave a great view of the city, and the quiet, away from highways and city streets, was gold. It's convenient to Skyline Drive, and I'd definitely stay again. The room was small but clean, with a cold little fridge and heat and cooling controls inside the room. The 24-hour fitness center and nice flatscreen were there, though I didn't watch TV. The king bed was very comfy, and I'm picky. The tub was deep with plenty of hot water, but its plug didn't work, so I used a washcloth to hold the water. They should replace the side-door closer instead of just posting a sign asking people to close it gently, since it slams. That might have bothered me if my room were nearby.

For $60, it was a good, clean value, and a 4.0-4.2 rating seems right. The pillows weren't great, and both the air conditioner and bathroom fan were loud. Breakfast was the usual poor Choice Hotels fare, instant eggs and sausage circles, but there are plenty of places to eat nearby.

It was the standard Choice Hotels experience, with clean rooms as expected, plenty of parking, quick internet, and a spot right off the highway. The breakfast selection was extensive for hotels of this type. One thing to know: an abandoned mental hospital is across the street. Read up on its history.