I stay in Missoula twice a month or more. I typically use a name-your-own-price website and get very nice digs in the $60 range. When that failed me on my last trip, I looked for the cheapest 2-star motel around. 2 stars??? Yes, because it has wireless internet, a pool, an exercise room, a hot tub, a sauna etc etc. Unfortunately, it is also where the local housing authorities send homeless families, and where the chronically transient seem to land. It is rundown and dirty, the light bulbs are all 40 watts, and although the rooms are labelled non-smoking, the odor of stale cigarettes is enough to gag you. Children run up and down the outside corridors, doors slam, engines rev, etc. It was a bit disquieting that you have to sign a waiver that you will accept damage to your property. On the other hand, I have stayed in much seedier places in Paris for much more money and thought I was getting a deal. Just be forewarned that this is not in the league of the chain hotels with 2-stars.

I did not have a reservation in Missoula on the last Saturday in August, which was probably a mistake, but I wasn't sure how far west I'd be on I-90 when I ran out of steam. At 9:00pm, most of the places were full, and Southgate Inn was the only place I could find open. While grateful for a place to stay, I have to say, I was disappointed in the room, and in the attitude of the staff behind the desk. The room itself was ok, a large double bed room. But I ran into these problems:
- I walked into the office, inquired about rooms and rates, and left when I thought the rate was a little high. After driving around a bit and finding nothing else, I went back about 15 min later, and was quickly followed in the door by 3 other groups. The woman behind the counter was alone, stressed, and a bit thin-lipped at my request for one of the rooms she mentioned earlier. But I got it, albeit without a smile or any eye contact.
- TV had no remote control in the room, and office had none to spare.
- In looking around for a remote, I found clothing from a previous tenant in the dresser, and one of the drawers broken.
- Only tepid water available for a shower in the morning -- early on Sunday morning. The water ran for easily 2 minutes before it got barely warm enough to shower, and never got comfortably hot.
On the plus side, it was fairly quiet being far from the freeway, and little noise from other tenants.

We stayed at the Southgate because we were looking for a budget motel. We did get a reasonable rate ($55 plus tax) and found the front desk staff to be very friendly and extremely helpful.

Our room was quite comfortable and was reasonably clean. There was a mini fridge in the room. My only complaint was that the carpets and chairs in the room were just filthy. They are in absolutely desperate need of a good steam cleaning! It was a real shame, too, since everything else about the room was in my opinion better than you would expect from a "budget" motel. The bathroom, furniture, walls and bedding were all very clean, it was just the carpet and upholstery that needed to be cleaned.

Our bed was comfortable and the hotel was quiet.

The hotel has a small outdoor pool, a hot tub and an exercise room which contained a stair climber, an exercise bike and a weight machine.

A continental breakfast is included in the rate. The breakfast consisted of hot and cold cereals, toast & jams, english muffins, bagels, french toast, belgian waffles, fresh fruit, fruit juices, milk, coffee and teas.

All in all, I got more than I paid for from this hotel. I would stay here again, but only if the carpets had been cleaned.