Allen's Budget Motel

The rooms smell bad, and the bed and pillows are really uncomfortable. Outside, traffic never lets up, with loud trucks, motorcycles, cars, and construction noise. It’s so noisy that sleeping feels impossible. You’ll probably need the air conditioner, a fan, or the TV running as background noise.

The Internet reception was supposed to be spotty in the rooms farthest away, according to reception, but I had no trouble with it. The location works well for getting to Watertown and is close to the interstate. My room was decent sized, bigger than ones I’ve had at chain hotels, and cost a lot less.

Getting a good night's rest is the main reason for renting a motel room, and that just wasn’t possible here. The bed was awful, the pillows even worse, and the furniture was broken and disgusting. The sofa was so nasty they’d wrapped a spare twin comforter around it, apparently to make it usable. The carpet was filthy too. Even a quick step out of the shower left my feet black, so keep flip-flops by the bathroom door. There aren't any hand towels, so I guess you dry your hands on your pants or shirt. There's no plunger or toilet brush either, supposedly because people steal them. I borrowed a plunger and found feces in it, so I wouldn't use their plungers. The screen door's tension screw is loose, or the whole thing is so old it needs replacing. The place is ridiculously cheap, which might help if you're broke, though apparently that attracts guests who steal coffee makers. If everything were clean and working, I’d say it was worth $50, maybe even $75. The price isn't enough to make up for the room as it is. The Wi-Fi works, but it's shared, so be aware you'll need a VPN. The location is convenient for Fort Drum, Watertown, Evan Mills, and Leray. If you're staying more than 48 hours, I'd bring a plunger, toilet brush, hand soap, pillows, and earplugs.

Getting here from the highway is easy, and the staff are very nice. It’s clean, neat, quiet, and affordable. I love it.