If this were a NASCAR race, we would be in the final lap, headed for home without a mishap so far. We have had no car problems, haven’t left a pair of glasses or a camera battery or a cellphone charger along the way, and really haven’t encountered a motel that was absolutely intolerable for one night . . . although we have added to our list of criteria.
In fact, you might say we’ve become Motel Police. Having slept in thirteen different establishments in twenty-four days, I feel we are entitled to comment on what makes a great motel experience. It doesn’t really revolve around price, although the higher the price the greater our expectations.
I’ve already noted that we want a television and Internet that work, as well as hot water (compliments of our stay at Canyon Lodge at Yellowstone where we had none). Earl prefers the complimentary continental breakfast, but I’m more interested in staying on the first floor.
That said, what we’ve noticed is that proprietors are not particularly aware of the condition of their rooms. More than one motel we slept in had burnt out lightbulbs or slow draining sinks or outlets that did not work. Granted, for one night this is tolerable; but being the OCD people that we are we wonder why a motel owner wouldn’t take pride in having everything work right.
It seems to be an easy thing to monitor. The cleaning crew, which visits each room almost daily, could be instructed to check the lights, the drain, the outlets. The crew could be the first line of defense, possibly with a financial reward for finding things that are simple fixes.
I will say one thing, however. The thought of bedbugs never crossed our minds in any of the hotels or motels we slept in. This, in the grand scheme of things, is probably more important than a slow draining sink.
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