Montgomery's BEST Kept Secret Hotel? Microtel Inn & Suites Review!
Microtel Inn & Suites in Montgomery: My Honest (and Slightly Messy) Take - A BEST Kept Secret? Let's Find Out!
Okay, so I just got back from Montgomery, Alabama, and yeah, I stayed at the Microtel Inn & Suites. They call it the "BEST Kept Secret," which, let's be honest, already sets the bar high. Are they right? Is it a hidden gem? Or just…a Microtel? Here’s the brutally honest truth, complete with all the messy, rambling, and occasionally overly enthusiastic details you deserve.
First Impressions & General Vibe (The "Is it Clean or Not?" Rundown)
Right off the bat, let me tell you, I'm a germaphobe. I hate hotels that look…suspect. And honestly, the Microtel in Montgomery? Clean. Seriously. Top marks on that front. The marketing blurb promised "Professional-grade sanitizing services" and "Rooms sanitized between stays" and believe it or not, I think they delivered. Everything felt fresh, and the usual hotel "ick" factor was blessedly absent. They’re clearly taking the whole "Anti-viral cleaning products" thing seriously. I also saw staff constantly wiping things down, which, as a nervous traveler, made me breathe a little easier. They even had "Hand sanitizer" dispensers everywhere, which, in these crazy times, is a Godsend. The "Daily disinfection in common areas" was definitely evident. This is a massive, HUGE plus for anyone prioritizing safety right now.
Accessibility: Did They Remember the Wheelchairs?
This is important, folks. I'm not personally reliant on a wheelchair, but I always assess for accessibility. And honestly, this Microtel really seemed to have thought things through. "Wheelchair accessible" is a big, bold YES. Easy access, ramps, the works. They had "Facilities for disabled guests" noted, and the impression was definitely that they cared about inclusivity. Plus, the "Elevator" was a lifesaver for lugging my suitcase around – I hate stairs.
Internet & Tech: "Free Wi-Fi in All Rooms!" – Does it Actually Work?
Okay, okay, so the "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" promise is a massive selling point. And the good news? It mostly worked. It gets a solid B+. It wasn't blazing fast (definitely not streaming-a-movie-while-simultaneously-video-conferencing speed), but it was stable enough to check emails, scroll through social media, and get my work done. They also had "Internet access – wireless" in the rooms, which is always a good backup. I did not utilize the "Internet [LAN]" - I mean, who uses LAN connections anymore?! Still, the option's there. And in the lobby, there was "Wi-Fi in public areas," which was a nice touch when I wanted to escape to the outdoor area for a few moments of peace.
Rooms: Cozy or Claustrophobic? (The Sleep Factor)
My room was…well, it was a hotel room. Not a luxurious suite, but it was clean! Yay for cleanliness, a huge plus! The "Air conditioning" blasted (maybe a little too efficiently, I almost needed a parka). The "Blackout curtains" were a godsend for my sleep schedule (which is all over the place, by the way). The bed was comfortable - "Extra long bed", I remember seeing. And the "Bathrobes" were a nice touch (even though I never actually wore them). The bathroom was standard, clean, but the "Toiletries" were that generic brand - fine, but nothing to write home about. I did appreciate the "Hot water linen and laundry washing" guarantee – I'm a sweaty sleeper, and that stuff matters!
Dining, Grub, and Getting Fed: Beyond the Continental Breakfast
Alright, let's talk about food. The breakfast situation was…standard. "Breakfast [buffet]" was the vibe. The usual suspects were there: cereal, toast, those weird little sugary pastries, and the ever-present, lukewarm eggs that make you slightly question your life choices. BUT, and this is a big but, there was surprisingly good coffee. Seriously, I'm a coffee snob, and their coffee was actually drinkable. Points for that! They also had "Breakfast takeaway service" -- perfect for the early risers. There wasn't a full-blown restaurant, but they seemed to have a partnership with some local places for food delivery (the dreaded "pizza to the room" situation could always happen). I'll give it a B- on the food front: functional, but not exactly gourmet. I do know you can't be that specific and they didn't have a "Asian breakfast" because it's a Microtel but I know this is an important aspect!
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa Day Dreams?
This is where, let's be honest, the Microtel wasn't exactly blowing me away. There’s a "Swimming pool [outdoor]" which was closed during my stay because of the time I went. The idea of a "Pool with view" in Montgomery is…ambitious so maybe not a total loss! While they do have a "Gym/fitness" on site, I am embarrassed to admit I didn’t use it – I was too busy indulging in the local BBQ. Look, I go on vacation for the food, okay? Also, there was no "Spa", "Sauna", "Steamroom", or "Massage" which, let's face it, would have been a major upgrade. No "Body scrub" or "Body wrap" here, folks. This isn't the place for a pampering retreat - it's more of a functional base camp.
Services & Conveniences: The Nuts and Bolts
The Microtel got the basics right. "Daily housekeeping" kept everything spotless. The "Front desk [24-hour]" was super helpful. They knew how to make my stay good! "Contactless check-in/out" was available, which is a huge bonus for pandemic safety. Having a "Convenience store" would have nice, but alas, they really didn't have one, but the front desk was very helpful. They offered "Food delivery"; very important! "Laundry service" was available but I didn't use it. They had a "Cash withdrawal" option which I used but the ATM had an insane fee!
For the Kids (and the Kid in You)
They had "Family/child friendly" accommodation. They didn't have much to offer here and I didn't see any "Kids facilities" beyond the pool, when it was open. No babysitting or anything, but I'm not a parent, so I'm not the best judge.
Getting Around: Location, Location, Location (and Parking)
The location was…fine. Not super central, but not a million miles from everything either. Thankfully there was "Car park [free of charge]" (a massive plus!), so that made things easy. There's a "Car power charging station" which is a win. I don't know about the "Airport transfer" situation, but I imagine it was available. There didn't seem to be a "Bicycle parking".
Cleanliness and Safety: The Peace of Mind Factor
As I've mentioned (a LOT), the cleanliness was a standout. The "Anti-viral cleaning products" and overall hygiene protocols were noticeable and reassuring. They even had "Hygiene certification"- which helps the nervousness a lot! The inclusion of "First aid kit" and "Doctor/nurse on call" is a good sign of general safety. The constant "Staff trained in safety protocol" was a definite plus. They seemed to be adhering to all the necessary guidelines including "Physical distancing of at least 1 meter" and the use of "Daily disinfection in common areas". I was especially appreciative of the "Sterilizing equipment" -- it felt like they left no stone unturned in their efforts to protect guests.
The Verdict: BEST Kept Secret? Maybe…But Not Perfect…But Worth It, Probably.
So, is the Microtel in Montgomery a "BEST Kept Secret"? Well, it's a solid, reliable option. It’s not exactly a luxurious spa resort or a foodie paradise. It's clean, safe, functional, and affordable. If you're looking for a place to crash during a road trip, or a basecamp for exploring Montgomery, it's definitely worth considering. However, the food options and lack of additional amenities, prevent it from being a five-star experience. Would I stay there again? Yes, probably. Especially if I was traveling solo or on a budget. It provides exactly what is needed, in a nice way. But the "secret" part is…it’s a secret you might already know. I'm not sure if a Microtel can actually be that secret, but at least it's a good, clean Microtel. And in the world of hotels, that’s saying something.
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Alright, buckle up, Buttercup, because you are in for a ride. This isn't your glossy, Pinterest-perfect itinerary. This is… me, wrestling with a Microtel in Montgomery, Alabama. And honestly? It's gonna be a trip.
Microtel Mayhem: A Montgomery Misadventure
Day 1: Arrival and the Existential Dread of Budget Hotels
- 3:00 PM - Land of the Free (And Wifi That Keeps Dropping): Landed in Montgomery. The airport? Small. Charming… in the way a slightly moth-eaten teddy bear is charming. Grabbed my sad, pre-booked rental car (a beige… thing. Beige is a car color that screams "mediocrity" but also makes you feel like you're invisible, which, honestly, appealed to me). Headed to the Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Montgomery. Oh, Microtel. You're the budget hotel of my budget dreams… and nightmares.
- 3:30 PM - Checking in (and contemplating my life choices): The lobby smelled faintly of chlorine and… ambition? (Or maybe just the cleaning products – hard to tell). Lady at the front desk was bless her heart, she was super friendly, but clearly seen some things. The key card… well, my key card was NOT working. Twice. After the second attempt, I was already envisioning myself as a castaway living in the hallway for weeks.
- 4:00 PM - The Room: A Symphony of Beige and Questionable Carpet: Finally in! Room 214. The beige theme continues. The carpet? Oh, the carpet. It had seen things. Footprints of generations of weary travelers, crumbs from snacks unknown, and a faint, lingering odor of… something. I'm not judging, Microtel, I'm just observing. Checked the bed, did the jump test. Solid.
- 4:30 PM - First "Emergency" Food Run: Needed snacks. Desperately. Hotel vending machines are famously unreliable. So, braved the Montgomery heat and found a [insert generic fast-food chain here – you know the drill]. Ate my sadness fries in the beige car and thought about how much I miss my dog.
- 6:00 PM - Finding Some Soul (or at Least a Decent Meal): Found a nice spot for dinner. [insert favorite restaurant name here] had some great food and a warm atmosphere. It helped to take my mind off the room and the slight feeling that I was living in a David Lynch movie.
- 8:00 PM - Trying to Work and Failing (Wifi Woes): Attempted to connect to the hotel Wi-Fi. It sputtered, it died, it mocked me. Gave up and decided to embrace the digital detox by watching some channel surfing on the TV. Ended up watching a rerun of "Forensic Files" and started to assess my life choices.
- 9:30 PM - Late Night Thoughts in Beige Comfort: In bed. The sheets were… clean-ish. Thought about the day. Thinking about the existential dread I still have.
Day 2: History, Heat, and (Maybe) a Breakthrough
- 7:00 AM - Breakfast? Ugh, Breakfast. The "continental breakfast" at Microtel is legendary, or maybe just infamous? It's a gamble, and one I'm probably going to take. Let's just say if you're expecting gourmet, you're in the wrong place. Coffee that tastes of weak, watery dreams and maybe a questionable pastry. Filled my plate, ate, and took it like my first breakfast.
- 8:00 AM - Civil Rights Memorial and a Flood of Emotions: Visited the Civil Rights Memorial. Powerful. Utterly, soul-crushingly powerful. The names etched in stone… a constant, weight, and a reminder of the fight for justice. I stood there, just… feeling. Tears, anger, and a profound sense of hope all swirling around. I needed this.
- 10:00 AM - The First White House of the Confederacy: I went in, and I'm not sure what I expected. A perfectly preserved relic of a bygone era? An apology? Something? Honestly, I wasn't sure what to expect. The place felt both stately and sad.
- 12:00 PM - Lunch and a Moment of Sanity (Thank Goodness for Burgers): Found a local burger joint. Simple. Delicious. Comforting. Needed that. Needed the grease and the chatty waitress and the feeling of being somewhere new and not just a stranger on a trip.
- 1:00 PM - The Rosa Parks Museum: The Rosa Parks Museum was both amazing and crushing. The bus experience? Chilling. Her story? Incredibly inspiring. I left feeling both awestruck and heartbroken.
- 3:00 PM - Back to the Room (and the Wifi's Evil Laugh): Needed a break. Back to the beige fortress. The Wifi, naturally, decided to troll me again. I think it knows my pain. Ordered a pizza and watched some terrible midday television.
- 5:00 PM - A Local Tour (Trying to Be a Tourist): Decided to go on a tour of a historic area. [Name of your tour]. The guy was full of great stories! The architecture of the houses really took me back in time. Even heard a ghost story.
- 7:00 PM - Reflecting and Writing: Back in room and finally, the wifi is working and writing about it all.
Day 3: Leaving and, Surprisingly, a Bit of Fondness
- 7:00 AM - Breakfast, The Revenge. This time, I knew what to expect, so it was easier. I even managed to find a slightly less stale muffin.
- 8:00 AM - A Final Stroll and a Sense of Closure: One last walk around the property. The sun was out, and despite the beige and the questionable smells, the Microtel had grown on me. It was… honest. It hadn't pretended to be anything it wasn't. And maybe, just maybe, that was the charm.
- 9:00 AM - Checking out and saying goodbye: The front desk lady, bless her heart, did not know me by name. I felt the most I connected with her. She smiled, and I smiled back. It was over.
- 9:30 AM - Heading to the Airport: The beige car and I headed to the airport. I was sad to leave and would have liked to have stayed longer but my adventures needed to come to a close.
- 11:00 AM - Reflecting on the Trip: In the air headed home and reflecting on what a trip.
- Ongoing: Post-Trip Nostalgia and the lingering scent of chlorine in my brain. I'll probably never eat a beige pastry again without thinking of Montgomery. But I secretly miss it.
The End (For Now)
This, my friends, is my messy, honest, slightly absurd, and absolutely human encounter with Montgomery and the Microtel Inn & Suites. It wasn't perfect. Far from it. But it was real. And sometimes, that's all you need. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go make a cup of coffee that actually tastes like coffee.
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Microtel Inn & Suites Montgomery: Beyond the Brochure... My Actual Experience (and a LOT of Coffee)
Seriously, BEST Kept Secret? Or Just "Forgotten"? Let's Talk Expectations.
Okay, so the title's a bit dramatic. "BEST Kept Secret" sounds like I'm about to unveil the Holy Grail of hotels. Let's be real, it's a Microtel in Montgomery. But, hear me out… I went in with expectations adjusted to, say, a well-maintained, clean room, and maybe some complimentary coffee that didn't taste like burnt tires. That's usually my baseline. So, did it deliver? Mostly. Mostly.
The "secret" part? Maybe it's a secret *to me* because I'm the kind of person who usually books the fanciest place (or the one with the best pool, anyway), but was on a budget. And, honestly? It’s not a bad budget option. Don’t go expecting a spa, or a Michelin-star restaurant. Expect a place to sleep, a hot shower, and a free breakfast (which, let’s be honest, is usually the make-or-break deal for me).
The Room – What's the Deal, Really? Like, Is It Actually Clean? (And Does the Air Conditioner Work?)
Alright, the room. This is where I’m always the most...judgemental. I can handle dated decor – seriously, I’m a sucker for a little bit of that "early 2000s beige" vibe. But *clean* is non-negotiable. Thankfully, my room was…mostly clean. I saw *one* suspicious stain on the carpet (c’mon, carpet, what even *happened* there?), which I tried to ignore. Otherwise, the sheets were fresh (essential!), the bathroom was good (important!), and the air conditioner? Blessedly, it worked. Because, Alabama. And humidity. And I would have lost it if it *didn't* work. My sanity, it really depends on that AC.
The bed was… decent. Not the cloud-like experience I dream of, but I did get a solid night's sleep, and hey, I wasn’t waking up with a crick in my neck, so I’ll count that as a win. I’ve stayed in places that look like a mold farm in the morning, so compared to that, this was a five-star resort, honestly.
Breakfast: The Make-or-Break Factor (and My Coffee Obsession)
Okay, the breakfast. This is where Microtels (and budget hotels in general) often stumble. Free breakfast is a promise that gets broken way too often. And look, I'm critical, but I LIVE on coffee. My blood is mostly caffeine. This Microtel held its own I think; you had your usual suspects: cereal, maybe some questionable pastries (I avoided those), the waffle machine… and thankfully, coffee. And it wasn’t undrinkable! It tasted like… coffee! Which is a major victory in my book.
The waffle machine? A lifesaver. I'm no culinary genius, but a hot, slightly charred waffle with a drizzle of syrup can turn any morning around. I mean, the coffee and waffle were the high points of my morning, I think. Everything else was secondary, I feel like I would have been absolutely lost without them.
The Staff – Were They Angels? (Or Did They Seem Overworked?)
The staff were... pretty darn nice. I mean, I only interacted with them at check-in and check-out, but they were friendly, helpful, and efficient. No drama. No grumbling. They seemed to be doing their best, and that's all I can ask. I even think the lady at the front desk, she had a great smile and a really nice ring on her hand. Little things like that matter, y'know? It makes the whole experience more pleasant. Also, let's be real, it's probably not the easiest job in the world to run a hotel, so a little kindness goes a long way.
Location, Location, Location: Is It Actually Convenient?
Microtel's in Montgomery, but where *exactly*? Well, it was pretty easy to find, which is a major plus. Easy access to the highway (I hate getting lost), and it was close enough to the things I needed to get to (I won't bore you with the mundane details of my Montgomery trip). I saw a couple of chain restaurants and a quick mart nearby, which saved me from having to go on a wild goose chase for a late-night snack. Always a bonus when hunger strikes at an inconvenient time.
It's not "right in the thick of things," but honestly, for the price, that's fine. It was quieter than I expected, which I appreciated.
Okay, So… Would You Recommend It? (The Final Verdict!)
Alright, the million-dollar question: would I recommend the Microtel in Montgomery? For a budget-conscious traveler who prioritizes cleanliness, a decent night's sleep, and a caffeine fix, absolutely. It's not going to blow your mind, but it’s a solid choice. I wouldn't hesitate to stay there again if I needed a cheap place to crash. But remember, adjust your expectations. It's not the Four Seasons. It's a Microtel. And sometimes, that's exactly what you need. And that waffle machine? Top-notch.
The thing about it? I went in with a low expectation. And it exceeded those. And for the price, and where I was, that's fantastic to be honest.
Anything Else? (Random Ramblings and Minor Gripes)
Okay, minor gripes. The Wi-Fi was a *tiny* bit spotty at times. Annoying when you're trying to catch up on emails. Also… the elevator felt a bit…rickety. Like it was haunted or something. I was okay with it, but if you’re prone to anxiety about elevators, maybe take the stairs. The pool, it was there, apparently. I didn't use it. I prefer pools with slides, or maybe a swim-up bar. This one just looked...blue. But hey! Pool!
Also, the TV remote. It took me like, twenty minutes to figure out how to turn the volume up. I felt ancient. But other than that? Good job, Microtel. Good job.
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