I was in Huntsville for a business trip. The flat screen TV, fridge, microwave and breakfast were great!

The culprit here is Hotwire, the blind-bid hotel website that promised me a three-and-a-half star hotel in Huntsville, Alabama, proper, for prices not available on regular see-what-you're-getting hotel websites.

Hotwire failed on two counts:

First, I had a good idea about the genuine three-and-a-half star hotels in Huntsville (not Greater Huntsville). They include Marriott and Embassy Suites ... but a Best Western?

This one is technically in Huntsville, but really teetering on the northwest border. It's a solid suburban roadside hotel, but nothing more, even though it has that new appellation of "Best Western PLUS," as opposed to simply "Best Western." It even has flat-screen TVs, albeit no hi-def channels to make use of it.

I guess there seems to be some school of thought that if the rooms have a few three-and-a-half star hotel niceties, it must indeed be a three-and-a-half star hotel. Nope.

Three-and-a-half star hotels have bell hops; this did not.

Three-and-a-half star hotels have flexible room-cleaning times; I received a note under my door at around 10:30 a.m. that the room attendant was sorry, but there was a "Do Not Disturb" sign on my door, so I'd have to call for fresh towels and try to make do with sheets falling off my bed and overflowing trash.

Three-and-a-half star hotels have full restaurants, even limited room service. This one has the free breakfast room -- open until 9 a.m. (but allowing guests a half-hour grace period).

Three-and-a-half star hotels often offer late check-out at around 2 p.m. The late check-out here is noon. As I contemplated my evening plane departure, I shuddered to think what regular check-out would be.

Mind you, I seem to coming off as a Grinch. After all, the hotel staff was efficient and of perfect cheer as they tried to make the hotel the best it can be, especially the room attendant and the woman hosting the full hot breakfasts of pre-made omlettes, bacon or sausages, cereals, pastries, bagels, fresh-made waffles, etc.

I was upgraded to the hotel's two-room jacuzzi suite, which, despite a worn out couch with cigarette holes and a small (but mostly non-functioning) kitchen, was extremely roomy and comfortable. (From what I could see, the regular rooms were roomy and comfortable as well.)

I only wish that Hotwire was more upfront -- which brings me to my second major complaint:

When I realized what hotel I actually booked, I found it listed on an alternate, regular hotel website for about $5 less a night. It specified the exact location it would be (far away from my needs, actually, even though it's nicely surrounded by shopping and restaurants).

Most importantly, it accurately described the establishment as a solid two-and-a-half star hotel.

On those terms and prices, the Best Western Plus Rocket City is a wonderful "find."

We were in Huntsviile to visit friends in early November and had booked a room at this hotel.

Locations was good as it was close to everything but far enough off the street to make it a quiet sleep. Room was clean and comfortable. Flat screen TV was great and the fridge came in handy.

The Mrs. used the gym for about 1/2 hour and she was happy with it.

Breakfast was adequate, nothing fancy but it got you started.

It's was a very nice hotel and a super value.

The only fown side and it is minor, may have been the girl at reception. She was nice enough but did seem a bit bored on the job and it showed

I'm a frequent visitor to this hotel and have never been dissappointed. The staff is courteous and friendly and seem to be genuinely interested in my having a good stay. The rooms are clean and spacious, and the location is quiet. It has free cable and high-speed internet. The fridge and microwave are nice to have. It's within easy walking distance of several good restaurants with cuisine ranging from quality German, Japanese, Mexican, and Steak/seafood, to several fast food chain restaurants. Easy access to a main traffic artery puts you in the direction of your purpose for being in Huntsville within minutes. The breakfast choices are adequate. I've stayed in more expensive hotels with more amenities, but this one is a good value for the money and I always get the good night's rest I need to start the next day.