I am a connoisseur of cheap motels, though I have enjoyed my share of higher-end resorts and hotels as well. I gave this place 4 stars within the genre of cheap roadside motels -- stacked up directly against any Hilton it would be blown away. But for the money, given the other prices in the area, the Western is all right.

First I hit the Super 8 figuring on a nice easy $45 deal like I usually find in little southern towns. Wrong. They wanted over $70 for the night so I kept driving. This proved to be a pretty typical price. Then I tried the Western out of desperation. I paid $49, including all taxes. This place is actually very clean and well-maintained. Ok, there is an electrical outlet hanging out of the wall with wires everywhere and looking like a major fire code violation. But the place is actually very comfortable and much less sterile and prison-like than the big chain cheap-o motels tend to be (I'm looking at you, Motel 6!)

The neighborhood was hard to get a sense of in the dark. It feels pretty safe. There are convenience stores a few blocks away. The free wifi is pretty fast. I'm happy and I'll likely stay here again if I find myself passing through Hattiesburg again.