I'd always been intrigued by the Lincoln, NE Settle Inn, which is very visible from I-80, because of the architectural facade, resembling some sort of castle. So on a trip from Denver to Milwaukee, their Council Bluffs, IA Inn was a convenient stop...plus, we had a coupon for a $52 stay for two.

First the good news: service was outstanding. The night clerk, a fellow named Chris was congenial, and helpful beyond expectations (he came to our room to help us straighten out a problem with the tv remote). Housekeeping staff were friendly and the breakfast crew equally so, and very helpful.

But it wasn't perfect: first, the coupon turned out to be not so good; we stayed on a Saturday and they have a $10 upcharge for weekends. The surroundings, while clean, were in need of updating, just a bit seedy. Our room was ok, but not great. The aforesaid tv remote was a problem because the tv was ancient and it was a universal which our desk clerk friend Chris had to reprogram. Breakfast was pretty good, although there was no meat and no fruit.

All in all, not a horrible experience, but more like a Super 8 than a Hampton Inn.

End of review per se; now, about that architecture. From a distance there's a dominant turret at the corner and roof detail looks European. And on the lobby wall is a picture of Neuschwanstein Castle (think: Bavaria, mad King Ludwig), and a sign: "Wilkommen", but near the entry there's a statue of a very English-looking knight on a horse. In the main hallway, you'll find a shadow-statue of a cowboy leaning on a board fence. It's eclectic on steroids.

Check-in was a pleasant surprise. The Front Desk Clerk inquired if I was a member of the Hotel's Rewards Program and I wasn't so she proceeded to give me a good briefing on the benefits of it. Much appreciated. The staff from the Front Desk to the maids were friendly, courteous and professional. Check-in was smooth and fast and the room was cleaned and serviced even though I had arrived 2 hours before check-in. The room is comfortable with a large screen TV in the bedroom and a smaller TV in the sitting room/desk area. The wireless internet was always available and dependable with no outages. The Hotel is clean and by all appearances well maintained. It is quiet and comfortable with free continental breakfast. Microwave and Fridge in the room was helpful as I was on an extended stay.

This hotel has nice sized, clean rooms and friendly employees. I felt safe and the rooms were quiet. The room did not have a microwave nor fridge. The public hallways were narrow and this mid-western girl felt a little claustrophobic. But, the price was good, especially as I used a discount coupon book - easily found along the interstates

The motel looks very attractive on the outside but as you step in the hallways smell of heavy
cigarette smoke. I thought it was just one hallway but as we walked to the 3rd floor we discovered cigarette smells throughout , including our "non-smoking" bathroom.
The room was clean enough and the breakfast was good. I will look elsewhere when I am in the area.