We stayed here during our annual visit to the Ellijay Apple Festival in October 2011. Previous years we would stay at mountain houses; this year, everything was so crowded - streets, non-moving traffic - I believe even more people attended the Festival this year - we decided to keep it simple, and stayed for the first time at The Stratford Inn. This is a pet-friendly motel, which is a plus. It is near the main highway, but set back up on a hill so we didn't hear any traffic. It was very quiet, and at night we would sit outside and listen to the assorted birds. We felt safe during our stay - a must at any hotel/motel. The included breakfast was good. I like how there is a fresh apple on each table, and fresh apples are offered at the front desk. This is a simple, older lodging inn. I cannot speak to what condition it was in 10 years ago; our experience was a quite adequate and pleasant stay. It was convenient to everything, and excellent pricing. If you are looking for a quick and quiet place to stay in East Ellijay, the Stratford Inn is a good choice and value for your dollars.

My husband and I stayed at the Stratford Inn several times when we were looking for our retirement home in Ellijay and it was really a nice place. The atmosphere was nice; the rooms were clean and comfortable; the continental breakfast was satisfying and the rates were reasonable. That was 10 years ago. Since then, we've recommended the Stratford several times.
This past Thanksgiving weekend, all of our children were going to be in Ellijay, so we eventually made arrangements for them to stay at the Inn. The reason I used the word "eventually" is because no one answered the phone. After many tries, I finally got someone who didn't sound as if he were able to make reservations or do much of anything.
Anyway, when the first of our kids got there, they looked around and looked at the room and decided they wouldn't be comfortable there and moved to the Best Western. I hate to write a negative review for the Stratford because it's locally-owned and we're losing so many places like that. But facts are facts.
I am so sorry it's changed and that I don't feel as if I can recommend it anymore. It used to be a delightful place. So sad for Ellijay and Gilmer County.

My Wife, her 2 sisters, and myself were traveling to another town, but we couldn't get to the cabin we had reserved because of the heavy snows.We stumbled upon the Stratford Inn quite by accident, but found the rooms to be well equipped, clean, and with comfortable beds.The only complaint I had was the tv remote didn't work, although it was really no big deal, and I didn't report it. I'm fairly sure they would have gladly fixed the problem promptly.
And getting stuck in the parking lot , in the ice ! Mother Natures fault, not neccesarily Stratford's fault ! Overall, a nice , almost quaint, motor Inn.If we ever have a need to travel back through, I would certainly stay again !

We needed to stay one night in Ellijay and this property met our needs. It is a decent, basic motel with an above average continental breakfast included.