Americas Best Value Inn Marion, NC ico

Americas Best Value Inn Marion, NC

Hotels Near Of MeNorth CarolinaMcDowell CountyMarionU.S. 221

4248 US-221, Marion, NC 28752, USA

2.0

First things first the owner Mike is so rude, absolutely no customer service skills whatsoever and forced his way into the room to "check our floors" then insisted we leave the next day so he can clean them even though I literally brought my own vacuum cleaner. Secondly there's a reason it's so cheap, the bathroom door didn't even close all the way, the chain lock for the door wasn't installed properly so it couldn't even latch and the "pool" was BLACK stagnant water that was probably the worst thing I have ever smelled, I saw two cockroaches while I was there and the atmosphere was incredibly sketchy. Also my mom and I felt very sick while we were there and our dogs got worms. It was a "non smoking room" yet the smoke detector was literally orange from residue. Reply to owner's response: I'm not upset that you asked to clean our room. I'm upset that you didn't ask, you demanded that we let you into the room.

Starr Rosseter
  • Overview
  • (828) 659-2567
  • www.sonesta.com

Americas Best Value Inn Marion, NC Introduce

For North Carolinians planning a trip through the scenic Western part of our state, particularly near the I-40 corridor and the charming town of Marion, finding a suitable "hotel" often comes down to balancing budget with basic necessities. Americas Best Value Inn Marion, NC, located at 4248 US-221, Marion, NC 28752, positions itself as an economical choice for travelers seeking a no-frills, cost-effective place to rest. As part of a well-known chain focused on providing value, this hotel aims to offer fundamental comforts for those passing through or exploring the local area.

Marion, nestled in McDowell County, serves as a gateway to numerous outdoor adventures and local attractions. It's close to the expansive Pisgah National Forest, the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, and natural wonders like Lake James State Park and Linville Falls. Visitors to Marion might be en route to Asheville, exploring the region's mining history at places like The Lucky Strike Recreational Gold and Gem Mine, or simply stopping for the night on a longer journey. For these travelers, an establishment like Americas Best Value Inn can seem like a convenient and budget-friendly option.

However, it's crucial for prospective guests to approach their stay with realistic expectations, as reflected in various customer reviews. While budget hotels often offer competitive pricing, this can sometimes come with trade-offs in terms of amenities, maintenance, and guest services. The reviews for Americas Best Value Inn Marion, NC, highlight some significant concerns that local users should be aware of before booking.

One guest's experience painted a stark picture, noting, "First things first the owner Mike is so rude, absolutely no customer service skills whatsoever and forced his way into the room to 'check our floors' then insisted we leave the next day so he can clean them even though I literally brought my own vacuum cleaner. Secondly there's a reason it's so cheap, the bathroom door didn't even close all the way, the chain lock for the door wasn't installed properly so it couldn't even latch and the 'pool' was BLACK stagnant water that was probably the worst thing I have ever smelled, I saw two cockroaches while I was there and the atmosphere was incredibly sketchy. Also my mom and I felt very sick while we were there and our dogs got worms. It was a 'non smoking room' yet the smoke detector was literally orange from residue." The follow-up comment reinforced the dissatisfaction: "I'm not upset that you asked to clean our room. I'm upset that you didn't ask, you demanded that we let you into the room."

These reviews suggest serious issues regarding management, room condition, cleanliness, and safety, which are critical considerations for any traveler, especially those with family or pets. While the hotel does aim to be a budget-friendly option, potential guests should carefully weigh the reported experiences against the appealing price point. The information below aims to provide a factual overview of what the hotel states it offers, tempered by these important customer insights, to help North Carolinians make an informed decision for their travel needs in Marion.

Location and Accessibility

Americas Best Value Inn Marion, NC, is strategically located at 4248 US-221, Marion, NC 28752, USA. This address places it conveniently at the intersection of I-40 and Highway 221, making it highly accessible for travelers driving through Western North Carolina. Its proximity to a major interstate is a key advantage for those on road trips or needing quick access to the highway.

The hotel is situated about 3 miles from downtown Marion, offering reasonable access to local dining options and basic services within the town. For those exploring the broader region, its location provides a springboard to various natural and historical attractions. Lake James State Park is approximately 10.8 miles away, making it a viable option for visitors interested in boating, fishing, and hiking. The renowned Blue Ridge Parkway is about 22.8 miles distant, offering scenic drives and access to breathtaking overlooks and hiking trails. Other nearby points of interest include Linville Falls and Gorge (around 28 miles) and Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park (about 33.3 miles).

For visitors flying into the region, Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) is approximately 45 miles southwest. The hotel typically offers ample free parking for cars, trucks, and buses, catering to a variety of travelers. While public transportation options in this rural area are limited, the hotel's highway-adjacent location ensures ease of access for those with their own vehicles. Its position makes it a practical stopover for long journeys or a budget-conscious base for exploring the natural wonders of the Blue Ridge Mountains and McDowell County.

Services Offered

Americas Best Value Inn Marion, NC, aims to provide fundamental services and amenities for a budget-conscious stay. Based on available public information, the hotel typically offers the following, although guests should be aware that the quality and availability of these services can vary, as highlighted in some reviews:

  • Accommodation: Offers 50 rooms spread over 2 floors, with options including King and Double rooms. Both smoking and non-smoking rooms are available.
  • Complimentary Breakfast: Provides a free daily continental breakfast, though the extent and quality of this can vary.
  • Free Wi-Fi: In-room Wi-Fi access is advertised as free for guests.
  • Seasonal Outdoor Pool: The hotel has a seasonal outdoor pool, generally open from May to September, with specific operating hours. However, past reviews indicate significant concerns about the pool's condition.
  • Pet-Friendly Policy: Pets are allowed upon request for an extra charge (e.g., USD 20 per pet, per night), with restrictions (e.g., maximum 2 pets per room). Service animals are exempt from fees.
  • In-Room Amenities: Guest rooms typically include a coffeemaker, hairdryer, cable TV with ESPN and HBO, desk with lamp, clock radio, free local calls, microwave, and refrigerator. Iron/ironing board and blackout drapes are also often present.
  • 24-Hour Front Desk: A 24-hour front desk is available for guest assistance.
  • Laundry Facilities: Self-serve laundry facilities are available for guests.
  • Parking: Free onsite self-parking is provided, including space for trucks and buses.
  • Housekeeping: Daily housekeeping is typically offered.
  • Check-in/Check-out: Check-in starts at 2:00 PM (or 3:00 PM on some listings), and check-out is by 11:00 AM.

It is important for potential guests to verify the current condition and operational status of specific amenities, especially the pool, prior to booking, given the strong negative feedback from recent customers.

Features / Highlights

Americas Best Value Inn Marion, NC, while a budget-friendly option, advertises several features and highlights designed to provide a convenient stay for travelers. However, it's crucial to consider these in light of actual guest experiences detailed in reviews:

  • Convenient Location: Its primary highlight is its strategic position at I-40 and Highway 221, offering easy access for travelers and proximity to local attractions in Marion and the wider Western NC region.
  • Budget-Friendly Pricing: The hotel aims to offer competitive rates, making it an economical choice for those prioritizing cost savings.
  • Free Continental Breakfast: Provides a complimentary start to the day, which can be a valuable inclusion for budget travelers.
  • Pet-Friendly Accommodation: Welcomes pets (with a fee), which is a significant advantage for travelers with furry companions, a feature not all hotels offer.
  • In-Room Conveniences: Rooms are equipped with essentials like a microwave, refrigerator, and coffeemaker, providing basic comforts often appreciated by guests.
  • Seasonal Outdoor Pool: While advertised, guest reviews raise serious concerns about the pool's condition, describing it as "BLACK stagnant water" with a terrible smell. This indicates that this feature may not be usable or maintained to an acceptable standard.
  • Free Wi-Fi: Offers complimentary internet access, essential for staying connected.
  • Truck and Bus Parking: Provides ample parking space, accommodating larger vehicles which is beneficial for certain types of travelers.

Based on customer feedback, prospective guests should carefully manage their expectations regarding the actual condition and service quality of these advertised features, particularly concerning cleanliness, maintenance, and customer service.

Promotions or Special Offers

Americas Best Value Inn, as a chain, often focuses on providing consistent value rather than frequent, flashy promotions. However, specific locations and booking platforms may offer various deals. For Americas Best Value Inn Marion, NC, potential promotions or ways to find a better deal might include:

  • Everyday Value Pricing: The core offer of Americas Best Value Inn is its commitment to providing a lower price point compared to full-service hotels.
  • Kids Stay Free Policy: The official website notes a "Kids Stay Free Policy (11 and under in parent's room)," which can be a significant saving for families.
  • Weekly and Monthly Rates: For those in town on longer-term corporate assignments or extended stays, special weekly and monthly rates are advertised.
  • Online Travel Agency (OTA) Deals: Websites like Kayak, Expedia, and Hotels.com often feature discounts or package deals for Americas Best Value Inn properties, and it's advisable to compare prices across these platforms.
  • Seasonal Pricing: Rates will naturally fluctuate based on demand and seasonality. Booking during off-peak times (e.g., January, February) might yield lower prices, while peak seasons (like summer for the pool) could see higher rates.
  • Direct Booking Savings: While not explicitly stated for this location, sometimes booking directly through the Americas Best Value Inn website (sonesta.com/americas-best-value-inn) can offer exclusive rates or loyalty program benefits.
  • Loyalty Programs: As part of the Sonesta chain, guests might benefit from their loyalty programs if they are frequent travelers with the brand, though this is less about specific promotions at this individual hotel.

Given the strong negative reviews regarding conditions, potential guests are advised to weigh the perceived "value" of any promotion against the reported issues of cleanliness, maintenance, and customer service before making a reservation. Checking current reviews immediately prior to booking is always recommended.

Contact Information

For direct inquiries, reservations, or to verify current conditions at Americas Best Value Inn Marion, NC, you can use the following contact details:

Address: 4248 US-221, Marion, NC 28752, USA

Phone: (828) 659-2567

Mobile Phone: +1 828-659-2567 (This is the same primary contact number for the hotel's front desk.)

It is recommended to call the hotel directly during their operating hours to confirm specific details about room availability, amenities, and current conditions, especially in light of the significant concerns raised by recent customer reviews. While online travel agencies also list the property, direct communication can provide the most up-to-date information for your peace of mind.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For North Carolinians considering Americas Best Value Inn Marion, NC, as a lodging option, it's crucial to approach this choice with a very clear understanding of what it offers and, more importantly, what previous guests have experienced. While marketed as a budget-friendly hotel conveniently located on US-221 near I-40, the suitability of this place for locals depends heavily on individual priorities and tolerance for potential issues.

The primary reason a local might consider this hotel is its low price point. For travelers who are extremely budget-conscious, need only a very basic place to sleep for a night, and are prepared to overlook significant cleanliness and maintenance shortcomings, the cost might be appealing. Its location provides easy access for quick stopovers or for those needing to be close to the highway for business or travel to nearby attractions like Lake James or the Blue Ridge Parkway. The fact that it's pet-friendly (for a fee) could also be a deciding factor for some.

However, the highly critical and detailed reviews from recent customers paint a concerning picture. Allegations of rude management, uncleanliness (including cockroaches), unsanitary pool conditions, malfunctioning room features (like doors and chain locks), and even guests and pets falling ill are serious red flags. The mention of smoke residue in a "non-smoking room" and safety concerns further detract from its suitability.

Therefore, while Americas Best Value Inn Marion, NC, might appear on initial search results as a cheap option in Marion, locals are strongly advised to consider these severe customer experiences. For most, spending a little more for a hotel across the road or a more reputable establishment in the area would likely offer a significantly more comfortable, cleaner, and safer stay, ultimately providing better value for their peace of mind and well-being. This hotel might only be suitable for the absolute bare minimum, short-term stay, where expectations are set extremely low and flexibility to address potential issues is high.

Americas Best Value Inn Marion, NC Photos

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Americas Best Value Inn Marion, NC Location & Map

4248 US-221, Marion, NC 28752, USA

Reviews

First things first the owner Mike is so rude, absolutely no customer service skills whatsoever and forced his way into the room to "check our floors" then insisted we leave the next day so he can clean them even though I literally brought my own vacuum cleaner. Secondly there's a reason it's so cheap, the bathroom door didn't even close all the way, the chain lock for the door wasn't installed properly so it couldn't even latch and the "pool" was BLACK stagnant water that was probably the worst thing I have ever smelled, I saw two cockroaches while I was there and the atmosphere was incredibly sketchy. Also my mom and I felt very sick while we were there and our dogs got worms. It was a "non smoking room" yet the smoke detector was literally orange from residue. Reply to owner's response: I'm not upset that you asked to clean our room. I'm upset that you didn't ask, you demanded that we let you into the room.

Dec 04, 2024 · Starr Rosseter

First things first the owner is so rude, absolutely no customer service skills whatsoever and forced his way into the room to "check our floors" then insisted we leave the next day so he can clean them even though I literally brought my own vacuum cleaner. Secondly there's a reason it's so cheap, the bathroom door didn't even close all the way and the "pool" was nasty BLACK stagnant water that smelled SO bad when I walked by it, I saw two cockroaches while I was there (I've got pictures of both just don't know how to post them here) and the atmosphere was incredibly sketchy. Also my mom and I got very sick while we were there and our dogs were throwing up, possibly because of the moldy bathroom or god only knows the drugs that have been in there. It was a "non smoking room" yet the smoke detector was literally orange from residue. My honest opinion is spend $15 more a night for the place across the road.

Nov 23, 2024 · Starr Rosseter

I had booked online through the parent company - Sonesta a couple of weeks ahead of my trip. Something told me last week to look for my reservation information. I couldn't find anything in my email even though I remember very clearly placing my reservation and being able to find it on the Sonesta website. I called the motel to find out about my reservation. The man on the other end of the line told me my reservation had been cancelled. I'm not sure how that happened because I didn't initiate it. He took my information over the phone and said that I would have a room ready when I arrived. I chose America's Best Value because they accept pets as almost all of the other places I checked that accepted pets were already booked. I arrived Friday afternoon to check in. No one was at the office when I arrived. The lobby was locked and the sign said to use the phone on the wall. I picked up the phone but it didn't work/sounded like it was unplugged. It wasn't but a moment later when a man comes walking from the room block towards the office. When he was on the other side of the glass window, I told him I was here to check in and gave him my name. He asked for credit card and ID and slid a clipboard with a small slip of paper into the drawer for me to review and sign. There were very few words spoken between us. I was given a total and was told about a $50 deposit because I had brought my dog with me. I was already prepared to pay the pet fee and understood the deposit. I paid for my stay and was only given the credit card machine slip. I asked if the $50 deposit was refundable and the man said yes. I obtained my keys and drove around to the back to my room. I entered the room and noticed it had a musty smell. Musty with strong hints of cigarette smoke. I myself do not smoke so my nose is a bit sensitive to smells. I turned the AC on in the room and noted that it was pretty loud. I checked the bed and the rest of the room for bugs and did not find any. The sink and tub had hair in it and the counter didn't appear to be wiped very well. I grabbed my bottle of odorban and sprayed everything heavily to help get rid of the musty smell. One of the first things I do when I get to a motel room is to unplug the phone so that I don't get any random phone calls. I looked but the phone wasn't out in an obvious place. I opened the bedside table drawers and found the phone in one of the drawers, along with what looked like 2 TUMS. There was an alarm clock beside the TV and it looked unplugged as there was nothing on the display. I didn't mess with it as I didn't see the need. The lamps and ceiling appeared dusty and I'm not sure if the smoke detector on the wall was operational. The vent fan in the bathroom also did not work. Everything else seemed fine for my stay. The bed was super comfortable and I got some decent sleep despite the loud AC unit and the clicking it made in the middle of the night. I didn't look for vending machines or an ice machine as I brought ice with me in my cooler. The place was quiet while i was there, with only maybe 3 or 4 cars total on the property. Upon checkout, there wasn't anyone in the office so I called the motel number on my phone. At checkout, I asked for an itemized receipt of my charges but was told that there was none and the only thing they gave was the credit card slip that only had the total. So no breakdown of charges, taxes and fees. I asked again about the $50 deposit and how long it would take to be refunded and I was told that they didn't charge me the $50 deposit. I turned in my keys and headed home. This is an older motel. It needs a LOT of love. The person who I interacted with didn't seem very hospitable. I have a family member who runs a small motel in the middle of nowhere New Mexico so I try to give other motels the benefit of the doubt and look at things from a different perspective as I know how much work it is to run a motel. Given that, the next time I am through, I will most likely look for another place to stay.

May 14, 2024 · Rebecca S

Owner was very nice and helpful at a late hour. Room was comfortable and affordable. Location is decent for the area..so far enjoying our stay. They seem to be working very hard on a large scale remodel which looks great so far. As a previous hotel owner with the Choice Hotel brand we know how difficult it can be to keep up with such a large project. I highly recommend this little gem!

Nov 23, 2023 · Joshua Bartholow

Seems to be under new owners and they are so sweet and attentive. They had much better prices than the other places nearby. Rooms are large and have just about everything, including fridge, microwave, coffee pot etc. I think they are also redoing the place.. but we did not hear any noise at all. Overall it was a pretty nice place to stay!

Nov 25, 2023 · Deb Jones

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