The hotel room was very interesting we walked in and were greeted by a blast of the smell of smoke we found ashes next to the bedside, we opened the door again to check the no smoking sign posted---Yes it said No smoking but it smelt worse than a bar in there. They must have thought so too because there was a car freshener hanging from the light.
The floor boards were all rip out of the room and in the corner there was some animal poo. Everything was well worn and the bedspread was a dingy brown/yellow on the inside--the sheets popped off the bed every other minute so you could have a look at the wonderful mattress you are sleeping on. The mattresses crunched when you sat on them (yes I thought it was strange too).
The bathroom had hair in the drain in the tub--as in it covered the whole drain--not just a few hairs. The sink was grimy brown and felt greasy.
I noticed many contractors staying here--this hotel wouldn't be bad for that I suppose, due to the fact that it is the cheapest place in town , no one minds if you bring a little dirt in, and they have a little fridge and microwave., but not a family---or your loved ones.
On the plus side--
It did have a little refrigerator and microwave. It claimed to offer free breakfast but didn't see where they could have it and plus was a little afraid to eat there. It is located right next door to the town's mall, other shopping hot-spots and not to far from restaurants . Our room was right next door to a gas-station, so if you wanted coffee or a snack late at night you are right there. The person behind the desk seemed nice. They had a outdoor pool in the drive-way.

Upon late afternoon check-in, my husband was given a room that was not ready; the bed was unmade and there were dirty linens in the bathroom. They did give him another room but after making him feel like the other room should have been OK. The second room was cleaned (?) but had cobwebs around the ceiling and no baseboard.

There was a sign posted that breakfast was served starting at 6:00 am. At 7:15 there was nothing there but coffee and no one around so he waited 10 - 15 minutes. He checked out shortly after that and there still was no one around.

Definitely NOT a "best value inn; Do not stay here!

I stayed in the Americas Best Value Inn, during one of the events in Mason city.The good thing is they have the best rate for the service in town.
I guess it used to be Best Value Inn before and heard the new management has taken the Vantage Hospitality brand and upgraded it to Americas Best Value Inn and Suites.The front desk manager was really friendly and accommodated with all my request regarding the rooms, although they were full that night.He was very good in giving us the directions.The rooms were cozy and comfortable.I actually stayed in one of the upstairs room with kind of private balcony and the hotel has both interior and exterior corridor access.
There was a nice swimming pool,but it was out door, so closed for winter.The breakfast, room cleanliness,linen were all decent.The wireless internet was really faster than my home connection!! Although the parking lot in front is bit tight, actually there are enough spaces to park all the cars.If needed they have additional spaces at the back too.
I would recommend this hotel to individuals and family both for bussiness and family purpose

The Mason City Thrift Lodge is now called America's Best Value Inn. Being budget travellers on a cross country trip, we have to make every penny count. I got a 1 Queen Bed Room for $39.95 + tax. This is half the price the rest of the known motels in the area.

Of course, you get what you pay for. The motel is located in an older area of town, which is cramped and depressed looking, along a busy intersection. Parking was a bit tight in front of the office since there was a small swimming pool that took up much room. There was additional parking at the back but it did not look very safe. Check-in was quick. The staff was friendly and accommodating. We had a first floor room which opened into an interior corridor with worn carpeting. Our room smelled musty and old although it looked clean and average size. We had a view of the back parking lot and a glimpse of the town mall. There was a table and 2 chairs, 1 night table, dresser, microwave and a small fridge. The AC was ok although the iindividual thermostat control was broken. The bed was average and the sheets looked clean. The bathroom was clean too with thicker than average towels. The shower stall was big with swinging glass doors. The water felt a bit slimy but this was a common observation during our stay in Iowa motels.

There was a continental breakfast in the morning but the orange juice was obviously watered down and at 9:30 am, they were out of toast. Checkout was 11 am and at 9:00am, we got a loud knock on the door from housekeeping despite having a "Do not disturb sign" on the door knob. Checkout was quick. I asked directions to the post office. They could not even remember the name of the streets. The verdict: If you can put up with a few things and if your stay is only for a night and only to sleep, go ahead and book a room here and save some money.