The most important thing to sort is that to make sure you're reading the right review. This motel is not the nearly identically named "Americas Best Value Inn" right up the road, nor is it the Econolodge which is also right up the street (more on the confusion surrounding this later).
A half-century ago Market Street (Busines 17) had lots of small independent motels (or so the locals tell me) like so many other towns before interstates and mega-national chains. Many of them are gone now, but a few of them have have avoided the wrecking ball, albeit with new names and owners (several times over, usually). This "drive right up to the door" budget motel is one of them.
During the off-season, this place stays mostly empty like the other motels around it. Most business comes during the summer from families or college students who show up and find everything else all booked up. A few years ago the property was purchased by Choice Hotels and branded as an EconoLodge. Choice eventually dumped this location- they have a newer Econolodge a mile or two up the street. Several travel sites still list this address as "EconoLodge InTown" (my GPS does as well). The front office still has Econolodge signage on the walls.
The staff seemed friendly. Maybe it depends on who you get on shift. And I think they're probably trying to do the best they can, but they don't have a lot positive to work with.
This property looks very different from what is shown on their website, so I was in for quite a susprise. On the plus-side, the room was larger than I expected - they look tiny from outside. I didn't see roaches like others have reported, but maintenance and upkeep definitely seems to be an issue here. My guess is that a lot depends on which room you end up with.
The bathroom was a blast from the past. The walls were all done in early 60s ceramic tile (a funky color somewhere between plum and mocha). Not only is the bathroom tiny, but so is everyting in it (e.g. the toilet and the sink). Even the shower seems to be built for members of the Lollipop Guild.
I quickly ascertained that this property is not in the best of neighborhoods. Again, this is an address whose best days are behind it. And plan on driving a couple of miles to find some decent restaurants. They offer a free "continental" breakfast but I high-tailed it for the IHOP down the road.
I think there are a couple of full-time residents here. One guy kept going out to his van which had a flat rear-tire with cobwebs on it. And there was an 911-emergency phone outside the rooms which face the street. I found this very troubling.
To summarize, the only reason you would want to consider staying here is if 1) everything else is booked and you are desparate or 2) you're absolutely determined not to pay more than $39 per night for a room (off-season) or 3) you're an undercover cop doing a stakeout.
For less than about $5 a night more, the Days Inn up the road is a noticeable step up (see my review of that property). For about $30-$40 more per night you hit the low-end prices of the "moderate" hotels (Comfort Inn, Wingate, Microtel, etc) which are in a better location and is what I would suggest if your budget can swing it.
- Econo Lodge Wilmington
- Wilmington Econo Lodge
